tok essay prompts november 2022

IB ToK Essay Titles and Topics: November 2022

Here are links to ideas and suggestions relating to the the six November 2022 IB ToK Essay topics:

• Topic 1. Within an area of knowledge is it more important to have credibility or power? Discuss with reference to the natural sciences and one other area of knowledge.
• Topic 2. If pushed too far, can open-mindedness itself become restrictive? Discuss with reference to two areas of knowledge.
• Topic 3. Is it better to "have questions that can’t be answered than answers that can’t be questioned" (adapted from Richard Feynman)? Discuss with reference to mathematics and one other area of knowledge.
• Topic 4. Why do we seek indisputable evidence when it is so often unattainable? Discuss with reference to two areas of knowledge.
• Topic 5. To what extent do you agree with the directive to "measure what is measurable and make measurable what is not so" (Galileo Galilei)? Answer with reference to the human sciences and one other area of knowledge.
• Topic 6. If the artist has freedom to interpret past events in ways that are denied to the historian, is this an asset or an obstacle to our understanding of the past? Discuss with reference to the arts and history.

Title 1: Within an area of knowledge is it more important to have credibility or power? Discuss with reference to the natural sciences and one other area of knowledge.

Thoughts to consider with essay 1 include:

• the varieties of power
• the difference between being credible and being correct
• what is meant by "importance" here?

These thoughts, and others, will be developed here shortly: come back soon!

Title 2: If pushed too far, can open-mindedness itself become restrictive? Discuss with reference to two areas of knowledge.

Thoughts to consider with essay 2 include:

• the role of imagination in being open-minded
• what is meant by "restrictive" in this context?
• are there limits to what can be coherently questioned?

Title 3: Is it better to "have questions that can’t be answered than answers that can’t be questioned" (adapted from Richard Feynman)? Discuss with reference to mathematics and one other area of knowledge.

Thoughts to consider with essay 3 include:

• is it possible, coherently, to frame a question that admits of no answer?
• what distinguishes plausible from implausible answers to questions?
• which sorts of true propositions can't rationally be doubted?

Title 4: Why do we seek indisputable evidence when it is so often unattainable? Discuss with reference to two areas of knowledge.

Thoughts to consider with essay 4 include:

• do we know any indisputable propositions?
• are proofs indisputable evidence?
• what is the difference between rational and irrational dispute?

Title 5: To what extent do you agree with the directive to "measure what is measurable and make measurable what is not so" (Galileo Galilei)? Answer with reference to the human sciences and one other area of knowledge.

Thoughts to consider with essay 5 include:

• what is the difference between being measurable in practice and in principle only?
• must we change something that is immeasurable, beyond recognition, in order to render it measurable?
• the difference between accuracy and precision in measurement

Title 6: If the artist has freedom to interpret past events in ways that are denied to the historian, is this an asset or an obstacle to our understanding of the past? Discuss with reference to the arts and history.

Thoughts to consider with essay 6 include:

• must all interpretations of past events be faithful to the facts?
• what makes an interpretation objective?
• if an interpretation is available to the artist, but not the historian, does this mean that it is ineffable?
• 1. Within an area of knowledge is it more important to have credibility or power? Discuss with reference to the natural sciences and one other area of knowledge.
• 2. If pushed too far, can open-mindedness itself become restrictive? Discuss with reference to two areas of knowledge.
• 3. Is it better to "have questions that can’t be answered than answers that can’t be questioned" (adapted from Richard Feynman)? Discuss with reference to mathematics and one other area of knowledge.
• 4. Why do we seek indisputable evidence when it is so often unattainable? Discuss with reference to two areas of knowledge.
• 5. To what extent do you agree with the directive to "measure what is measurable and make measurable what is not so" (Galileo Galilei)? Answer with reference to the human sciences and one other area of knowledge.
• 6. If the artist has freedom to interpret past events in ways that are denied to the historian, is this an asset or an obstacle to our understanding of the past? Discuss with reference to the arts and history.
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US IB Theory of Knowledge: TOK Essay

• Knowledge Framework in TOK
• TOK & The Learner Profile Attributes
• The Learner Profile Attributes Quiz
• Areas of Knowledge
• Optional Themes
• Knowledge Questions
• TOK Exhibition
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TOK Prescribed Titles

The International Baccalaureate Organization releases six TOK essay titles, twice a year for submission either in May or November. So you need to know which cohort you're submitting with. The essay titles for submission in May are released in the previous September. The essay titles for submission in November are released the previous March.

• May 2022 topics
• November 2021 topics
• May 2021 topics
• November 2020 topics
• May 2020 topics
• November 2019 topics
• May 2019 topics
• November 2018 topics
• May 2018 topics
• November 2017 topics

"A" example Essays

• Reason vs Emotion in Ethics
• Breaking Conventions
• Context is All
• Moral Wisdom
• Valuable Knowledge
• Experience & Culture

Essay Guidelines

The word count is 1600 words. This includes quotations. You have to write down the number of words when you submit the essay. The examiner will not read past 1600 words. References, maps/charts/illustrations and bibliographies are not included in the word count. You can choose any standard referencing system, but be consistent with the one you chose.

Assessment Criteria: Markscheme from the TOK Guide (as of Class of 2022)

TOK Essay Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some questions that students and teachers frequently ask about the TOK essay. Read through these questions and the answers to check that you are doing the right thing.

What’s the most important thing to bear in mind?

The first thing is to BE CLEAR! Most students do not even manage to communicate their ideas clearly to the examiner. Regardless of whether or not your answer is stunningly original or crammed with a variety of interesting examples, if it is clear then you will already have a massive head start over the majority of other students from elsewhere in the world. That is why it is absolutely vital to plan in detail – if you have a clear plan you will write a clear essay. If you start the essay without a clear plan then the chances are you will not do very well.

The second thing is to remain focused on the question. It is really easy to lose focus and when you do your score will instantly drop. A slight switch from discussing ‘what we believe is true’ to ‘what is true’ might be enough to make most of your answer irrelevant to the question that you have been asked so you have to be really, really careful here. Always ask yourself whether you are correctly focused on the question.

If my answer is not completely different to everyone else’s will I lose?

Most good essays will offer well balanced, plausible and convincing answer to the knowledge question that has been asked. Clearly there is not an infinite variety of plausible and convincing answers to any question and so you should not expect your answer to be completely different to everyone else’s and nor should you strive to make it bizarrely and outlandishly strange in an attempt to seem original. A good answer will usually point out that x is true in some case cases because of a certain set of reasons, while it is less true in other cases and pretty much completely untrue elsewhere. Students who take very extreme positions tend not to do so well in TOK because, unlike in English where you can usually find some evidence to back up even the most unusual reading, TOK is meant to be firmly grounded in the real world and so, for instance, it is not really that plausible to argue that we can never know anything because that just doesn't fit with how we live our daily lives. Similarly, answers which are overly simply probably won't do that well because most things in TOK just aren’t that clear cut. For example students who claim that Art is completely subjective and that we can never know whether one painting is better than another have trouble when accounting for how the IB award some students Level 7s in art while failing others.

So in this sense your essay might be balanced in the same way as someone else’s but the difference between your essay and everyone else’s should be in exactly how you strike that balance, exactly which discriminations you make and the kinds of evidence that you use to persuade me that your answer is correct. The more convincing your position: the better you will do.

How many examples do I need?

In terms of number of examples there is no set answer. However, in a 1600 word essay you should try to have about 4-6 main body points with one clear example that is central to each one. The best marks will not go to those students who have lots of examples but those who choose examples that support their point really well and then go on to consider the counterclaims against this position (possibly using the same example or a different one) and then respond to this counterclaim (again using the same example or a different one - however three examples in paragraph might be getting a bit too much).

How important is it to talk about myself?

It is important to demonstrate personal engagement, indeed the highest marks will really only be awarded to essays that create a sense that the writer has really engaged and got to grips with the question that they have chosen to answer. However, there are a number of different ways to do this. Using the personal pronoun ‘I’ and talking about something that has happened to you is one way to do this but it will not score highly unless it is a strong example that convincingly supports the point you are trying to make. For example, you will are unlikely to get any points for a personal example about your summer holiday or your Mum’s noodle soup unless it clearly and convincingly supports your answer to the question.

Other ways to demonstrate personal engagement and independent thought are by offering personal definitions of key words and researching original examples that you have come up with yourself rather than the obvious example or the one that everyone else in your class is using because that is the one that the teacher gave you.

