Posted: May 12th, 2015

Theory of Knowledge (IB)

Study Books Used in Class:
Various internet sources.

Just google “Theory of Knowledge”, esp. “Theory of Knowledge essay November 2012 titles”.
Description:
The Theory of Knowledge Essay is an important component of my IB Diploma, and I cannot be awarded my IB Diploma without it. It is a 1,200 – 1,600 word essay on one of several prescribed topics. The topic I have chosen is “What counts as knowledge in the Arts? Discuss by comparing with one other area of knowledge.”

In TOK, the areas of knowledge taught are: the Arts (Visual art, music, literature), Natural sciences, Mathematics, Human sciences and History. I am happy for the writer to choose any which one of these to compare with knowledge in the Arts, but I personally think that natural sciences or mathematics would provide the most interesting contrast. In addition to the areas of knowing, there are the TOK ‘ways of knowing’: sense perception, reason, emotion, authority and language/tone/symbols/nomenclature.

Here are some links discussing TOK and the essay

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Theory_of_knowledge_%28IB_course%29

ibtokspot.blogspot.com.au

There are many more resources online, as the essay is one completed by all IB students for their diploma.

Excellent TOK essays are typically well reasoned and critical, though they have a strong personal voice throughout. They are also keen to refer to your own experiences “as a knower”.

They also want us to use lots of “knowledge issues” — essentially where we question “how do we know?”

I’m placing an order here because I have multiple assignments due very close to one another, and this had coincided with a number of crises in my home. I am unable to get an extension for the assignment 🙁

I’m going to paste here an outline/guide for writing the essay that I downloaded from online. I’m not sure how much it will help you…

“Print this template, and then use it by replacing the text in the template by your own. When you paste your text into this template choose the option ‘keep text only’, this way the formatting will remain correct. In the introduction you should mention assumption(s) of the topic. Challenge them as this shows you are thinking critically and independently. Write a thesis statement or mention which issues you will explore and provide a short overview of which ideas you will discuss in your essay. Avoid dictionary definitions; rather focus immediately to knowledge issues (some which you have identified by challenging the assumptions of the topic).

“Remember to leave a space between each paragraph. In this paragraph take an example from an area of knowledge. Show how it supports your thesis. Discuss an area of knowledge but make it specific. Instead of talking about science in general, talk about a particular scientific theory or discovery. Remember to discuss counter-arguments i.e. what in what way this example may not provide comprehensive support to your argument.

“In this paragraph take an example from another area of knowledge, and do the same as above.

“In this paragraph discuss some of your personal experience and how they link to the topic. Try to keep personal voice throughout the essay.

“In next few paragraphs discuss how some ways of knowing (perception, reason, language, emotion) are linked to your topic. Tell how these ways of knowing affect what kind of knowledge we gain and reliability of knowledge.

“Add some personal reflection. Show how in course of answering the question you have become more aware of your own biases and limitations as a knower.

“Use interesting and topical examples relevant to the topic. You may have to do some research to find these. Ask your teacher, consult the TOK textbook, visit the library, search the Internet, search the BBC websites and buy popular science and current affairs magazines and watch relevant TED talks http://www.ted.com/talks.

“Add in-text referencing or footnotes. When you mention an idea from some source, write the sentence first and then after that put your reference in brackets before the full stop, like this (Smith, J., 1995: 25). This style of referencing is called the Harvard style. If your school uses some other style of referencing, for example the Oxford style that requires footnotes, you can generate them in Word by clicking Insert, Reference, Footnote and you get a footnote like this.1

“As you are writing the essay, keep the assessment criteria visible. You are writing towards the assessment criteria to maximize your grade. Use the terminology used in the assessment criteria in your essay: talk about ‘ways of knowing’, ‘areas of knowledge’, ‘knowledge issues’, ‘self-awareness’, ‘reflection’, ‘justification’, ‘evidence’, ‘counterclaims’ and ‘concepts’.

“In conclusion, refer back to the essay question and provide a short answer to it. Refer to the arguments and evidence you have mentioned in your essay. Shortly mention what are the strengths and limitations of your argument and pose open questions. Remember http://www.tok-essay.com/ is always ready to help you. You can also find more ideas on our Facebook Page https://www.facebook.com/pages/TOK-Essay-Theory-of-Knowledge-help/222978367729649?sk=wall. Good luck!

BIBLIOGRAPHY

Smith, J. 1995, What is Knowledge, Oxford University Press, London.”

Many thanks and please get back to me if there are any questions!