Unknown Knowns: The Hidden Knowledge

Unpacking “unknown knowns,” the information we possess but are unaware of. Discusses how unconscious knowledge and biases influence our behavior and decisions

Unknown Knowns: The Hidden Knowledge

Introduction: The Paradox of the “Unknown Known”

In our quest to understand the world, we often focus on what we do not know — the vast ocean of mysteries waiting to be explored. However, there is another, more elusive category of knowledge that profoundly influences our lives: the “unknown knowns.” These are the things we know but are unaware of knowing. Unlike “known unknowns,” which are gaps in our knowledge that we actively seek to fill, “unknown knowns” are hidden from conscious awareness, quietly shaping our perceptions, behaviors, and decisions.

The idea of “unknown knowns” was famously articulated by philosopher Slavoj Žižek and popularized in modern discourse by former U.S. Secretary of Defense Donald Rumsfeld. While Rumsfeld’s usage was specific to geopolitical analysis, the concept resonates broadly across psychology, neuroscience, philosophy, and even sociology. “Unknown knowns” encompass unconscious knowledge, implicit biases, cultural assumptions, and ingrained habits —…