Ultimately the best way to demonstrate your personal engagement with the question is through your tone of voice and the sense that you have really ‘got’ what this question is asking and honestly offered your own answer to it. However, this can be hard to identify for an examiner so it is probably best if you try to cover all of the different methods mentioned above in order to come across as a student who is thinking for themselves and relating this question to experiences in their own education.

Should I offer definitions of all the words in my title?

Obviously not – beginning your essay with a list of personal definitions does not make for a very engaging start.   However, there may be some terms in your question title that it is important to define and so you might need to start by doing this. In these case it is best to offer a   brief   personal definition (avoid Dictionary.com!), but be careful with going into any more detail than that. Otherwise the best way to show that you understand what the words in the title mean is to continually link back to the key words from the question throughout your essay. Just like in an English essay you would usually do this at the beginning or end of a paragraph but the best students will be able to make the link clear throughout.

One handy trick to bear in mind when thinking about definitions is that, considering different definitions of key words can actually be a good way of incorporating different perspectives into your essay. For example, if your essay question asks you whether progress is equally possible in the sciences and the arts then how you answer that question might depend on how you define progress and a good structure for the essay might be to start by considering one definition of progress (i.e. progress from one perspective) and then go on to contrast this with the answer that we get if we consider a different definition of progress from another perspective.

Is it a good idea to argue that it’s impossible to know anything at all?

Generally no … TOK examiners tend to be quite dismissive of essays that argue either that we can’t know anything at all or that you can have your ‘truth’ and I can have my ‘truth’ and that these truths are both true. The first of these approaches is often called ‘lazy scepticism’ and the second ‘easy relativism’ and you can see that the names imply that these are not particularly impressive positions to adopt. This is not to say that it’s impossible to be sceptical about knowledge and argue that there are problems with it because clearly there are. It’s also not to say that it’s impossible to argue that in some situations the ‘truth’ might actually be different for different people. However, by and large TOK is looking at how we can know things despite the problems we face when acquiring with knowledge or in spite of the different opinions that exist. TOK is in many ways a pragmatic and realistic subject that is trying to move away from creating the impression that we just can't know anything at all. As such, the best essays will admit that the acquisition of knowledge may not be straight-forward, but will go on to consider how we can overcome these obstacles in the successful pursuit of knowledge.

Do I have to cover every AOK and WOK in my essay?

No, you won’t have enough space. However, you should start by considering all of the   AOKs   and   WOKs   when you begin planning your essay and then narrow it down to the 2 or 3   AOKs   or   WOKs   where you can say the most interesting things. Make it clear that this narrowing down is a conscious decision that you have made and you can even briefly explain the reasons why you have made the choice that you have, if you think that it is relevant. Remember that the highest marks will go to the students who explore a few really key ideas in depth rather than those who try to cover everything. Remember also that the best and most original ideas are not necessarily going to be the ones that spring to mind first so try to use   AOKs   or   WOKs   that not everyone else is using – as long as they work.

So how do I know which   AOKs   or   WOKs   would be good ones to pick?

In general, it can be good to compare an AOK where a statement 'x' really applies well and contrast that with one where it doesn't or doesn't seem to. So for example 'All knowledge is subjective' seems to fit well with The Arts and Ethics, but less with Maths and Science so if you just talk about The Arts and Ethics then you are just going to have an essay that keeps saying ... and this is also true in Ethics, and we can see another example of subjectivity in the Arts, etc. It would be much better to say that this is true in the arts because of xyz reasons and not true in Maths because of   abc   reasons.

If you are really confident with TOK you might try inverting an obvious stereotype about an AOK and seeing if you can find examples where that isn’t true. For example, most students’ first reactions are that the Arts are a subjective subject whereas Maths is a subject which contains objective, universal truths. While there is some   truth to this stereotype   it is not true all the time and the best students will be able to explore where that stereotype breaks down and why it breaks down.   For example, while judgement in art is subjective, some truths – e.g. that this picture was painted by   Da   Vinci - are empirical and so we can have objective agreement about them. Additionally, even the subjective truths aren't allowed to be absolutely anything - even my Mum doesn't think that my Primary School paintings are as good as   Da   Vinci's. This kind of subtlety is what marks out the best answers.

In addition, do not make sweeping statements about aspects or areas of knowledge that imply that what you are saying is always and absolutely true without exception. Instead, phrase things in a way that acknowledges the limitations of your own knowledge and experience: for example ‘Accepting for the moment the premise that … then we can say …’

Do I have to use TOK words like ‘Areas of Knowledge’ in my essay?

Yes you do as this will demonstrate a good understanding of the course but be wary of just throwing them in everywhere: judicious and correct use of TOK terminology is better than going over the top. The words that should come up more frequently are the key words from the question to show that you are remaining focused on the question and not getting distracted by anything else.

Do I have to include any Philosophy or Philosophical words?

No   - the IB have made it clear that TOK is not a philosophy course, instead it is meant to be grounded in the real world and your own experiences as a student. As such you should try to avoid including complex philosophical points unless you really understand them and they really are fully relevant to the essay, even then it is often to put these points into your own words rather than quote philosophers because TOK is about you thinking for yourself rather than quoting someone else’s thoughts.

Do I have to research the quotations in the question title?

It is a good idea to know where the quotation came from, who said it and why but you wouldn’t necessarily include any of this in your essay. In fact, the quotation may not really be relevant at all to the essay question as they are sometimes just used to give you a flavor of   the what   the essay is about. For example in the ‘What I Tell You Three Times is True’ question – the number ‘three’ and the fact that this comes from Lewis Carroll are not necessarily as important as the point about repetition and so detailed research into the works of Lewis Carroll will not really help you with this question.

Can I use quotations from famous people to back up my argument?

Students often like starting essays, concluding essays or supporting points with quotations from famous people like Oscar Wilde or Albert Einstein. The fact that these people are experts tends to lend an air of credibility to your argument. However, the opinion of someone like Oscar Wilde is only going to be relevant in certain, very specific circumstances, for example, if you are exploring esthetics (the theory about what makes beautiful things beautiful) then it might be worth considering Oscar Wilde’s perspective on this topic as he was an artist… but you have to remember that his view is only one perspective and just because Wilde said it, it doesn’t mean that he has the best or most convincing theory about beauty. You should also remember that, outside of the topic of esthetics, it might not be a such good idea to quote Oscar Wilde at all: his opinions on how to live a good life, for example, can be sharply witty and sound quite appealing ... but we need to remember that he did die penniless and alone in Paris so is he really someone that we want to listen to?

Similarly, Einstein is a hugely important figure in the history of science and it might be worthwhile quoting him if you were exploring the forces that drive or inspire genius. However, again you should bear in mind that Einstein’s personal statement about what inspires him is not necessarily something that is going to be true of all thinkers. On top of that you should remember that it has been almost 100 years since the publication of Einstein’s last great work, the General Theory of Relativity, so if you are looking for an up to date comment on the nature of scientific knowledge then it might be best to look elsewhere.

In general the rule with quotations is that you should only quote from someone when they are an expert in the relevant field and even then you have to bear in mind that their opinion is nothing more than that, an opinion. Just like your opinions have to be backed up with evidence and proof, so do the opinions of experts… just because Einstein said it, it doesn’t mean it’s true until you show me the proof. One danger you should also be aware of if you quote too much is that the expert’s voice can come to replace your own and so you should only quote opinions sparingly. One additional way to prevent the expert’s voice from dominating your essay is to use quotations from them in your counterclaims; if you go on to disagree with the expert then that’s usually a clear indication that you are thinking for yourself.

Finally, be careful where you get your quotation from. ‘Brainyquote.com’ might be a repository of thousands of fantastic and completely accurate quotations but it doesn’t create a great impression of your ability to select reliable sources so try to find the original source for your quotation and quote that!

Do I need to include different perspectives in my essay?

Definitely, although remember that ‘different perspectives’ can mean a range of different things. One nice way to include different perspectives is by considering the question from the ‘perspective’ of the different   AOKs . So, for example, you might answer the question from the perspective of the sciences and then compare this with the perspective of the arts – this is a particularly nice trick because it also enables you to draw in some comparisons between the   AOKs   at the same time. However, there are other perspectives that you considering and exploring different cultural, political, philosophical, historical and intellectual perspectives or different schools of thought within an AOK can lead to a more interesting and more convincing essay.

Do I have to distinguish between ‘personal’ and ‘shared’ knowledge in my essay?

