Theory of Knowledge
Talk about Theory of Knowledge.
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If you want help with prescribed TOK Essay titles, check this thread to see if your title has an existing thread first. Only when a thread does not already exist for your title can you start a new thread about TOK prescribed titles. Put the exam session and the title number in the thread title (e.g Nov09/May10 Title 5)
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Skip to these useful links: 1. ToK Presentation Guide by Keel 2. How to pick your TOK presentation title by Sandwich 3. Past TOK Presentations - what people chose ToK Presentation Guide Knowledge Issues 'Knowledge issue' i.e. issues about knowledge. It would be appropriate here to consider what ToK is all about. Many naturally assume that anything philosophically based is ToK. Understandable, but wrong. ToK is based around three main questions: What is knowledge? How is knowledge acquired? How do we know what we know? In layman’s terms, a knowledge issue is a very general question which aims to explore the problems of kn…
Last reply by BLucky, -
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Skip to the correct section by clicking the links below: 1. How to choose your essay topic: the things to keep in mind by Ishaan 2. Basic guide to writing the essay by Julie 3. 5 Things to do Before you Finish your TOK Essay
Last reply by _emmma_, -
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Hello noob TOKers This thread contains links to the discussion topics for TOK titles. Please consult the following list and skip to the list of titles for the year you are interested in, and then click on the link to find the discussion. If there is no discussion topics listed for that title, please have a quick look at the TOK board and, if one really doesn't exist, post a new one. Thanks! November 2014 May 2014 November 2013">November 2013 May 2013 November 2012 Nov11/May12 Nov10/May11 Nov09/May10 Nov08/May09 Nov07/May08 Nov06/May07 Note: Until November 2012, 12 titles were released each year to be used in both November and May sessions. From November 2012 on…
Last reply by cricketcrazynerd, -
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Skip to useful links: Video Summary of TOK (workshop) To every confused soul out there who is yet to start their first year in IB and fear the nice philosophical subject of TOK. This here thread is me explaining to you what exactly this subject is:). What is TOK? The Theory of knowledge is a minor branch of Philosophy which, when learned, enables one to think about and evaluate the knowledge that we gain rather than just accept it as "truth". In English: we learn how to not be suckers and believe everything we're told . Why go through the pain and agony of learning it? Well basically, because the IBO says so But really, after my IB experience I've realized the…
Last reply by Sarah Egan, -
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So, I have my final TOK Presentation this week and I was just wondering: what is the difference between a knowledge question and a knowledge issue? Or are they the same thing? My teacher never explained this to our class... 🙄
Last reply by Allemande135, -
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Well its that time of year again, and TOK classes everywhere are working on the dreaded TOK presentation. The very purpose of the TOK presentation has been mocked by the long list of botched presentations (including but not limited to: poor raps, random video clips, insufficient, unprepared rambling, and interpretive dance... yes, it happens), but enough about those. I want to hear about the great TOK presentations that really just made you think about something in a way you haven't before. So far, my favorite TOK topic was one which compared Religiosity and the Gross Domestic Product of nations. They compared the cultures and how different cultures value different thin…
Last reply by fjooiks, -
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In case you guys didn't know,, following are the six essay titles for 2016: “In gaining knowledge, each area of knowledge uses a network of ways of knowing.†Discuss this statement with reference to two areas of Knowledge. “Knowledge within a discipline develops according to the principles of natural selection.†How useful is this metaphor? “The knower’s perspective is essential in the pursuit of knowledge.†To what extent do you agree? “Without application in the world, the value of knowledge is greatly diminished.†Consider this claim with respect to two areas of knowledge. To what extent do the concepts that we use shape the conclusions that we reach? “…
Last reply by Marika, -
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Hey Everyone! I just have a simple question (hopefully)... What are the grade boundaries for TOK for the new syllabus? Both for the presentation and for the essay? Also, I got a 7 out of 10 in my first attempt at the TOK presentation (had it on a Friday and my prelims from Monday to Thursday so it held no priority therefore I invested no time ). I was wondering, should I do a second attempt (our school allows a "practice" but if you do well then they don't make you do it again)? I am aiming to get my 3 points for TOK and EE because I want a good score by the end of this, BUT I am not sure if I can completely put my faith in getting an A for my EE... So basically wh…
Last reply by eross, -
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Hello, I am curious about what you did your TOK presentation on. What are some tips that you would give to those who still have to do one. Please share your experience, that would be extremely helpful. Thank you.
