how can abstract knowledge be useful in the real world?

Answer 1

I am not too sure what is abstract knowledge. If it is related to the philosophy?
Knowledge must be useful. I think knowledge is a tool for us. It is important on how do we use the tool.
I do not know what environment and circumstance are for the abstract knowledge... :) How if you use it for your assisting bring out the ideas in communication?

Answer 2

When abstract knowledge is coherent for description for events or actuality in the external real world, its usefulness becomes self evident.

The Will is positive, the Judgment is negative.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dialectic

'In classical philosophy, dialectic (Greek: διαλεκτική) is controversy, that is, the exchange of arguments and counter-arguments respectively advocating propositions (theses) and counter-propositions (antitheses). The outcome of the exercise might not simply be the refutation of one of the relevant points of view, but a synthesis or combination of the opposing assertions, or at least a qualitative transformation in the direction of the dialogue.[1][2] In the Middle Ages , dialectics (or logic) was one of the three original liberal arts collectively known as the trivium (the other members are rhetoric and grammar).[3][4][5][6] In ancient and medieval times, both rhetoric and dialectic were understood to aim at being persuasive (through dialogue).[7][8][6] The aim of the dialectical method, often known as dialectic or dialectics, is to try to resolve the disagreement through rational discussion,[9][10] and ultimately, the search for truth. One way to proceed — the Socratic method — is to show that a given hypothesis (with other admissions) leads to a contradiction; thus, forcing the withdrawal of the hypothesis as a candidate for truth (see also reductio ad absurdum). Another way of trying to resolve a disagreement is by denying some presupposition of both the contending thesis and antithesis; thereby moving to a third (syn)thesis or "sublation". However, the rejection of the participant's presuppositions can be resisted, which might generate a second order controversy. [11]'

Answer 3

Wow a very tough question! Don't take my answer seriously.

I think it's a matter of the persons' brain (mental)representation of any abstraction.

I think, abstract knowledge ideally is in itself not abstract if the human mind be able to translate and link it to any entity in the real world.
If we consider "abstract knowledge" to mean abstract concepts or forms then they are in the minds of a person and the person can do anything they want in whatever is in their minds.

The thinking man in his "simulations (comparing and contrasting) of knowledge within his mind" may have an output which may be useful in making better judgement and predictions in the real world.

This may be useful to the extent it doesn't harm other person,
it's just like doing a simulation in the mind of what's in the real world.

I think I have a crazy answer.... laugh out loud...

Answer 4

The idea that all men are created equal and are endowed by their creator with equal and inalienable rights is an abstract idea. It is not concrete. It is not self-evident. It is not revelation, it is not in the Bible. It only came about after philosophers like Descartes and others of the European Enlightenment tried to cipher out a rational system of morality in a universe governed by rational laws. It is totally abstract, but it is the founding myth of western democracy and holds western civilization together, despite our many different ideologies.

Answer 5

What is considered mere abstraction at one point of time becomeds useful knowledge at a future date.There are exeamples for this in science.

Answer 6

When one lives by principle, i.e., abstract knowledge, one can do many good things in the real world. Honesty and justice goes a long way. So does mercy and compassion. We apply these things and other principles in all our institutions to create better civilizations.

Answer 7

It has a strange way of becoming applicable. The initial usefuness is in developing the brain and keeping it active.

The poor mathematicians who savor purely abstract fields of endeavor keep seeing their work finding applications.

Answer 8

abstract knowledge is theory and all theory is proved in real time
usefulness is relative

Answer 9

There are moments of choice in life. Moments when you need to judge something or someone and make decisions, e.g. to forgive or not. Moral values can be taught abstractly, theoretically, and you will put them into practice when time comes.

Answer 10

is all about the way we think "pattern recognition"