It’s definitely a good idea to consider these ideas in your planning but, as with anything, you should only really include them if they are relevant to your essay. One effective way to include these different kinds of knowledge in your essay is to treat them as different perspectives on the same issue. For example, if you are looking at whether it is possible to make progress in the arts then the answer might be quite different depending on whether I am talking about progress at a personal level (clearly I can get better at drawing) or at a shared / communal level because it’s not entirely clear what it would mean for art overall to get ‘better’. This links nicely with the previous point as a way of considering different perspectives on the same issue and can be a good way of killing two birds with one stone.

From www.mrhoyestokwebsite.com

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Breaking Down TOK Essay Titles 2022

The TOK Essay can be a daunting task, and many of us struggle to even begin out of fear of doing something wrong. Not only are you expected to learn the philosophy of all the areas of knowledge, but now you have to write an essay about it too!?

TOK Essay Titles in Human Sciences

As difficult as this may seem, what most of us need is just a nudge in the right direction, and this is exactly what the following guide will provide. If you’re struggling to begin your essay, don’t know where to start or which title to pick, we’re here to help!

Read on for a simple breakdown of the 6 TOK titles and how to tackle them.

1. Can there be knowledge that is independent of culture? Discuss with reference to mathematics and one other area of knowledge.

The first title is very intriguing for those who are interested in the social sciences! The question posed expects you to discuss whether knowledge and culture are always connected and if knowledge can exist without culture in the first place. You’re asked to consider mathematics and another AoK of your choice. Before we consider which AoK’s are suitable, however, we must establish what it means for knowledge to be independent of culture.

Culture is a very abstract concept, and it can refer to anything ranging from a regional food dish such as Spanish Paella to the entire history, language and moral values of a society. This may seem like a lot to tackle, but a simpler way to look at it is to consider whether knowledge is always defined by culture, or if there are exceptions.

In some cases, culture certainly determines the knowledge we produce. Consider the AoK History, for instance, where the history of a country is closely connected to aspects of culture such as language and morality. Historians use language to write history and their morals (which are defined by culture) to interpret the past, such as who was right or wrong. Both language and morality are aspects of culture, and therefore we can argue that historical knowledge may not be independent of culture!

How about Mathematics, then? We must also consider if knowledge can be independent of culture. In this case, mathematics is largely independent of culture as it is mostly an objective AoK. Knowledge is factual, and facts are absolute. Mathematics has one, universal language spoken by all mathematicians, and 2 + 2 = 4 in any part of the world. Thus, we can argue that mathematical knowledge is indeed independent of culture.

Lastly, don’t forget to support your arguments with real-life examples (RLEs). For history, one option would be to look at how bias affects historical writing. Some historians may have biases, which have arisen from their morals and culture and are reflected in their historical writing. For mathematics, consider the absence of bias and how formulae such as Pythagoras’ Theorem remain universal, and no amount of cultural influence can ever change something which is a fact.

2. To what extent do you agree with the claim that “there’s a world of difference between truth and facts.” (Maya Angelou) Answer with reference to two areas of knowledge.

While prompt 1 gives you one prescribed AoK, this one offers you more choice. Hurray! Or? While this question allows you to select both AoKs, too much choice is often more detrimental than beneficial in the Theory of Knowledge. Here, you’re asked to consider the difference between truth and fact. At first glance, you may be thinking that they’re the same thing and while this is not the case, they are immensely similar. Let’s see how you can approach this…

When considering the meaning of truth and fact, it is always useful to put them into some sort of context. For instance, in the natural sciences, we can argue that there isn’t much of a difference between truth and fact. This is because when a scientific theory such as the theory of evolution is proven, it becomes widely accepted as true and factual. Thus, the definition of truth and fact are virtually inseparable in the sciences.

Another AoK to explore could be history. Here, historians never truly know the ‘truth’ of what happened in the past, and they struggle immensely to recover facts from all sources so that they may piece together accurate interpretations. Therefore, they collect facts in an attempt to reach ever closer to the ultimate truth of what happened in the past, but arguably never achieve this fully. This leads to varying interpretations in history, as historians gather the same facts but may reach different truths from them. In this view, we can argue that facts are the building blocks of truth, rather than truth itself.

3. Is there solid justification for regarding knowledge in the natural sciences more highly than other areas of knowledge? Discuss with reference to the natural sciences and one other area of knowledge.

It’s time for more science! This is probably the most straightforward TOK title this time around, and that’s good news! Not everything has to be complex, even in TOK. Here, you’re being asked to discuss if there is any good reason to regard scientific knowledge ‘more highly’ than other AoKs. In other words, is scientific knowledge ‘better’ than knowledge in other AoKs, and if so, why and how? Let’s dig in!

To make things easier, let’s consider what other AoKs would be suitable choices for this title. In this case, a social science such as history or art would be very suitable. If we consider the arts, knowledge can be defined as the creations of artists such as paintings or music, and the interpretations people have of them. In this view, we can argue that art knowledge is quite subjective as the same song may make one person feel happy and another sad. This is not necessarily a bad thing, as it also makes the arts unique.

Nevertheless, the subjectivity of the arts could also be one reason that scientific knowledge may be regarded more highly, as it is objective and factual. For instance, it is an objective fact that cells are the smallest unit of life, but it is not factual to say that a painting is ‘beautiful’, as beauty is subjective. Then again, maybe facts aren’t everything, and maybe scientific knowledge isn’t better, but simply different from art knowledge. Consider these perspectives and ultimately decide if there is enough justification for the claim.

4. How do historians and human scientists give knowledge meaning through the telling of stories? Discuss with reference to history and the human sciences.

Storytelling is a powerful tool, so much so that experts in the social sciences use it to communicate their research. If you’ve chosen this title, you should begin by considering how knowledge is defined in history and the human sciences, such as psychology.

From the lens of history, you may decide that historical knowledge is a collection of interpretations of the past. Moreover, these are the interpretations of historians who record and teach them, orally or in writing.

These interpretations give historical events meaning by communicating their significance. A potential RLE would be to consider a historical event such as World War 2, and then analyze how historical interpretations teach us to appreciate its significance and not repeat the past.

If we consider the social sciences such as psychology, things can be a bit more complicated and ambiguous. Do psychologists tell stories? Maybe not in the conventional sense, but are research papers on mental health disorders not a type of story, one which teaches us about the disorder and the experiences people have of it? Exactly!

The key here is to consider how knowledge is communicated in history and social science. Thus, your essay should focus on analyzing and discussing the methodology that historians and human scientists use to tell stories.

5. How can we distinguish between good and bad interpretations? Discuss with reference to the arts and one other area of knowledge.

This question is my personal favorite! If you’re a fan of the arts, this is the question for you. What is an interpretation, and what makes it good or bad? In title 4 we considered how historical interpretations tell us about the past, and interpretations in the art are similar. While historians can interpret the past, art critics can judge the quality of an artistic piece. But how can we tell which interpretations are ‘good’ and which are ‘bad’?

When considering this title, make sure to focus on the different types of interpretations we can have within art. Not all interpretations come from professional art critics, as art is free to view by all, and the everyday person can have their own, unique opinion on a piece of art.

A good starting point to explore would be whether one art critic has a better interpretation of a piece of art than the everyday person. Perhaps the critic has professional training and is more qualified to judge the techniques Da Vinci used to craft the Mona Lisa than a casual art enthusiast.

However, art is not only about technique but also about emotion, and the everyday person may be better able to appreciate the subjective beauty of an art piece. Thus, in the arts, it may be difficult to tell the difference between good and bad interpretations, as there are no concrete criteria for determining this.

Through the lens of another AoK, we can see a completely different perspective in the natural sciences. Here, the opinions of experts can be said to always be better than those of the general public. A good RLE could be climate change propaganda, and how scientific knowledge is necessary in order to make educated interpretations.

In the arts, it may be debatable whether the Mona Lisa is a ‘sad’ or ‘joyful’ painting, but in the sciences, global warming is a proven fact, and anything which says otherwise is a ‘bad’ interpretation. Inherently, this question is about the subjectivity of the arts and the objectivity of other AoKs. Just some food for thought!

6. If we conclude that there is some knowledge we should not pursue on ethical grounds, how can we determine the boundaries of acceptable investigation within an area of knowledge? Discuss with reference to two areas of knowledge.

The last prescribed title is one of the most difficult, as it deals with ethics. Here, you’re asked to discuss ethical boundaries within two AoKs of your choice. Some good choices could be AoKs which are very research-based, such as the natural sciences and history. Let’s break this down.