Last reply by EleniHous, -
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was asking myself how I should define knowledge, and thought I'd ask around. how would you define Knowledge, and why? I myself would go with Plato's definition of knowledge. it's a justified, true and believe information on a subject. I agree with him because I think knowledge needs to be justified and should be true. and I think a true information would be believed if it's well justified. what about you guys?
Last reply by Proletariat, -
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Moderator edit: Strictly do not post 1 sentence replies. This topic is to discuss the new TOK titles and all posts should be elaborating on one of the topics. All useless/conversational posts will be deleted. ****************************** Hello, Today we were given the TOK essay titles prescribed for the 2014 students. What do you think of them? 1.Ethical judgements limit the methods available in the production of knowledge in both the arts and the natural sciences. Discuss. 2.“When the only tool you have is a hammer, all problems begin to resemble nails” (Abraham Maslow). How might this apply to ways of knowing, as tools, in the pursuit of knowledge? 3.“Knowledge is not…
Last reply by sameera95, -
May 2014 4. “That which is accepted as knowledge today is sometimes discarded tomorrow.” 1 2
by mablibsking- 29 replies
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Hello guys! I'm a new person on the forum. I need some help on the TOK Essay, as I'm kind of stuck. I agree with this claim. Firstly, I'm going to explore the wording of the question. Sometimes: This implies of some knowledge claims are discarded, and some stay. This relates to the word discarded, as how discarded might not really mean discarded as we know it. It could be like evolution, as old theories are constantly being "evolved" by new theories, they are discarded. But we can say they're not discarded, but rather, the old theories simply were assimilated within the new theories and "evolved." This would correlate to the sometimes thing, as some are completely disca…
Last reply by Royalyty, -
Hi I am planning to start writing my TOK Essay on this topic (#3), and I thought a discussion or a little brainstorming would probably give me and everyone else who has chosen this topic a relatively good start
Last reply by pieee, -
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Does anyone here know what the prescribed titles in TOK for 2013 is? One of my teachers said it should be online, but I can't seem to find it anywhere!
Last reply by Sandwich, -
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How would you tackle the following prescribed ToK title? "When should we trust our senses to give us truth?" I'm quite stuck with what examples should be used. I'm a scientific kind of person and can only think of examples in the areas of chemistry and physics. Which other examples could I use? Presently, I believe that our senses will always give us truth, but I am also having trouble in finding counter-claims. I'm not sure how to start the essay and I'm also afraid I will end up answering whether we should use our senses, instead of when. How can I avoid this slip? I would appreciate any help. Thanks
Last reply by m711, -
Nov11/May12 #7 "The vocabulary we have does more than communicate our knowledge; it shapes what we can know." 1 2 3 4 5
by jonathan810- 89 replies
- 41k views
For my TOK essay I choose this question: "The vocabulary we have does more than communicate our knowledge; it shapes what we can know." Evaluate this claim with reference to different areas of knowledge. However, my problem is that I cant think of points for this topic.. Can anyone help? Thanks in advance
Last reply by JonathanSpencer, -
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Ugh...I'm back again to ask more questions in regards to writing a TOK essay. Hence, as the topic title suggests, I was wondering how you write a really effective counterclaim and those that I seem to be putting together are very flimsy, and more like I am going off on a tangent as opposed to countering what I have just said I have searched online for how to write a counterclaim, yet none seem terribly befitting of this essay... Thus, any advice would be greatly appreciated! Thank you, Pathos
Last reply by Sandwich, -
Heyy guys! Was just wishing to discuss this Question "Analyse the strengths and weaknesses of using faith as a basis for knowledge in religion and in one area of knowledge from the ToK diagram." Any ideas on how to approach?
