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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2,043 topics in this forum
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Hey, sry can someone tell me if i am allowed to use one or two pictures in my TOK prescribed titles topic #7:"We see and understand things not as they are but as we are" ??
Last reply by fali2009, -
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well y'all i am about to present my tok presentation and would like to have your opinon about it. "how certain is science" can you answer that. it has been stated that the progress of science is through proving false our current knowledge. the atom, the world is flat (cliché) so on. so that brings us to the knowedge issue of how do we know what is certain, definitely not in the science field ( natural sciences). so where else............ thank you
Last reply by Tilia, -
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Im thinking on doing my ToK presentation on the concept of anonymity on the internet and its effects, why people may think they are anonymous, and how people who believe that they are anonymous think that they can act with impunity. Any thoughts?
Last reply by nerdy birdy, -
I'm really struggling with TOK. I mean, my class is easy enough to get a decent grade in, but I'm always scraping for an A, and I feel like I really don't know how to approach TOK. I know, it's a little late in the year to be saying this, but I'd really like to get a good score on my TOK essay. For some reason, my examples in my practice essays seem kind of shallow and seem to lack depth. The topic that I'm working on right now for my next and last essay is "We see things not as they are, but as we are" or something along the lines of that. Any suggestions on how to approach this topic?
Last reply by sweetnsimple786, -
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Here are the links to the notes and sample works for TOK that we have in our Files archive. To be able to download files, you have to be a VIP member or a VIP subscriber. Please see the FAQ for information on how to become a VIP or how to buy a VIP subscription. If you want to donate and contribute files to our archive, please see this announcement or this FAQ section. Theory of Knowledge Guidelines and Notes Sample essays Presentations examples and information
Last reply by Survival Robot, -
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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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Im doing my first TOK presentation in like 2 weeks, and I havent started yet. Im not lazy, i Just dont know how ! Could you please like give me a layout or like a TOK Presentation guide. Im doing mine on "Is it ethical for people to judge another because of their skin colour." Im in grade 10 doing a pre IB course, and Im in my last 10 weeks of that, then its IB here i come !
Last reply by Sandwich, -
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My presentation topic is about the SATs...(I know it's really nerdy)but I thought that there were quite a few knowledge issues with it. Some of the KI's, that I intend to address are emotions (intuition), language, culture, reason, and logic. Can you please give me some suggestions about how I can apply these KI's to the SATs?? Also, do you think that there are any other KI's that can be addressed concerning the SAT's?? I would really appreciate any help or suggestions. Thank you!!!
Last reply by Tilia, -
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Hi everyone, I am working on my ToK essay and the title I chose was: 5. “What separates science from all other human activities is its belief in the provisional nature of all conclusions” (Michael Shermer, www.edge.com). Critically evaluate this way of distinguishing the sciences from other areas of knowledge? I'm not quite sure how to approach this, and the more I think about it, the more confused and off topic I get? Anyone have any suggestions?
Last reply by ~Lc~, -
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My teacher (who has been examiner for 15 years and was deputy chief examiner for five years) gave us advice on how to write a ToK essay in 4 hours and I thought that I might as well share this with you Brainstorm the title. What is the knowledge issue? - 20 min Find examples that illustrate the knowledge issue. It is good to have some detailed examples from different areas of knowledge, think HL subjects - 20 min Identify important concepts to introduce in order to understand these examples, define them using short examples - 10 min Identify two or more sides to the positions regarding the knowlegde issue - 10 min Find arguments that support each position to the controve…
Last reply by Tilia, -
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hey can someone give some advice on the way to go about writing title 3 in the list of topics for for may 2010 " Discuss the strengths and limitations of quantitative and qualitative data in supporting knowledge claims in the human sciences and at least one other area of knowledge."
Last reply by victimofIB, -
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My TOK Presentation topic is: "To what extent can we trust the media?" and I need some help with finding Knowledge Issues... I had talked to my TOK teacher about it and she just said to look up the syllabus and stuff for help... but it isn't really helping me~ Anyone got any suggestions with a possible knowledge issue that could get me started?