Ethics can be very tricky, as you’re essentially asked to discuss the boundaries between what is ethical and what is not. This is difficult because ethics differ as much from person to person as they do from one AoK to another.

In the sciences, ethical boundaries may refer to experiments involving human trials, for example. How can we determine when a new drug is safe for human testing and is it ethical at all to test on humans?

Similarly, in history, we may consider the issues that arise when researching sensitive topics. For instance, is it ethical to interview holocaust survivors and urge them to remember their past traumas, all for the sake of historical records?

At what point do we draw the line, and how are these ethical boundaries determined? This question is all about methodology and whether methodology within two AoKs is ethical, so if that sounds interesting, this is your go-to title!

Prescribed Essay Titles for Your TOK Essay

The prescribed essay titles above are great for tok essays as they cover ethical grounds that you can discuss with reference and solid justification. Once you have narrowed down these prescribed titles, you can conduct research based on factual knowledge and find specific examples to work with. Then the fun part begins: the essay writing process!

Do you have any questions?

Reach out to the team at Lanterna.

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Not sure what to search for? You can always look through our example Theory of Knowledge coursework below for inspiration.

All TOK Essay Examples

Filter exemplars, for artists and natural scientists, which is more important: what can be explained or what cannot be explained discuss with reference to the arts and the natural sciences., does it matter if our acquisition of knowledge happens in "bubbles" where some information and voices are excluded discuss with reference to two areas of knowledge., want to get full marks for your tok essay allow us to review it for you 🎯, is replicability necessary in the production of knowledge discuss with reference to two areas of knowledge., are visual representations always helpful in the communication of knowledge discuss with reference to the human sciences and mathematics., fast track your coursework with mark schemes moderated by ib examiners. upgrade now 🚀, to what extent is the knowledge we produce determined by the methodologies we use discuss with reference to history and one area of knowledge., tok essay: 5. “how can we distinguish between good and bad interpretations discuss with reference to the arts and one other area of knowledge”, 如果我们是在排除某些信息和声音的“信息同温层”里获取知识，这有关系吗请参考两个知识领域展开你的应答。, does it matter if our knowledge acquisition happens in "bubbles" where some information and voices are excluded discuss with reference to two areas of knowledge., is replicability necessary in the production of knowledge discuss with reference to two areas of knowledge, do you agree that it is “astonishing that so little knowledge can give us so much power” (bertrand russell) discuss with reference to the natural sciences and one other area of knowledge., does it matter if our acquisition of knowledge happens in “bubbles” where some information and voices are excluded discuss with reference to two areas of knowledge., to what extent is the knowledge weproduce determined by the methodologieswe use, for artists and natural scientists, which is more important: what can be explained or what cannot be explained discuss with reference to the arts and natural science., êtes-vous d'accord qu'il est "étonnant que si peu de connaissance puissent nous donner autant de pouvoir" (bertrand russell) - discutez cette question en faisant référence aux sciences naturelles et à un autre domaine de la connaissance, est-il important que notre acquisition des connaissances se fasse dans des « bulles » où certaines informations et certaines voix sont exclues discutez cette question en faisant référence à deux domaines de la connaissance., to what extent is the knowledge we produce determined by the methodologies we use discuss with reference to history and one other area of knowledge., is replicability necessary in the production of knowledge discuss with reference to two area of knowledge, are visual representations always helpful in communicating knowledge discuss with reference to the human sciences and mathematics., are visual representations always useful in communication of knowledge discuss with reference to the human sciences and mathematics., for artists and natural scientists which is more important: what can be explained or what cannot be explained, is replication necessary in the production of knowledge discuss with reference to two aoks., do you agree that it is "astonishing that so little knowledge can give us so much power" (bertrand russell) discuss with reference to the natural sciences and one other area of knowledge., is replicability necessary in the production of knowledge.

TOK TIPS: Resources for DP Theory of Knowledge

Tok exhibition, tok ia exhibition – pollution solution in kenya.

The TOK exhibition is focused on one of the 35 prompts and three “objects” chosen by the students. Review the prompt and object guidelines requirement and see how you could use the following for one section of an exhibition. BBC Read more…

TOK IA exhibition – oil sands

The TOK exhibition is focused on one of the 35 prompts and three “objects” chosen by the students. Review the prompt and object guidelines requirement and see how you could use the following for one section of an exhibition. “A Read more…

TOK IA exhibition – Greta Thunberg article

Article: https://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-50740324 The TOK exhibition is focused on one of the 35 prompts and three “objects” chosen by the students. Review the prompt and object guidelines requirement and see how you could use the following for one section of an Read more…

TOK IA exhibition – BBC article on an atheist in India

The TOK exhibition is focused on one of the 35 prompts and three “objects” chosen by the students. Review the prompt and object guidelines requirement and see how you could use the following for one section of an exhibition. “An Read more…

TOK IA exhibition – aboriginal handcuffed in bank

The TOK exhibition is focused on one of the 35 prompts and three “objects” chosen by the students. Review the prompt and object guidelines requirement and see how you could use the following for one section of an exhibition. “Maxwell Read more…

TOK IA exhibition – protest graffiti

The TOK exhibition is focused on one of the 35 prompts and three “objects” chosen by the students. Review the prompt and object guidelines requirement and see how you could use the following for one section of an exhibition. Article Read more…

May 2023 TOK essay prescribed title #3 specific example – Indigenous people of northern Japan

Article: “Japan’s forgotten indigenous people” http://www.bbc.com/travel/story/20200519-japans-forgotten-indigenous-people In the Japanese school curriculum (set by the central government in Tokyo) there is very little time and space spent on the Ainu, an indigenous group that has almost been completely assimilated and there Read more…

May 2023 Prescribed Title #1

May 2023 tok essay prescribed title #1 specific example – japanese myth on the birth of japan..

The extract below is a translated Japanese creation myth in an ancient text named Kojiki. The original text is written in an type of writing that the vast majority of modern Japanese people cannot read. Additionally, the text below differs Read more…

May 2023 TOK essay prescribed title #4 specific example – photo of an execution during the Vietnam War.

Eddie Adams’ iconic Vietnam War photo: What happened next https://www.bbc.com/news/world-us-canada-42864421 Consider the different aspects where is there “a little knowledge” regarding the photo and the actual incident. Then look into the larger question that is asked in May 2023 Prescribed Read more…

May 2023 TOK essay prescribed title #2 specific example – electron microscope image of a tardigrade

Consider the photo below from the perspective of artists and natural scientists. What aspects of the image or of the tardigrade can be explained / cannot be explained? Is it the parts that can or cannot explained that are more Read more…

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May 2022 TOK essay titles

TOK Home > Free TOK notes > TOK essay guidance > May 2022 TOK essay titles

M22 prescribed essay titles

The M22 TOK prescribed essay titles are now being written by Northern Hemisphere schools, for a mid-March deadline. Check out the M22 TOK essay webinar , which models what an initial unpacking session would look like. Below you’ll find the key words to pin down in the essay introduction, links to the  BQ framework , and other consideration points.

Prescribed title 1

The ideas you see here roughly correspond to the initial unpacking session you will have with your TOK teacher. You’ll then go on to have three face-to-face interactions with your teacher, in which you’ll discuss your progress in writing the essay , working through any difficulties and challenges you experience.

Make sure you pin down…

• I ndependent of culture

relates to…

• Perspectives (BQ4) – think about how knowledge is subject to interpretation, and whether that interpretation is culturally-driven.
• Creativity (BQ5) – think about the development of knowledge, and the role culture plays in this.

BEAR IN MIND…

• Knowledge itself will require a definition
• Can knowledge be produced without a cultural background?
• Mathematics – the assumption is that this is independent from culture – is that true?
• See culture in our key concept resource

Prescribed title 2

Make sure you pin down….