Last reply by gianinaivodie, -
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Hey guys, I just saw the tok essay prescribed titles and thought to share in case someone hasn't seen them yet. What do you think of this year's questions? Do you like/dislike any in particular? I can't choose from any myself. They all seem confusing and absurd... 1.There is no such thing as a neutral question. Evaluate this statement with reference to two areas of knowledge. 2. “There are only two ways in which humankind can produce knowledge: through passive observation or through active experiment.†To what extent do you agree with this statement? 3. “There is no reason why we cannot link facts and theories across disciplines and create a commo…
Last reply by Klauu, -
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But what is "the knower's perspective" in the context of this essay title? Thanks in advance!
Last reply by El :3, -
I just wanted to see what the general consensus around here was regarding the IB's 6 and a halfth subject - Theory of Knowledge. I know it has some fans, while others would rather stab themselves repeatedly in the foot 1600 times than write a 1600 word essay about how the Ways of Knowing tell them that the aforementioned activity would be very painful. So - tell us what you think, TOK: yay or nay?
Last reply by dniviE, -
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Hi guys - I've been poking around and I haven't been able to find a forum for this but I thought it might be a good idea to have a worldwide discussion about the recently released theory of knowledge titles. Thought this might be a good idea so we can read other people's perspectives and perhaps see other aspects to look at. Let me know if this already exists and I'll take it down :/. “In gaining knowledge, each area of knowledge uses a network of ways of knowing.†Discuss this statement with reference to two areas of Knowledge. “Knowledge within a discipline develops according to the principles of natural selection.†How useful is this metaphor? “The knower’s…
Last reply by Vioh, -
Do you guys have any ideas for this topic: 'It is more important to discover new ways of thinking about what is already known than to discover new data or facts'. To what extent would you agree with this claim? Any ideas would be great ThAnKs!!!!
Last reply by MagicSophie, -
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May 2013 In what ways may disagreement aid the pursuit of knowledge in the natural and human sciences? 1 2
by buddah- 24 replies
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Hi, I am new to this thread and was wondering if anyone could help give me some ideas for this topic - I am currently working on my draft and am lacking ideas. (if a thread has already been made for this topic please let me know) Thanks
Last reply by carpediem, -
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Hello there. Noobie to the forums here. I've just finished putting together the final parts of my Theory of Knowledge essay, and have just realized a problem. I have no idea how to format the thing, and what information I should or should not give at the top of the paper. I know I should of course put my last name and page number as a header, but how about the essay title? Do I need to list the number of the prompt along with the prompt itself? Along those lines, do I need to include my full name, instructor's name, and submission date at the top left hand corner of the first page? Thank you for any aid you can give me!
Last reply by XxXPuSSySlayerXxX, -
Hi everyone! We haven't actually started really looking at the TOK essay titles in detail or anything yet, but I was looking at this one and I'm thinking that I'd really like to do my TOK essay on this title, and with regards to literature, possibly. If anyone has any suggestions on how to approach it, or just general things to watch out for, they would be greatly appreciated. Thank you!
Last reply by MagicSophie, -
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can someone just give me a rundown of strengths and weaknesses of language as a way of knowing? i guess what im most confused on is how is language a way of knowing? Im completely lost. can someone just give me a brief run-down and ill work my way from there? I understand that there are 4 Wok that may permeate an exploration and interpretation of the world. Language is one of them. So do i discuss how language explores and interprets the world; and the strengths and weaknesses of language? any help would be great, as of right now i have nothing.
Last reply by robertomx, -
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I have chosen to do essay title number 9, which states: Discuss the role of language and reason in history. My main claim on this title is that when language is manipulated, it affects the individual's ability to reason. This is by the means of teaching (Canadian teacher will usually mainly teach the Canadian perspective on WWII, so other perspectives unknown) and by the means of propaganda (manipulative language controls the person's ability to reason, such as in North Korea, WWII in Germany, US and Canada). But I am having difficulty coming up with counter-claims without sounding redundant.I am also having difficulty thinking of a third claim I can make. I thought of co…
Last reply by jayrobsah, -
hi all, i am planning to my TOK essay on "There are no absolute distinctions between what is true and what is false. Discuss this claim" but i am struggling with the intro... where can i start??? please help
Last reply by Jordz16, -
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I've been given 2 weeks (four classes) to prepare my TOK presentation, and I can't even choose a topic. Can you guys help me decide what would be a good topic for my presentation? These are the ones i've come up with so far. 1. Materialism: how do humans relate money to happiness. 2. Premarital sex 3. What is beauty? 4. Adoption? 5. Obesity and eating disorders. 6. How do we know whether we are acting in a “good†or “moral†way? 7. Stealing Thank you!