Last reply by rAiiNaa.xx, -
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I am having some trouble pinning language down as a way of knowing. For emotion, we can say that it is a way of knowing, for example, because sudden emotions of fear can help us to know if there is danger ahead etc. For sense perception, seeing the ocean can help us to know that it is blue etc. Although these examples are debatable (which is not surprising, considering this is ToK), they allow me to understand why emotion and sense perception are ways of knowing. But language is difficult for me. I know that we use language to order, culminate and communicate thoughts, but how do we use the simple function of language to know something? Of course, reading a book is langu…
Last reply by ~Lc~, -
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Thanks, DeStijl, that is what I intend to do, My TOK presentation topic was teenage relationships and social stigma, I had done a lot of ground of work and preparation with my partner. The problem is that it does not just feel right for both of us about this topic, talking to our TOK teacher, she said we can still change it, so I thought I just post it here to get some ideas for a head start. I have done deceptive advertising but again it is drifting away from the point is. And I apologize sweetnsimple786, if you thought I was asking framed statements for TOK Topics, then you might have mistaken. I was just expecting some ideas about general tok ideas or anything of that …
Last reply by samt_mansha, -
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Hi... Uh... My essay's due on wednesday and I've actually finished writing it but I don't know if I'm doing it right T^T I mean it's so awesome that I don't even understand what I wrote down myself... It's like I'm so frustrated and although it's shameful, I thought TOK would be useless and slept for half of the classes... I have this big guilt inside me that won't allow me to ask my TOK teacher for help and it gets really frustrating... so help anyone?
Last reply by BaBjOhYoUnG, -
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But, out teacher is making us do a practice one. and I chose " "In expanding the field of knowledge we but increase the horizon of ignorance" (Henry Miller). Is this true? I have all my iideas and points, but don't know how to reference things out of my own ideas..like out in the world...examples. Can someone explain to me how I would go agout doing that? Please and thank you!!
Last reply by jmartin, -
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My presentation is based on the whether we have an innate sense of language. I have got different perspective from scientist by looking at those that agree and oppose that we have an innate sense of language, this will help me fulfil one of the criteria. I was going to start off with a situation like a situation in real life before linking it to this knowledge issue. I have decided to agree that we have an innate sense of language but I can't think of anything on what implication this will have with other ways of knowing or areas of knowledge. Can some one possibly give me an example if you are really nice as a guide? I have been thinking about this for weeks also, what …
Last reply by Crocka, -
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What are the disadvantages of prioritizing knowing in a certain order? For example, what problems arise when a knower focuses on knowing solely based on emotion, reason, sense perception, or language? ahhh! thanks for your replies
Last reply by Sandwich, -
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My topic I chose is "Does the language gene exist". I have to do this in four days time but I am not sure what the knowledge issue behind this topic is involved real life siuation is? Can someone please explain or if you are really nice give me an example related to the topic? Your help is much appreciated.
Last reply by Sandwich, -
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I am having my TOK presentation soon, but I am getting really stressed out about it because I am not sure what to do and what the teachers are looking for. The presentation format, etc. I do not even know what I've learnt in TOK for the past year...it's so frustrating, getting out of classes and not even knowing what I've got out of the class. I don't even know what is really a knowledge issue. Any advice people can offer me? Thanks...
Last reply by Sandwich, -
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People need to believe that order can be glimpsed in the chaos of events” (adapted from John Gray, Heresies, 2004). In what ways and to what extent would you say this claim is relevant in at least two areas of knowledge? I've already written a draft, but my teacher wasn't very impressed with it. I covered : WoK: Language Perception AoK: History Math Ethics I don't really know how to do this topic...can anyone help?
Last reply by deissi, -
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HI, my group is doing our tok presentation on Human Cloning and our questions is "is Human Cloning ethical?" How should we approach this topic? How can we incorporate ToK into it? Thanks for your help in Advance
Last reply by Mattias, -
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Im about half way through my first year in the IB and not sure about what it is that we are meant to be learning in TOK. We've done a bit on empirical testing, metaphors, symbollism, generalisations and topics like that. We've also looked at 'The Matrix' and sence perception. Is this the same type of thing that everyone else is learning. I guess im just not sure because I've never taken a class like this before and im not sure what to expect. Any comments would be appreciated. Thanks a million
Last reply by Mattias, -
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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, -
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The real life situation is that people's views get influenced easily by the media. Here are some of the knowledge issues that I've thought of: -How can we know what is really beautiful(is it too broad)? -How does the media influence people's views? -How can we know if the media is biased and misleading in terms of defining beauty? -Does the media shape society, or does society shape the media? The thing is I'm not sure how I can present it i.e. in what format and how to approach from different perspectives. Would it be too boring if I simply do a powerpoint with a video and a small discussion? Any ideas please?