• World of difference

RELATES TO…

• Foundations (BQ1) – think about the nature of truth, role of facts, etc. – and come up with your own definitions of these.
• Spin (BQ3) – facts can be used to mislead us, by presenting half-truths (“A truth that’s told with bad intent / Beats all the lies you can invent.”- Blake)
• Angelou’s full quote also refers to ‘facts can obscure the truth’ – tricky to decide whether to include this section of the quote
• Ensure it establishes (or refutes) world of difference – not just difference
• A broad question in terms of which AOKs you can select
• See truth in our key concept resource

Prescribed title 3

• Solid justification  
• More highly
• Values (BQ2) – this could be one of the bases for this essay, that highly regarded knowledge is synonymous with knowledge that helps us to improve our values
• Perspectives (BQ4) – perhaps highly regarded knowledge is that which is the most objective (and therefore least vulnerable to interpretation)?
• Experts (BQ6) – think about how do we regard knowledge with more discernment
• What does ‘solid’ justification mean (as opposed to just plain old ‘justification’)?
• Regarding something highly is vague – needs pinning down very clearly
• The purpose of knowledge needs to be considered
• See justification in our key concept resource

Prescribed title 4

• Telling of stories
• Spin (BQ3) – think about communicating ideas via means that aren’t always factually-based.
• Creativity (BQ5) – think about how we create knowledge via our imagination.
• What does ‘give knowledge meaning’ mean – and how does this happen via ‘telling stories’?
• The most prescriptive of the PTs
• There is a lot of cross-over between history and the human sciences – it could be harder to craft a contrasting essay. 
• It could also turn into a descriptive essay (it’s not “to what extent to historians and human scientists…”)
• ‘Telling stories’ really needs to be nailed down.

Prescribed title 5

• Good  
• Interpretations
• Perspectives (BQ4) – think about how our perspectives lead us to make different interpretations. When does this strengthen our claims (perhaps personal experiences)? When does this detract from our claims (perhaps when we seek to confirm our biases)?
• Experts (BQ6) – think about how experts make discerning judgements on the world – in terms of humility, evidence, an agenda that doesn’t seek to be served, etc.
• There is quite a lot for students to do with this essay – interpretations within the arts will probably be evaluated in a completely different way to other AOKs
• See interpretation in our key concept resource

Prescribed title 6

• Ethical grounds  
• Boundaries of acceptable investigation
• Values (BQ2) – clear links with this BQ. Think about how and who should decide on the ethical boundaries of knowledge?
• Creativity (BQ5) – this is about creating new knowledge, so it also links to this BQ
• “If we conclude”… but if we don’t? 
• Who is the ‘we’? Not a bad thing – this is a great way of including a consideration of perspectives in this essay. The experts? The authorities? Ordinary knowers? Etc.

M22 essay webinar $24.99 / $49.99

This webinar discusses the M22 titles, and how to begin writing the TOK essay. We look at the key words of the titles, link them to the course, and run over possible approaches. This is a great starting point for writing the essay, and works similarly to the initial unpacking session that teachers run with their students.

• Group ticket – $49.99
• Individual ticket – $24.99

May 2022 Theory of Knowledge Essay Titles | Tips + SAMPLES

Table of contents

• Writing Metier

Already nervous about the BIG ToK essay? We hear ya! From finding the right ToK essay topic to making sure you cover all your basis, ToK essay can be a big deal and frankly overwhelming as well. The key here, however, is forward planning and by the looks of it, you seem to be on the right track!

IMPORTANT! These are topics for the year 2022. Check the latest 2023 November TOK Essay Titles

Finalizing the topic for your essay is just one component of ToK but an extremely important one. According to the ToK essay core, it holds 67% weightage in the final grade. Through this essay, examiners see how coherent, critical and clear the reflection and analysis of the topic you have chosen is. And because of how essential the essay is, students often find themselves in a pickle because they are often not guided correctly on how this essay needs to be done.

The idea behind this essay is not to assess the amount of knowledge you possess regarding a subject matter, but how you explain the findings that you have. It must demonstrate your knowledge in a constructive manner and that is what helps you with this 67% of the grade.

ToK essay topics:

Now that you have landed on this page much in advance, let’s touch some base on the prescribed May 2022 theory of knowledge essay titles. Furtheremore, you will find several ToK essay 2022 samples completed by our theory of knowledge essay writers .

1. “Can there be knowledge that is independent of culture? Discuss with reference to mathematics and one other are of knowledge.” + SAMPLE

If  Math as a subject  is something you are passionate about, this is the perfect topic for you. Here, you need to talk about mathematics and the relation that culture has to it. The best way to explore this topic is to talk about the universality of mathematics in terms of the subject being one that is extremely objective. The same formulae are used to solve problems in mathematics world over. However, when we talk about a different area of knowledge like human sciences or art, we can explore how these are highly subjective in nature. Hence, contrasting the role of culture in these two areas of knowledge can help understand this much better.

2. To what extent do you agree with the claim that ‘there’s a world of difference between truth and facts’ (Maya Angelou)? Answer with reference to two areas of knowledge. + SAMPLE

Including two areas of knowledge may get a handful, but it’s not to say that this won’t be an interesting ToK essay because of how subjective and debatable it is. In this essay, you have to talk about the fine line of difference between truth and facts. The best approach here is through the use of examples. It can be quite difficult to understand this for someone who does not have any prior idea of the substantial difference between the two. For this reason, pick out something that you are familiar with, and then highlight how the truth and facts differ in these.

3. Is there solid justification for regarding knowledge in the natural sciences more highly than knowledge in another area of knowledge? Discuss with reference to the natural sciences and one other area of knowledge.

Science is the most important source of knowledge and information. It gives us the solutions we need in our everyday functionality and helps in unfolding the mystery of the world. If you are a science geek, this is the perfect topic for you to proceed with. If you decide to go with this topic, then it is best that you give examples from the sciences and highlight how these can be evidence based, and hence proved to be right or wrong. Contrasting this with something more subjective like the human sciences can help shed light on this in the best possible way. The point that you need to highlight here is how natural sciences as a subject is one that is highly evidence based, whereas other areas of knowledge are subjective, and different meanings can come out of those.

4. How do historians and human scientists give knowledge meaning through the telling of stories? Discuss with reference to history and the human sciences.

Storytelling is an art and historians and scientists have been doing that for decades with their findings about life on the earth. This topic requires an essential link between these two disciplines. The idea is to shed light on what storytelling mainly is, and how storytelling can help gain insightful knowledge in different situations. The idea behind using these two areas of knowledge is that these are as such that storytelling is very common in these. So give examples of how historians and human scientists have come up with evidence through the use of stories, and how it has been helpful in people understanding things in a much better way,

5. How can we distinguish between good and bad interpretations? Discuss with reference to the arts and one other area of knowledge. + SAMPLE

Gut feelings and interpretations are indeed important human fundamentals. This is a fun topic to play around with and if you wish, you can get into the depths of multicultural elements around interpretations and discuss how they vary geographically as well. The way that human beings interpret things differs greatly from situation and situation. Not just that, but there are also several other factors that affect our understanding of things, which essentially means that our interpretation will also differ.

6. If we conclude that there is some knowledge we should not pursue on ethical grounds, how can we determine the boundaries of acceptable investigation within an area of knowledge? Discuss with reference to two areas of knowledge.

This is a common debate – the correlation between law and ethics. If you like to take a controversial front in a topic, this essay topic might be the perfect fit for you! Ethics in itself is something that is so highly debatable based on the opinions and outlook of different people. So outlining your own definition and boundaries of ethics, you can talk about the role that ethics plays when it comes to knowledge. This can be a very interesting topic for you to work on if you can highlight the different role that ethics plays in different areas of knowledge based on several different schools of thought.

The year 2023:

• November 2023 TOK essay prompts
• November 2022 prescribed TOK essay titles

Previous years prompts:

• November 2021 ToK Essay titles
• May 2021 Theory of Knowledge essay prompts

Now you know about the ToK essay topics you can expect for May. Plan ahead, don’t mess with the TOK essay word count , and start doing your research.

⏩ And in case you feel you  need a hand with the ToK essay , you know where to come! ⏪

Free topic suggestions

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Vasyl Kafidoff is a co-founder and CEO at WritingMetier. He is interested in education and how modern technology makes it more accessible. He wants to bring awareness about new learning possibilities as an educational specialist. When Vasy is not working, he’s found behind a drum kit.

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2024 November TOK Essay Prompts | How to Write Them?

Hello, budding scholars! As an experienced IB writer, I’ve often faced the intellectual hardships of the Theory of Knowledge essays. Today, I’m excited to share insights on tackling the November 2024 TOK essay prompts. Let’s look at all prompts with a keen eye on the latest updates and my wealth of experience in the IB DP curriculum .

What Are 2024 November TOK Essay Titles?

A TOK essay prompt or title is a carefully formulated question that challenges you to think deeply about the nature of knowledge and how we come to understand and interpret the world around us. As an experienced IB writer, I’ve found these prompts essential in developing critical thinking and encouraging students to evaluate different perspectives and methods of acquiring knowledge.