Last reply by Thrashmaster, -
May 2013 "The possession of knowledge carries an ethical responsibility." Evaluate this claim.
by davis0621- 17 replies
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I'm working on the TOK title paper, and I wanted to see what others think of this title. Title #3: "The possession of knowledge carries an ethical responsibility." Evaluate this claim.No one in my class is doing this title and I need some help. I want to affirm the claim, and say that knowing something carries a responsibility to act to either prevent harm, uphold principles of integrity (in a case of lying or cheating), and/or to spread wellness. I have a definition in mind for ethical responsibility, but not for "Possession of knowledge" yet. I want to take this in the direction of Ethics and Human Sciences. With a focus in emotion and reason. Any help?
Last reply by Sally3, -
Nov11/May12 #5 'What is it about theories in the human sciences and natural sciences that makes them convincing?' 1 2
by Eydie- 30 replies
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Any ideas would be appreciated! When it says 'human science', does it mean the humanity type areas, such as history, psychology, sociology etc? Do people think this is a good topic to write on in general?
Last reply by Mahya, -
Hi, Im a May 2013 IB candidate and for my TOK essay i chose prompt number 6: "Can we know when to trust our emotions in the pursuit of knowledge? Consider History and one other area of knowledge.” My KIs are: To what extent is emotion a valid way of knowing When and under what circumstances can we trust our emotions For my history example Im using the treaty of Versailles and i was going to talk about how emotions were used in creating the treaty of versailles (e.g. france wanted revenge so they made Germany pay a heck load of money, also they restricted Germany to only having 100,000 troops for the whole of germany which is quite pathetic and so on...) and im going to an…
Last reply by zuluas, -
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Hey! I've chosen to write on the 4th prescribed title for TOK Nov 2010, May 2011. "To what extent do we need evidence to support our beliefs in different areas of knowledge?" I need some help with creating a knowledge issue for this topic. Does anyone have ideas? Also, I'm planning on using the following areas of knowledge: the arts, natural sciences, human sciences, and ethics. Do I need to reference any Ways of Knowing in my paper? Would these ways of knowing count as evidence, as mentioned in the title? Does anyone have a good definition for evidence? I was thinking of saying that it had to be objective empirical evidence just to put some sort of parameters on th…
Last reply by Alaskan49er, -
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I get this comment that I do not consider the implications in my essay a lot, so could someone please point me in the right direction? A general idea on what they want is good. But if you really really want to help, I'm doing To what extent is truth different in mathematics, the arts and ethics? Thanks in advance!
Last reply by Sandwich, -
Using history and at least one other area of knowledge,examine the claim that it is possible to attain knowledge despite problems of bias and selection. Are there any ideas for this essay topic? The AOKs I was planning on using along with history were Art and Science
Last reply by Eastcoast93, -
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I have chosen this topic to write this essay on. “It is only knowledge produced with difficulty that we truly value.” To what extent do you agree with this statement? I understand it to a certain extent, but I am having difficulty going in depth about it, especially when it comes the WOK and AOK. Any help will be greatly appreciated. I also have to fill out this TOK Essay Planning Frame. Can someone look over it and help me out. I have attached the file. Your thoughts on this question is welcomed. What do you have to say about this Question? Thank you! ToK Essay Planning 2016.docx
Last reply by Nomenclature, -
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Hey guys, I'm currently doing the TOK essay topic "Ethical judgments limit the methods available in the production of knowledge in both the arts and the natural sciences" And so for my examples, I will use the 1.Tuskegee syphilis experiment (Unethical testing on a slective race (negros)) 2. The Degenerate Museum in Germany (Deems certain artwork and artists unethical due to race or message within artwork) 3. Lysenko Ethics on crops (Lysenko uses irrationality to boast his methods on raising crops, impeding reasoning) So for my claims and counter claimsin respect to my examples are: 1. Claim: Being unable to test on humans may not allow us to gain information, as it rules …
Last reply by twilight, -
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Can someone please help me in finding efficient examples. If i have this then I can write a paragrah around it...its wierd i know, most have a topic then they find an example..jeje what i was planning on doing was first define reason, then two paragraphs on strengths then two on weaknesses and finally in my conlusion what i think..how does that sound? can i get a decent grade with this outline? anything you can tell my will help! thank youu!!
