dispositional knowledge

Dispositional knowledge is a type of knowledge that represents a propensity or tendency to behave in certain ways under specific conditions, rather than knowledge one is currently aware of. For instance, someone knows their home address dispositionally if they can recall it when asked, even if they aren't actively thinking about it at that moment. This contrasts with occurrent knowledge, which is knowledge one is presently conscious of, like suddenly understanding a problem.1

Epistemology, the study of knowledge, explores various distinctions, including this one. While some philosophical views consider knowledge a mental state or form of consciousness, others argue it's not solely a mental state. Instead, they propose that knowledge is ascribed when certain conditions are met, including behavioral ones, indicating a capacity to act or respond appropriately. This perspective suggests that knowing is tied to the ability to behave in certain ways, even if mental states are involved in exercising that capacity.2