From my experience, each TOK essay prompt is structured to investigate specific areas of knowledge (AOKs) and ways of knowing (WOKs), requiring you to draw on real-life situations and personal insights. It helps develop a nuanced understanding and enhances your ability to apply theoretical knowledge practically.

So, the IB has rolled out thought-provoking prompts for November 2024. Each question invites you to examine knowledge through various AOKs. Here’s a quick overview:

• Does our responsibility to acquire knowledge vary according to the area of knowledge? Discuss with reference to history and one other area of knowledge.
• In the production of knowledge, is ingenuity always needed but never enough? Discuss with reference to mathematics and one other area of knowledge.
• How might it benefit an area of knowledge to sever ties with its past? Discuss with reference to two areas of knowledge.
• To what extent do you agree that there is no significant difference between hypothesis and speculation? Discuss with reference to the human sciences and one other area of knowledge.
• In the production of knowledge, are we too quick to dismiss anomalies? Discuss with reference to two areas of knowledge.
• In the pursuit of knowledge, what is gained by the artist adopting the lens of the scientist and the scientist adopting the lens of the artist? Discuss with reference to the arts and the natural sciences.

Remember, according to general IB criteria, a well-written TOK essay should not merely summarize existing knowledge but engage with the prompt critically and creatively. It’s about questioning our assumptions and considering various viewpoints, which can sometimes be contradictory or challenging. The good news is that you don’t have to do it alone because you can always turn to our experienced IB writers for help with your TOK essay .

2024 November TOK Essay Prompts in Details

For those entering the world of epistemology , these essays are your playground for intellectual investigation. In keeping with the general IB criteria, understanding and responding accurately to your essay prompts is crucial. This year’s titles challenge you to think critically about knowledge itself, from its acquisition to its production. So, let’s look at what each entails and how you can excel in writing them.

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1. Does our responsibility to acquire knowledge vary according to the area of knowledge?

Discuss with reference to history and one other area of knowledge.

As I know, the rigorous validation of historical sources often contrasts sharply with the more subjective, philosophical debates in ethics. This difference fundamentally affects how knowledge is validated and challenges in these fields:

• AOKs . History, Ethics
• WOKs . Memory, Reason
• RLS . Consider the study of historical events like the Holocaust versus ethical debates on euthanasia.

In my experience, contrasting these AOKs helps illuminate the varying responsibilities. Historians rely heavily on documented evidence (memory), while ethicists often argue based on moral reasoning. Discuss how these responsibilities shape our understanding and the implications of neglecting them.

2. In the production of knowledge, is ingenuity always needed but never enough?

Discuss with reference to mathematics and one other area of knowledge.

From my observations, the burst of creativity in arts often precedes formal recognition and understanding, similar to the initial skepticism that meets new mathematical theories:

• AOKs . Mathematics, Arts
• WOKs . Imagination, Intuition
• RLS . Mathematical theories that revolutionized understanding, like Einstein’s theory of relativity, versus innovative art movements such as Surrealism.

Highlight the necessity of ingenuity in pushing boundaries and limits without rigorous validation in mathematics or emotional resonance in arts. Use examples to discuss how creativity initiates ideas but requires more to be entirely accepted and integrated into the knowledge framework.

3. How might it benefit an area of knowledge to sever ties with its past?

Discuss with reference to two areas of knowledge.

Indeed, breaking from past knowledge allows for a radical rethinking of established norms, which is essential in fields that rely heavily on empirical evidence or doctrinal faith:

• AOKs . Natural Sciences, Religious Knowledge Systems
• WOKs . Sense perception, Faith
• RLS . The shift from Newtonian to Quantum Physics versus reforms in religious practices.

Argue the benefits of evolving beyond outdated theories in science due to new evidence or the transformative effects of reinterpreting religious texts. From my experience, showcasing how this severance can lead to progress or upheaval helps create a compelling argument.

4. To what extent do you agree that there is no significant difference between hypothesis and speculation?

Discuss with reference to the human sciences and one other area of knowledge.

Speculation can spark the initial inquiry in both areas, yet in natural sciences, the empirical testing phase significantly distances it from mere speculation, enhancing the reliability of the knowledge produced:

• AOKs . Human Sciences, Natural Sciences
• WOKs . Reason, Imagination
• RLS . The development of psychological theories versus hypotheses in climate science.

Discuss how both fields use hypotheses but differentiate with the rigor and methodology of testing in natural sciences compared to often speculative frameworks in human sciences. Use specific examples to illustrate how speculation can lead to a hypothesis but remains distinct in its validation.

5. In the production of knowledge, are we too quick to dismiss anomalies?

Anomalies test the robustness of our existing theories and act as catalysts for deeper inquiry and understanding, particularly in dynamic fields such as ethics and environmental science.

• AOKs . Ethics, Environmental Science
• WOKs . Emotion, Observation
• RLS . Unusual ethical dilemmas in medical ethics versus unexpected climate phenomena.

Discuss the importance of anomalies in challenging existing beliefs and leading to new insights. From my experience, evaluating how these anomalies are often sidelined but can drive significant paradigm shifts provides a rich discussion point.

6. In the pursuit of knowledge, what is gained by the artist adopting the lens of the scientist and the scientist adopting the lens of the artist?

Discuss with reference to the arts and the natural sciences.

This interdisciplinary approach not only enriches the individual fields but also fosters a holistic view of knowledge that challenges and expands the boundaries of traditional disciplinary methods:

• AOKs . Arts, Natural Sciences
• WOKs . Imagination, Empirical Evidence
• RLS . Use of scientific techniques in digital art creation versus the influence of artistic creativity in scientific visualization and communication.

Consider how integrating methodologies enhances understanding and innovation in both fields. From my experience, this cross-pollination fosters a deeper engagement with material realities in art and a more imaginative approach to scientific research.

How to Choose Your TOK Essay Prompt?

Choosing the correct prompt is not just about fulfilling an academic requirement; it’s about engaging deeply with a question that resonates with your areas of strength. Here are some tried and tested tips to help you make this critical decision.

Consider Your Interests

In my opinion, interest in the topic is crucial. TOK essays dig deep into the nature of knowledge across various disciplines. Select a prompt that aligns with your interests or subjects you are passionate about. This natural curiosity will fuel your research and writing process, making it more enjoyable and engaging. As I know, students who choose topics they are interested in typically write more compelling essays.

Evaluate Your Understanding

From my experience, your familiarity with the concepts each prompt discusses is critical. Before deciding, assess your understanding of the AOKs and WOKs involved in each question. According to general IB criteria, an excellent TOK essay meets a strict word count and clearly describes the relevant AOKs and WOKs. It might be the right choice if a prompt requires stronger reasoning skills and you excel in analytical thinking.

Reflect on the Scope of Critical Thinking

A good TOK essay prompt should allow you to showcase your ability to think critically and evaluate knowledge claims from multiple perspectives. Choose a prompt that offers scope for analysis and argumentation. From my experience, prompts that initially seem complex often provide the most fertile ground for a rich, detailed knowledge investigation.

Consider the Availability of Resources

Another practical aspect to consider is the availability of resources. Some topics may be more challenging to research due to limited materials or complex theoretical frameworks. As I know, access to a good range of sources eases essay writing stress and enriches your final TOK submission .

Discuss with Your Teacher

Finally, don’t underestimate the value of a good brainstorming session with your TOK teacher. Their insight into your strengths and weaknesses can be invaluable in selecting the most suitable prompt. From my experience, teachers often provide perspectives or resources you may not have considered, which can make all the difference in your writing process.

In conclusion, each TOK essay prompt for November 2024 presents a unique opportunity to refine your understanding of knowledge. I advise approaching your essay with curiosity and rigor and ensuring that your arguments are well-supported and articulated. The process of writing your TOK essay is as crucial as the final piece itself. Good luck, and remember that our experts at IBStudentHelp.com are always by your side!

Valerie Green

Valerie Green is a dedicated educator who spends her time helping high school and college students succeed. She writes articles and guides for various online education projects, providing students with the tools they need to excel in their studies. Friendly and approachable, she is committed to making a difference in the lives of students.

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TOK DISCUSSIONS

Theory of knowledge prescribed titles

November 2024 examination session

Does our responsibility to acquire knowledge vary according to the area of knowledge? Discuss with reference to history and one other area of knowledge.

In the production of knowledge, is ingenuity always needed but never enough? Discuss with reference to mathematics and one other area of knowledge.

How might it benefit an area of knowledge to sever ties with its past? Discuss with reference to two areas of knowledge.

