Hidden and forbidden: conceptualising Dark Knowledge

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to introduce the concept of Dark Knowledge, an epistemology that acknowledges both alternative knowledge and ways of knowing which are cognizant of the moral and ethical positioning of each.

Design/methodology/approach

This is a conceptual paper that uses existing relevant literature to develop the work. The paper uses a four-stage literature search process and draws upon a range of disciplines, including philosophy, computer science and information management, to underpin the evolution of the concept.

Findings

As a conceptual paper, no empirical findings are presented. Instead, the paper presents an embryonic model of Dark Knowledge and identifies a number of characteristics, which may be used to explore the concept in more detail.

Research limitations/implications

There is a clear need to develop a body of empirical work, adding to the theoretical perspectives presented in this paper. It is anticipated that this paper will provide one of the cornerstones for future studies in this area.

Originality/value

The paper makes an original contribution to the study of information behaviours, practices and epistemology.

Citation

Burnett, S. and Lloyd, A. (2020), "Hidden and forbidden: conceptualising Dark Knowledge", Journal of Documentation, Vol. 76 No. 6, pp. 1341-1358. https://doi.org/10.1108/JD-12-2019-0234