大数据将令人们脱离任何理论，通过经验之门即可探知世界，这一观点近年来被反复谈论。随着大数据的出现，采样、归纳推理和假设正在被针对所有人群的实时观察和追踪所替代。大数据倡导者声称，知识不再是在数字世界里成功运作的必要条件，因为数据模式本身已经能够为人们提供充分的指引。本文针对这些论点进行探讨，并探询背景知识在日益被大数据主宰的数字世界里是否仍然具有价值。

使用大数据是否有助于寿险公司满足消费者不断变化的需求？

The idea that big data will allow direct empirical access to the world, stripped of any theory, has been discussed repeatedly in recent years. Sampling, inductive inference and hypotheses are being replaced by the real-time observation and tracking of entire populations. Promotors of big data assert that knowledge is no longer a necessity since data patterns alone can provide sufficient guidance to operate successfully. This article explores the arguments and asks whether or not background knowledge remains a valuable commodity in a digital world increasingly dominated by big  data.