A contribution to the development of a philosophical foundation for the data information knowledge wisdom hierarchy

This paper seeks to establish a philosophical basis for the investigation into a flaw of the data information knowledgewisdom (DIKW) hierarchy. This flaw is typified by the requirement that knowledge be used to differentiate data frominformation prior to the hierarchy's own formation of knowledge. The DIKW hierarchy underlies much of the knowledgemanagement (KM) research. However, while applications of the hierarchy have been examined extensively, the validity ofthe hierarchy itself has not been much undertaken. This paper illustrates that the analytic/synthetic distinction, as well asconsideration of a priori and a posteriori knowledge, will contribute to the development of a philosophical framework viawhich the hierarchy itself might be examined. Using these concepts, the process of information formation and thehierarchical flaw are examined. Finally, the paper addresses how its resolution might be used in conjunction with variousKM research programs.