A Universal Classification of Knowledge
Ten categories ordered by the ground of answerability —
what a claim must answer to in order to be wrong.
10 categories · 88 branches · 698 domains ·
3,767 topics · 11,596 subtopics ·
141 cross-axis compositions. Version 3.0.0.
This outline is the static skeleton of the scheme. The full browsable
classification — every node, its order, gloss and cross-axis coordinates — requires JavaScript.
1 Formal
1.1 Logic1.2 Foundations1.3 Number and algebra1.4 Space and structure1.5 Analysis and dynamics1.6 Discrete and combinatorial1.7 Computation1.8 Chance and information1.9 Formal semantics and systems
2 Physical
2.1 Fundamental interactions2.2 Spacetime and gravitation2.3 Symmetry and conservation2.4 Statistical and thermal2.5 Condensed and material2.6 Chemical2.7 Fields, waves and flows2.8 Cosmic2.9 Terrestrial and planetary systems
3 Vital
3.1 Origins and minimal life3.2 Molecular3.3 Genomic and informational3.4 Cellular3.5 Organismal3.6 Evolutionary3.7 Diversity and systematics3.8 Ecological3.9 Collective and behavioural life
4 Cognitive
4.1 Neural substrate4.2 Perception4.3 Inference and world-modelling4.4 Memory and learning4.5 Valuation, motivation and action4.6 Self-modelling and consciousness4.7 Symbolic cognition4.8 Development, variation and disorder4.9 Comparative and artificial cognition
5 Semiotic
5.1 Language as shared system5.2 Signs, notation and media5.3 Knowledge institutions5.4 Law and governance5.5 Political life5.6 Exchange and production5.7 Social structure5.8 Culture, belief and art5.9 Stipulated and fictional domains
6 Chronic
6.1 Method of the trace6.2 Cosmic history6.3 Earth history6.4 History of life6.5 Human deep history6.6 Recorded human history6.7 Histories of practice6.8 Biography and the individual record6.9 The present record
7 Phenomenal
7.1 Method of first-person inquiry7.2 The structure of experience7.3 Sensory and embodied quality7.4 Affect as lived7.5 Contemplative maps7.6 Non-ordinary states7.7 Aesthetic encounter7.8 Acquaintance and its limits
8 Normative
8.1 Metaethics8.2 Normative theories8.3 Value theory8.4 Political and legal norms8.5 Applied ethics8.6 Epistemic norms8.7 Aesthetic norms8.8 The long term
9 Poietic
9.1 Instruments and measurement9.2 Materials and manufacture9.3 Structures and the built9.4 Energy and propulsion9.5 Process and chemical engineering9.6 Living systems engineering9.7 Information engineering9.8 Institutional and social technique9.9 Craft, art and bodily technique9.10 Clinical specialties
10 Metagnostic
10.1 Epistemology10.2 Metaphysics10.3 Philosophy of mind and language10.4 Philosophy of the sciences10.5 Method and inference10.6 Politics of knowledge10.7 Organisation of knowledge10.8 Limits and self-reference