The concept you're referring to is known as "tacit knowledge" or "implicit knowledge." Tacit knowledge refers to the information, skills, or understanding that individuals possess but may not be fully aware of or able to articulate explicitly. This knowledge is acquired through experience, practice, and immersion in a particular domain, and it becomes ingrained in a person's behavior and actions.
Some examples of tacit knowledge include:
Riding a bicycle: After learning how to ride a bicycle, you might not be able to explain all the specific movements and adjustments you make to maintain balance, but you can still ride it effortlessly.
Language proficiency: Native speakers of a language may have intuitive knowledge of grammar rules, sentence structures, and word usage without consciously thinking about them.
Playing a musical instrument: Skilled musicians often have an innate sense of timing, expression, and musicality that they might not be able to describe in words.
Expert decision-making: Experienced professionals may make sound decisions based on intuition and accumulated expertise, without being able to articulate the exact reasoning behind their choices.
Driving a car: After becoming proficient in driving, you might perform complex maneuvers and anticipate traffic situations without actively thinking about each step.
Tacit knowledge is often difficult to transfer to others, as it's deeply embedded in an individual's subconscious and may not be easily communicated or codified. It is one reason why experienced professionals in various fields are highly valued since they possess not only explicit knowledge (things they can articulate) but also tacit knowledge (intuitive skills and insights).
Recognizing the existence of tacit knowledge can help individuals appreciate the depth of their expertise and skills in certain areas and understand that not all valuable knowledge can be readily expressed or taught explicitly.