3. “There is nothing more deceptive than an obvious fact” (Arthur Conan Doyle). Discuss this claim with reference to two areas of knowledge. To what extent can acknowledged facts in the sciences be trusted? To what extent do ethical disputes influence the reception of obvious facts? How does language affect the reception Read more
2. “Knowledge gained through direct experience is powerful but problematic.” To what extent do you agree with this statement? To what extent is the knowledge gained through direct experience in the arts biased? “Biased” in this case refers to “problematic.” In what ways does knowledge gained through direct experience have Read more
1. Why is it so difficult to identify a clear line between accepted and disputed knowledge within a discipline? Answer with reference to two disciplines, each taken from a different area of knowledge. To what extent does peer review help differentiate between accepted and disputed knowledge? How does nationality affect whether knowledge Read more
6. “We are rarely completely certain, but we are frequently certain enough.” Discuss this statement with reference to two areas of knowledge. “rarely completely certain” – It is easy to find areas in AOKs and real-life examples where things are fairly certain but are not completely certain. Of course, different people and different groups of Read more
5. “If all knowledge is provisional, when can we have confidence in what we claim to know?” Answer with reference to two areas of knowledge. “all knowledge is provisional” – In many areas it does seem clear that knowledge changes over time. Find examples of how knowledge has changed over time in AOKs Read more
4. “Areas of knowledge always rely on a systematic process of trial and error to aid the production of knowledge.” Discuss this claim with reference to two areas of knowledge. “always” – It is highly unlikely that you are going to find an AOK or a real-life example that meets the high Read more
3. “There is nothing more deceptive than an obvious fact” (Arthur Conan Doyle). Discuss this claim with reference to two areas of knowledge. “an obvious fact” – First of all, there is no clear definition or agreement as to what an “obvious fact” is. Something that may seem obvious to a particular person Read more
2. “Knowledge gained through direct experience is powerful but problematic.” To what extent do you agree with this statement? “knowledge gained through direct experience” – The phrase “direct experience” could be interpreted in lot of different ways. Is individual work more “direct” than group work? How does the use of technology make Read more
1. Why is it so difficult to identify a clear line between accepted and disputed knowledge within a discipline? Answer with reference to two disciplines, each taken from a different area of knowledge. “Why is it so difficult…” – Your claims must focus on why is it so difficult. Avoid focusing on claims about Read more
Resources for the November 2021 TOK essay Prescribed Titles will be published soon. There will also be regular blog posts on real-life examples that are linked to the November 2021 TOK essay Prescribed Titles.