Last reply by LiveLifeToTheFullest, -
Hi everyone i needed help to think of a few supporting points and evidence for my ToK final essay. The question i chose to do my paper on is: "Knowledge is generated through the interaction of critical and creative thinking. Evaluate this statement in two areas of knowledge." i know the question seems easy enough and i already got part of my intro done, but im really bad when it comes to essays and ToK is not my best subject. All replys will be helpful! Thx a lot.
Last reply by marangecillo, -
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How is truth defined in art? how is it different from ethics and math? I'm a bit confused in arts Can someone elaborate on this?
Last reply by Tilia, -
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Hi everybody out-there! I am concerned about how exactly I should get the knower's perspective points. When I consider writing my own examples of how I've experienced things in the different ways like: 'with this teacher we..., but that teacher blah...', then it just sounds lame. But on the other hand our TOK essay is not suppose to be a source-based investigation (like the historical IA). What do you guys do?
Last reply by SharkSpider, -
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“We know with confidence only when we know little; with knowledge doubt increases” (adapted from JW von Goethe) Discuss this statement with reference to two areas of knowledge. Some ideas?
Last reply by HappyIB:), -
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This is my first year in the IB program, and I don't get the point of TOK? Maybe its just my perspective on whats worth learning and whats not. I would like to hear your thoughts and etc... Thanks
Last reply by Where Love Died Laughing, -
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I am writing something in TOK and need help on limitations of reasoning. just examples.
Last reply by Sandwich, -
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Basically, we need to choose a news article and TOK it to the class. Any ideas on what type of news articles? or how exactly i can TOK it?
Last reply by Mryh1, -
Nov10/May11 #2 How important are the opinions of experts in the search of knowledge? 1 2
by Glory seeker- 23 replies
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for whom that chose to do the second prescribed TOK ESSAY Title: How important are the opinions of experts in the search of knowledge? we can certainly do a brain stroming here, what do you guys think ? what is the knowledge issue here? which areas of knowledge we can link to ? Cheers IB Bros!
Last reply by Artoth, -
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Alright guys, im sure half of all IB kids around the world are suffering and trying to figure out what to write about for journals, so lets post some topics here, some apparently 'deep' ones that teachers would love. here's my input: 'experts aren't always right' also someone in another post mentioned saying 'before [blank] i thought [blank] but now i realize that [blank].. and then elaborate, basically add more words this is actually a really good formula and teacher will think you know what you're talking about.
Last reply by simplisticwonders, -
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http://britannia.vsb...d%20E-Guide.pdf Basically, Go to https://candidates.ibo.org Login with your information. Go to "My Coursework". Upload your ToK essay in a .doc, .docx, .pdf, or.rtf format. Fill out the prescribed topic, word count, and check the declaration. You then have 24 hours to change anything. After 24 hours, your IB coordinator or teacher will check your ToK essay. If it's good, then it's sent to the IBO and you can't change anything (forever). If it's not good, then you need to re-upload it. You also cannot have any punctuation (excluding periods) in the title of your work. For the deadlines, check this out http://mrmooreweb.weebly.com/uploads/4/9/8/3/49…
Last reply by Peanut Butter Jelly, -
I find this IB tok essay to be the most interesting question for Nov 11/ May 12. Thoughts and ideas on it?
Last reply by Mohamad Khairudin Abd Gani, -
