Knowledge as Design

First published in 1986. We all play the roles of teacher or learner many times in life, in school and home, on the job and even at play. How can we strengthen those roles, striving for deep understanding and sound thinking? Knowledge As Design demonstrates the strong but neglected unity between learning and critical and creative thinking. Author David Perkins discloses how the con­cept of design opens a doorway into a deeper exploration of any topic, academic or every day. Knowledge As Design challenges the concept of knowledge as informa­tion. Drawing from current philosophy and cognitive science, the book shows how learners can attain a new level of insight when learning highlights the constructed and con­structive character of knowledge. Any individual involved in formal or informal learning or teaching can benefit from the general outlook and specific principles laid out in this book. It offers a uniquely intelligent philosophy and psychology of understanding and critical and creative thinking.

D.N. Perkins is co-director of Project Zero and an associate of the Educational Technology Center at the Harvard Graduate School of Education. While working for his Ph.D. in mathematics and artificial intelligence at MIT, he helped found Project Zero. He has given many workshops and presentations regard­ing thinking skills, including engagements in Israel, Holland, Venezuela, and Colombia.