Hierarchy of Knowledge

The Hierarchy of Knowledge is the idea that the basic tennets of science and math can be organized linearly from its most basic pure form to its most derivative manifestation.

In short the hierarchy is as follows: Math→Physics→Chemistry→Biology→Psychology

Math is the most basic and pure form of knowledge. Math cannot be broken down into lesser elements or underlying factors or patterns. The application of math onto the real world is physics, which attempts to explain the happenings of the universe through mathematics. Chemistry is the act of using physics to understand the constituent particles that make up all matter. Biology is the study of how chemistry manifests itself as life. Psychology is the study of how biology manifests itself as consciousness.

Each step cannot exist or be understood properly without a firm understanding of the step that lies before it. One cannot understand biology without first understanding genetics and how DNA encodes the proteins that make life possible. One cannot understand DNA unless he first understands how the chemistry of atoms allow them to form covalent bonds and intermolecular attractions. One cannot understand atoms unless he first understands physics and the nature of particles. One cannot understand particles without math (although the mathematical connection between the quantum and Newtonian world is still up for debate, it no doubt exists).

Each level in the hierarchy is simply another level of complexity on the prior. As the hierarchy implies there is not set division between levels and instead it forms a gadient as each level blurs into its neighbours. A more fleshed out hierarchy may appear as: Math→Physics→Physical-Chemistry→Chemistry→Biochemistry→Biology→Neurology→Psychology

A practical application for the hierarchy would be for student hoping to diversify their studies. If a person majors in one field in the hierarchy it would make sense for that person to study one of that field's neighbours. For instance, a biology major may want to learn some chemistry to better understand how enzymes function. He might also consider learning some psychology as his knowledge in biology might shed some light or understanding on mental disorders as they pertain to human physiology.

On the other hand a biology major learning about math would gain very little in his understanding of the human body, or at least not as much as he would gain if he learned chemistry.