Last reply by life_is_beautiful, -
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My college had a ToK forum the other day about the relevance of Mathematics and Physics. Interestingly, one of the panelists showed a cartoon strip showing a continuum of several related fields. From left to right,it is said that Sociology is only applied Psychology, Biology is only applied Chemistry, Physics stands on its own and further on the right is Mathematics standing independently.(As i could recall, apologies if there's any mistake) So, i now open this discussion about Mathematics and Physics. Another interesting point to note is, one of my college mates stated that there is pseudo-science, but there isn't any pseudo-mathematics. How true is that?
Last reply by Redstar, -
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- 801 views
Hi, I have chosen this question: What similarities are there between historical and scientific explanations? I have some ideas, like for example, linking it with my biology and history lessons, however I usually fail at answering the question or when extracting knowledge issues. Could you please give me some ideas.
Last reply by Schwalb, -
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do you know were i can find them?
Last reply by jmartin, -
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Dear all, In about 2 weeks, I have a TOK Essay due (not the final, prescribed topic one) and was wondering if any of you could give me any suggestions/tips.. I can choose from the following two questions: "Which is the more important attribute of the historian: the ability to analyze evidence scientifically, or the ability to develop interpretations of evidence using creative imagination?" "One definition of knowledge is true belief based on strong evidence. What makes evidence "strong" enough and how can this limit be established?" For the first one, I was planning to write about how history is the hardest Area of Knowledge to analyze, as historians can never directly wi…
Last reply by charlotteee, -
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Hi, my TOK teacher recommended this website to us. http://www.amyscott.com/theory_of_knowledge.htm I hope this site will come in handy for all of you guys.
Last reply by bohemian03, -
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my TOK presentation is on Non-verbal communication, but as I was going into the topic.. I realized I haven't thought about the areas of knowledge. Any ideas? I put culture as one, due to the fact that, in different countries there are different ways of expressing yourself.
Last reply by flsweetheart422, -
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I have started brainstorming topics for my TOK presentation, and I am currently trying to decide over "Euthanasia" or something along the lines of "To what extent does advertising effect our perception and should we worried about its consequences for the future?". I want to incorporate perception into both of these topics (since my teacher is anti-ethics), but I am having a hard time grasping the knowledge issue Perception. I was wondering if someone could (breifly is fine) explain to me what exactly it is? And also, tell me which of my topics I would have an easier time researching/drafting a TOK presentation from it. THANKS!
Last reply by Sandwich, -
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Guys what is the definition of language, in TOK. I don't want to include a dictionary explanation in my essay please help
Last reply by eankeel, -
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My question is "All of the other ways of knowing are controlled by language." What does this statement mean and do you think it is fair representation of the relationship between perception, emotion, reason and language? Firstly, I am going to go against the statement just because that will be easier. I thought i would kind of approach it first by discussing the importance of the langauge, the definition of what language is. then I am going to discuss these with relation to the other ways of knowing, but I don't know what I should include yet. Please help! (opinions)
Last reply by eankeel, -
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why history does not give us the truth?
Last reply by staylorjhhsmyp, -
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Hi everyone for my TOK presentation my topic is about the UFO's..while the evidence are there but people still dont believe in them..i will do a research on this matter do u guys think this topic is good enough??? any suggestions on a TOK topic is welcome Thanks, Macheda
Last reply by biochem, -
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Hey, for the third time i changed my topic ! they are either taken by other students or there too broad! anyways, my topic is : Can money control us? i will discuss the topic using different Ways of knowledge. what do think? suggestions or anything to make it more nice or creative? thank you!
Last reply by Abu, -
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hey i need help assap on the difference between a knowledge issue and a comptemporary problem in a tok presentation i am doing animal cruelty within circuses and want to focus on cruelty to elephants any ideas on what my KI and CP could be? thanks
Last reply by Bend444, -
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Truth and belief are conditions of knowing something. In what specific ways does truth in its point of view differ from belief?