To what extent do you agree that there is no significant difference between hypothesis and speculation? Discuss with reference to the human sciences and one other area of knowledge.

In the production of knowledge, are we too quick to dismiss anomalies? Discuss with reference to two areas of knowledge.

In the pursuit of knowledge, what is gained by the artist adopting the lens of the scientist and the scientist adopting the lens of the artist? Discuss with reference to the arts and the natural sciences.

November 2024 Title #1

Does our responsibility to acquire knowledge vary according to the area of knowledge?

Discuss with reference to history and one other area of knowledge.

This title reminds me of a knowledge question (KQ) from the TOK guide, categorized under the framework of “ethics.” The KQ asks: “Is there knowledge that a person or society has a responsibility to acquire or not to acquire?” The key words here are “responsibility” and “acquire.” It’s easy to mistake the intent of this title with the responsibility of historians and scientists in “producing” knowledge, but that’s not the focus here. So, I want to emphasize that “our responsibility” refers to us, the consumers of knowledge, both as individuals and as a society.

History is already selected as one area of knowledge for comparison. What historical knowledge are we, as individuals, nations, or humanity in general, responsible for acquiring? Should we know about the history of other countries or ethnic groups? Is knowledge about events like WWII necessary for a nation?

Develop your guiding knowledge question with ethics and the scope of knowledge in mind. Find real-life examples from history, one crucial to the survival of a nation or humanity, and perhaps one less relevant. Repeat this process for another area of knowledge, such as natural or human sciences, and develop your arguments accordingly.

Demonstrate your awareness of different viewpoints by exploring real-life examples illustrating our responsibility toward each area of knowledge.

Some might believe: “I must know everything about my nation’s history. Biology, however, doesn’t interest me.” Others might disagree: “I prioritize knowledge related to engineering for my country’s advancement, but I don’t see the importance of history.”

Where do you stand on this topic?

November 2024 Title #2

In the production of knowledge, is ingenuity always needed but never enough?

Discuss with reference to mathematics and one other area of knowledge.

Is it “always” needed but “never” enough? These are too strict words to be used in the theory of knowledge. Considering this, we can understand that the answer to this title question is “No!”

Clearly, this essay demands four real-life examples to explore all four corners of this title. The level of imagination and ingenuity required in mathematics can vary depending on the specific subfield and the problem being addressed. For example, applied mathematics fields such as numerical analysis and certain areas of statistics often involve a more straightforward application of mathematical techniques to solve practical problems. On the other hand, more abstract areas of mathematics, such as pure mathematics, theoretical computer science, and certain branches of algebra and topology, often require a higher level of imagination and ingenuity.

Obviously, you’ll want to choose arts as the opposing area of knowledge to mathematics. Some art forms might rely more heavily on technical skill or adherence to established conventions rather than radical innovation or imaginative exploration. For example, in disciplines like classical portraiture, certain forms of folk art, or crafts like quilting or woodcarving, the emphasis may be more on skillful execution within established parameters rather than pushing boundaries of imagination. In more abstract forms of art, however, ingenuity is paramount, as imagination and creativity are what drive artistic creation and the production of artistic knowledge.

It is important to introduce and explain the keywords “ingenuity,” “always,” and “never,” and to highlight that while ingenuity is necessary, it is not the sole factor contributing to knowledge production. Real-life examples should showcase different degrees of necessity for ingenuity, imagination, and creativity in the production of knowledge, compared to the role of other factors such as the application of established methods and tools, utilization of skills, or expanding existing knowledge parameters. As I mentioned above, the short answer to this title question is “no,” but you should show your total awareness of different points of view on this matter by exploring these real-life examples within the areas of knowledge of mathematics and one other.

November 2024 Title #3

How might it benefit an area of knowledge to sever ties with its past?

Discuss with reference to two areas of knowledge.

If you think of it, resetting human knowledge has no benefit, so how could severing ties with the past benefit an area of knowledge? Well, here you should first define “severing ties” in the context of knowledge. It may be a bit different from severing ties with relatives or organizations. Knowledge is to be built upon foundations that have been placed by earlier knowledge producers; however, it doesn’t mean that it should be “tied” to past knowledge. “Severing ties with the past” in the context of knowledge means not being bound to follow earlier knowledge at all costs. And that’s what knowledge is all about – to progress and produce newer, better knowledge.

On the other hand, blindly denying the past and trying to start from scratch can cost an area of knowledge and humanity a great deal.

In history, historians shouldn’t believe every single narrative that has been told and rely solely on them. Reevaluating evidence, trying to find new evidence, and forming more accurate narratives is how history can benefit from “severing ties” with its past as an area of knowledge. However, swiftly denying the history of a nation, a group, or the world, and forming whole new narratives is a dark path that won’t benefit history or humans in any possible way.

In human and natural sciences, paradigm shifts were instances when these areas of knowledge “severed ties” with their past in the context of knowledge production. There existed something called the mind and consciousness that could be studied, and its illnesses cured. Earth was no longer considered flat and the center of the universe. Copying nature in the most accurate way is not the only form of painting to be considered art, and literature can be more understandable to commoners and more friendly to read. These are the changes that happened in arts as a result of “severing ties” with the past and innovating new forms and methods.

Mathematics has seen many changes, much progress in its lifetime. Non-Euclidean geometries exist today because mathematicians like Carl Friedrich Gauss, Bernhard Riemann, and Nikolai Lobachevsky decided not to stick to the past and bring about new mathematical knowledge.

However, don’t forget that not everything went well when we decided to sever ties with the past, and even disasters happened that today we are still dealing with many of them. I abstain from bringing examples of what went wrong for two reasons: first of all, you can write your own essays without fear of plagiarism, and secondly, not to offend anyone or any group, which is indeed one of the disastrous results of severing ties with the past!

You will probably be safe to choose real-life examples in arts and mathematics. However, I warn you to be very careful in choosing your real-life examples from history and sciences as the examiner might not share the same degree of progressivism with you; they may be too progressive or too old-fashioned!

November 2024 Title #4

To what extent do you agree that there is no significant difference between hypothesis and speculation?

Discuss with reference to the human sciences and one other area of knowledge.

Well, I do not agree with this statement at all!

There’s a significant difference between a hypothesis and speculation in both the human and natural sciences. Speculation, which some consider forbidden, can lead to the formation of a hypothesis when done properly. While a hypothesis involves theorizing based on empirical evidence or potentially verifiable observations.

You might want to choose the human sciences as the area of knowledge mostly based on speculation, as opposed to the natural sciences, which are largely based on hypotheses. This could be a way to write a TOK essay in response to the given title. You may also want to consider exploring other titles for your essay.

November 2024 Title #5

In the production of knowledge, are we too quick to dismiss anomalies?

What’s an “anomaly” in the production of knowledge?

Archaeological findings that don’t match the popular historical narrative of a region, the jump of a stock in the stock market that goes against all economic theories, a fish that is older than the sea it’s found in, and many more events that disturb the widely accepted knowledge are all considered anomalies.

But, are we too quick to dismiss these anomalies? Sometimes, we are, and sometimes we are not.

You can find real-life examples where historians, scientists, and even mathematicians reacted to anomalies in a rejective way for the sake of “old knowledge” or due to the fear of the unknown. You can also find numerous real-life examples where anomalies were thoroughly inspected and investigated and caused a rewriting of historical narratives or reevaluation of scientific beliefs. Keep in mind that this title should be explored considering the production of knowledge, which means you should analyze how scientists, historians, and mathematicians reacted to anomalies, not ordinary citizens, also known as the consumers of knowledge.

Obviously, “anomaly” and “too quick to dismiss” are the keywords needing defining and explanation. You are supposed to examine through your real-life examples how quick “too quick” is to dismiss anomalies. You’ll reach the conclusion that sometimes anomalies were swiftly dismissed for the sake of favorability bias, fear of the unknown, or any other reason, and at times they were dismissed after thorough examination or accepted as a result of it. In doing so, you’ll show your full awareness of different points of view about this matter.

November 2024 Title #6

In the pursuit of knowledge, what is gained by the artist adopting the lens of the scientist and the scientist adopting the lens of the artist?

Discuss with reference to the arts and the natural sciences.

When we face a lot of information, it can be hard to know what is important for us to learn. One way to handle this is to think critically about what we want to learn and what we already know. We can then look at different sources of information and decide which ones are reliable and helpful. We must question the accuracy, trustworthiness, and recentness of the information.

There is also another hidden point in this title prompt – “what is significant for the acquisition” can refer to the type or delivery of the information compared to knowledge as a whole.

