Responses (Nov 2015) — Summary

The list of IB TOK Prescribed Titles for November 2015 will be collected in this post.

Topic Titles:

1. “The main reason knowledge is produced is to solve problems.” To what extent do you agree with this statement?
2. Assess the advantages and disadvantages of using models to produce knowledge of the world.
3. “Without the group to verify it, knowledge is not possible.” Discuss.
4. “In some areas of knowledge we try to reduce a complex whole to simple components, but in others we try to integrate simple components into a complex whole.” Discuss this distinction with reference to two areas of knowledge.
5. “No knowledge can be produced by a single way of knowing.” Discuss.
6. Is explanation a prerequisite for prediction? Explore this question in relation to two areas of knowledge.

Responses:

This list is even more intriguing than the previous one because the questions adopt a more contentious slant. The emphasis seems to be one of debate, in which Yes/No positions are key for questions 3-6, whereas questions 1-2 are general and broadly discursive.

St David's Day (2015)

Today is St David's Day. David of Glyn Rhosyn is the patron saint of Wales. He once said, "Be joyful, and keep your faith and your creed. Do the little things." It reminds me that this is why the best is yet to be: the little things come first, so that greater things can happen in the years ahead.