Last reply by SharkSpider, -
a typical discussion that might arise, but i'd like to know your views on it: WHAT IS THINKING? DO ANIMALS THINK? DO BABIES THINK? and most importantly, how do you justify your thought? haha
Last reply by Bee =3, -
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At my school, we're only doing ONE - yes, one, after spending the entire year of TOK and only learning the 4 ways of knowing, and spending the rest of the time doing who-knows-what. And, this ONE is our actual, final TOK essay for external assessment. Oh, the joy. So, I was just wondering how many TOK papers are you going to/did you write? I've heard some schools do as much as four... just wondering. While I don't really want to have to suffer through MORE essay writing, I'd certainly prefer to have a final outcome that's GOOD because of the experience in writing them first.
Last reply by Eternalx, -
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I have spent more than a month thinking about a TOK topic presentation and couldnt think of anything good! at last im thinking about doing it about plastic surgeries... discussing it from different WOK and AOK. The changes people make to their looks... is it good ? any comments please
Last reply by aggieboo, -
- 12 replies
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Math is a tool that we use daily. However there are some areas of math which dont follow the rules we are accustomed to. Im trying to find an area in which i can talk about that involves TOK and would be a good topic for discussion. I have thought about statistics and how we can never be reallt accurate with our measurment and calculations but other ideas would be helpful.
Last reply by narathiel, -
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The TOK presentations at my School were actually hilarious. Not many people scored so well as they hoped. Here are some of the best: 1. A girl went up and played a 7 min video for a "Tibet Conflict" video. Then, took 3 min to let someone answer a long question on economics, and finally replied: "Yup! that sounds kind of right cause you said it". And she didnt know, for the second IA in a row, that there is a time limit on these things. 2. Playing an irrelevant video of "Big Mamas House" and making connections to child beating. 3. Doing a "movie review" for 8 min o_o. Then speeding it up, and by 15 min, still going going. going. I zoned out. 4. Not covering a topic on a …
Last reply by narathiel, -
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I was just wondering, do your ToK teachers freak out about the paper we write? Like...our teacher says "this is an examination so you have to write the whole thing at school and cant take anything home." Is it like that for you guys or are you allowed to write it at home and turn it in on a final due date? I think its stupid to make us write the paper in the computer lab at school and not be able to save to flash drives. I don't think it will make that bi of a difference whether or not we write it at home or school.
Last reply by maximus, -
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Hey, I noticed that there wasn't really anything on here for help regarding the TOK presentation. Anyway, here's some stuff. I hope this is useful, no guarantees. Someone should throw up some example presentations.
Last reply by Spency, -
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My group's topic is 'Differences' We thought about languages, culture and so on. Any tips in which I can make the presentation 'enjoyable?'
Last reply by HJ:), -
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Topic: [b]"How do we perceive beauty in the modern society?"[/b] Is this TOK-ish enough? ;z or should we change our question? If so, do you have any suggestions? Me and my partner are also thinking of having a debate on our presentation on: [b]ANOREXIA : Is it socially or psychologically induced?[/b] Does anyone have any idea on how to make our presentation better? Any topics that we might need to include to make it sound TOK-ish? Thank you for taking your time to read and/or reply! :]
Last reply by SharkSpider, -
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I need help with my T.O.K essay... The question want me to discuss claims that mathematics, ethics, and history are viewed as an invention or discovery. I need seggestions ASAP!!!! Can anyone help me find examples supporting the calims that mathematics, history, and ethics are an invention and discovery???
Last reply by DeDe, -
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hi! ive found a pretty interesting topic to do my presentation on. but -theres always a but- my teacher told me to change a bit the orientation of it, and that messed up my whole idea so, im basing my presnentation in a main example -tobacco companies, philip morris in particular- and how they manipulated scientific research in the 80s with the CIAR (The Tobacco Institute's Center for Indoor Air Research) and how they still misuse science. I was thinking in touching a couple of important points such as how scientific integrity is damaged through manipulation of funds, use of uncertainty, ad hominum fallacies basically showing how science can me manipulated/misus…
Last reply by anuskina,