In natural sciences, when choosing between two nutrition apps, such as App A and App B, a person should research each app’s information, reviews, and endorsements from reputable organizations. Based on their findings, they can make an informed decision about which app to use. For example, if App A has positive reviews from users and nutrition experts, as well as personalized meal plans and progress tracking, it may be the better choice. However, the person may also want to compare both apps firsthand before deciding. Additionally, seeking out other sources of reliable nutrition information, such as reputable websites, books, or consulting with a registered dietitian, can help them make informed decisions about their health and nutrition goals.

In human sciences, when faced with two investment options, such as Option A and Option B, an investor must conduct research to determine which option offers the best return on investment. The investor should look for reviews and endorsements from reputable organizations, as well as any ratings from other investors. After researching both options, the investor might discover that Option A has a proven track record of delivering consistent returns, diversification of portfolio, and low fees, while Option B has a higher risk profile and mixed reviews. Based on this information, the investor might choose Option A for more reliable and consistent returns, or they may test both options firsthand before making a decision. Additionally, the investor might seek out other reliable sources of financial information, such as financial news websites, books, or a consultation with a financial advisor, to make informed decisions about their investments that align with their investment goals and risk tolerance.

You can find your own scenarios and real-life example and develop your argument in similar ways.

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Long Island Woman Arrested For Selling Misbranded And Adulterated Weight Loss Drugs, Including Ozempic, On TikTok

Department of Justice U.S. Attorney's Office Southern District of New York

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Wednesday, May 1, 2024

Isis Navarro Reyes Allegedly Sold Misbranded Adulterated Weight Loss Drugs to Customers Without a License to Administer Such Drugs

Damian Williams, the United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, and Fernando P. McMillan, the Special Agent in Charge of the New York Field Office of the Office of Criminal Investigations of the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (“FDA”), announced the unsealing of a criminal Complaint in Manhattan federal court charging ISIS NAVARRO REYES, a/k/a “Beraly Navarro,” with receipt of misbranded drugs in interstate commerce, dispensing misbranded drugs while held for sale, conspiracy to introduce and deliver for introduction misbranded drugs in interstate commerce, dispensing of misbranded drugs while held for sale, and smuggling.  As alleged in the Complaint, from about November 2022 through about January 2024, REYES marketed, advertised, and sold various misbranded and adulterated weight loss drugs, including Ozempic, Mesofrance, and Axcion, to followers on social media.  REYES, who is not licensed by law to administer prescription medication, obtained the weight loss drugs that she held for sale from Central and South America.  None of the weight loss drugs that REYES sold were approved for sale or dispensing in the United States by the FDA.  REYES was arrested this morning and will be presented in Manhattan federal court later today before U.S. Magistrate Judge Barbara Moses.

U.S. Attorney Damian Williams said: “As alleged, Isis Navarro Reyes used her social media following to sell weight loss drugs unapproved for distribution in the United States.  Reyes’s alleged unlawful dispensing of these drugs caused significant, life-threatening injuries to some victims and put all of her victims in harm’s way.  Recently, public interest in semaglutide and weight loss drugs has skyrocketed, and criminals have sought to take advantage of this interest for their ends.  With this, the first misbranding and adulteration charges brought pertaining to semaglutide, Reyes will be held accountable for her conduct, and criminals should think twice before trying to sell weight loss drugs without a license to do so.  This case makes clear that extreme caution and physician consultation should always be taken when purchasing medications, especially on social media.”

FDA Office of Criminal Investigations Special Agent in Charge Fernando P. McMillan said: “Selling misbranded prescription drugs, particularly injectable products that should be sterile, in the U.S. marketplace puts all consumers’ health at risk.  We will continue to pursue and bring to justice those who jeopardize the public’s health by selling misbranded drugs.” 

As alleged in the Complaint: 1

From about November 2022 through about November 2023, ISIS NAVARRO REYES, using TikTok, posted dozens of videos about weight loss drugs including, but not limited to, Ozempic, Axcion, and Mesotherapy.     

In her videos, REYES showcases the weight loss drugs, instructs viewers how frequently they should be used, describes how they should be taken or injected, and claims to describe her personal experiences — for example, side effects and effectiveness in causing weight loss — in detail.  In several of these videos, REYES tells viewers that they can contact her via an encrypted messaging application on her cellphone (the “Cellphone”) if they would like to order the weight loss drugs that she is selling. 

On about October 11, 2023, REYES posted a video pertaining to Ozempic.  In this video, REYES demonstrates how to inject oneself with the medication and shares her experience using the drug.  Toward the end of the video, REYES instructs viewers to contact her on the Cellphone if they are interested in having her obtain Ozempic for them.  A screenshot from this TikTok post is below: 

In about December 2023, a law enforcement officer acting in an undercover capacity (the “UC”) began messaging REYES on the Cellphone.  From about December 2023 through about January 2024, the UC and REYES exchanged several messages concerning REYES’s supply of Ozempic and the UC’s interest in purchasing Ozempic from REYES.  On about January 7, 2024, pursuant to instructions from REYES, the UC sent $375 to a Zelle account in the name of “Isis Reyes Navarro.”  REYES did not ask the UC to provide a prescription, and the UC did not provide one.  On about January 9, 2024, REYES dropped off a package intended for the UC at a post office located in or around Shirley, New York.

On about January 12, 2024, law enforcement received a package addressed to the UC from REYES (the “UC Parcel”) in Manhattan.  The UC Parcel contained a box containing what purported to be Ozempic. 2  Photos of packaging containing the purported Ozempic that REYES mailed the UC are below:

All of the labeling accompanying the Ozempic in the UC Parcel was in Spanish, in violation of FDA regulations.

In about November 2022, a woman who had viewed content posted to REYES’s TikTok account (“Victim-1”) called the Cellphone for the purpose of ordering weight loss drugs.  The individual who answered Victim‑1’s call identified herself as “Isis Navarro Reyes.”  In about February 2023, Victim-1 purchased 30 injections of Mesofrance, an injectable weight loss drug, from REYES.  REYES mailed the Mesofrance to Victim-1’s residence in White Plains, New York.  REYES did not ask Victim-1 to provide a prescription, and Victim-1 did not provide one. 

Between about February 2023 and about June 2023, Victim-1 self-administered 28 injections.  In an audio message that she recorded and transmitted, REYES provided Victim-1 with instructions on how to administer the drug.  REYES told Victim-1, among other things, to inject herself every three days.  All of the labeling of the vials that contained the Mesofrance that Victim‑1 purchased from REYES were in a language other than English, in violation of FDA regulations.

On about July 13, 2023, Victim-1 began developing lesions from administering the Mesofrance.  Victim-1 sent messages to REYES about her injuries and sent photos.  In about October 2023, Victim-1’s physician diagnosed her with a mycobacterium abscessus infection, which is frequently caused by the contamination of medications, medical products, and medical devices with the mycobacterium abscessus bacterium.  In about November 2023, the New York Department of Health tested one of the vials of Mesofrance that Victim-1 purchased from REYES.  The substance tested positive for mycobacterium abscessus, a species of rapidly growing, multidrug-resistant, nontuberculous mycobacteria.

*                *                *

REYES, 36, of Shirley, New York, is charged with one count of smuggling, which carries a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison; one count of receipt of misbranded drugs in interstate commerce, which carries a maximum sentence of one year in prison; one count of dispensing of a misbranded drug while held for sale, which carries a maximum sentence of one year in prison; one count of conspiracy to introduce and deliver for introduction a misbranded drug in interstate commerce, which carries a maximum sentence of one year in prison; and two counts of dispensing of misbranded drugs while held for sale, each of which carry a maximum sentence of one year in prison.

 The maximum potential sentences are prescribed by Congress and are provided here for informational purposes only, as any sentencing of the defendant would be determined by a judge.

Mr. Williams praised the outstanding investigative work of the FDA Office of Criminal Investigations, the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, and the Task Force Officers assigned to the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of New York.

This case is being handled by the Office’s Narcotics Unit.  Assistant U.S. Attorney Brandon C. Thompson is in charge of the prosecution.

The charges contained in the Complaint are merely accusations, and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.

Nicholas Biase, Lauren Scarff, Shelby Wratchford (212) 637-2600

• 1 As the introductory phrase signifies, the entirety of the text of the Complaint and the description of the Complaint set forth herein constitute only allegations, and every fact described herein should be treated as an allegation.
• 2 To date, there is no evidence that the Ozempic that REYES sold the UC is not genuine.