Chief features of professional knowledge and its role in professional activity

Introduction. The paper reviews the current visions which define general features of knowledge as the element of consciousness. It is stressed that knowledge has a complicated and contradictory inner structure determining its instrumental character and tendency to extension and change. The aim of the research is to reveal the chief features of professional knowledge. Materials and Methods. The discussion is based on the theoretical material of philosophical, didactic and psychological spheres. The material was analyzed via theoretical methods of abstracting, deductive and inductive analysis. Results and Discussion. Dynamism of knowledge originates from its specific construct which assumes the “definite” and “indefinite” content. Open and incomplete character of knowledge implies its effectiveness and the prospects of its changing and extending. These peculiarities characterize also professional knowledge. But this type of knowledge has also distinctions arising from the context of professional contradictions, the limits of specialization, profound specification. Professional knowledge in total constitutes “the system of knowledge” and has some inconsistency expressed by rationality and objectivity, on the one hand, and weak verification, on the other. Professional knowledge is a special means of professional activity in the function of explaining, forecasting and projecting. There are also peculiarities of transmission of professional knowledge. Conclusions. The authors identified three levels of professional knowledge. The first level implies the formation of the system of meanings of professional language in the specialist's consciousness. The second level ensures independent solutions of professional tasks, reflects the driving forces of professional growth. The third level is characterized by the priority of professional worldview in the consciousness of the subject of professional activity.