tok essay questions 2024

Unpacking the 2024 November TOK Titles: A Comprehensive IB Solved Guide

Two human heads with a question mark between them

The November 2024 IB Theory of Knowledge (TOK) Essay Titles are out!

Let's be honest – tackling the TOK essay can be a daunting task. With so many ideas, concepts and topics at our disposal and a myriad of ideas swirling around, it's easy to feel overwhelmed at the outset.

That's where we come in.

In this article, we'll delve into each title and offer some strategic advice on how to approach them.

General Tips to Unpacking a Title

When we first encounter a prompt, we want to think in terms of perspectives and counter-perspectives (formerly known as claims and counterclaims). This framework allows for a structured essay, exploring the title through the lens of two chosen Areas of Knowledge (AOKs) and weaving in different arguments. While the ultimate conclusion you draw may often reside somewhere between these extremes or on a conditional basis (e.g. perspective 1 is correct in certain circumstances, while perspective 2 is a better approach in other), starting with opposing arguments can facilitate the development of a more nuanced exploration and argument.

So let's get to it – here is everything you need to know about the November 2024 TOK Essay titles:

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.

Recommended AOKs: History (Mandatory) and Natural Sciences/The Arts/Human Sciences

This title prompts an assessment of whether we have different levels of responsibility to acquire knowledge across different AOKs. While you are open to argue against the title directly, suggesting that the responsibility is the same across AOKs, this would be unwise. It would be better to reflect on each AOK and perhaps present one perspective in support of the responsibility and one perspective against it, drawing a conclusion on which argument is stronger in each AOK.

Also consider the difference between the acquisition and production of knowledge – perhaps we have a broader responsibility to produce new knowledge in some areas of knowledge but not necessarily to acquire it as individual knowers.

Some perspectives you may consider:

Perspective: We have a responsibility to acquire knowledge to ensure that we construct an accurate record of the past. It is our responsibility to know our History and learn from the past.

Counter-Perspective: Historical knowledge is limited by subjectivity and collective memory, hence it is not essential to acquire knowledge of our past to build a successful future.

Perspective: We have a responsibility to acquire artistic knowledge to understand cultures and societies.

Counter-Perspective: The acquisition of knowledge in the Arts is for aesthetic purposes and enjoyment, not the fulfilment of a responsibility.

Natural Sciences/Human Sciences

Perspective: We have a responsibility to acquire new scientific knowledge for the continual development of mankind.

Counter-Perspective: Understanding how the world/humans work is not necessary knowledge for knowers to acquire.

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.

Recommended AOKs: Mathematics (Mandatory) and Natural Sciences/The Arts/Human Sciences

This is a super interesting title – ensure you define 'ingenuity' from the outset. The essay almost structures itself – your first paragraph in each AOK can consider how/whether ingenuity is 'always needed', exploring how this plays out in each AOK, while the second paragraph can explore whether or not it is 'never enough'.

Some ideas you may consider:

Paradigm Shifts – To revolutionise an AOK, often ingenuity is needed to enact a paradigm shift (a new way of thinking which changes the entire knowledge structure of an AOK) and to ensure progress.

Creativity – Creative thinking is important not only for AOKs such as the Arts, but even in Mathematics and the Sciences. Discovering innovative ways of devising experiments or utilising clever analogies to explain incredibly complex concepts is integral to these AOKs.

Structure – Ingenuity is only valuable within a framework for knowledge production, whether this be an artistic process or the scientific method.

Title 3: How might it benefit an area of knowledge to sever ties with its past? Discuss with reference to two areas of knowledge.

Recommended AOKs: History, Natural Sciences, The Arts and Human Sciences

The 'How' of this title restricts the scope to discussing different 'benefits' rather than a standard 'perspective-counter' analysis. It will also be important to define exactly what 'severing ties' involves – does this mean completely ignoring all past knowledge or simply becoming less attached to existing ways of thinking?

Some ideas for this title:

Fresh Ideas and Paradigm Shifts – By severing ties, you open up the possibility of acquiring knowledge which can overhaul an entire AOK, drastically accelerating progress.

Bias – By severing past ties, knowers can free themselves of the biases of their predecessors.

Innovation – Since existing frameworks of thinking often lead to similar conclusions, you can expand the possibilities of new knowledge by severing past ties.

However, you may interestingly conclude that these benefits are only reaped when ties to the past are severed to an extent, as it may be detrimental to an AOK to entirely negate past knowledge.

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.

Recommended AOKs: Human Sciences and History/Natural Sciences

This prompt is very focused on your definitions. I would suggest defining these terms distinctly and precisely from the outset. The primary question which this title is asking is whether hypotheses are mere "speculation" or "guesses", or if there is a significant difference.

Also, if selecting the Human and Natural Sciences, please ensure that your perspectives aren't repetitious and highlight the differences between these AOKs.

Development – Speculation and hypothesis differ in the fact that the development of a hypothesis generally requires significant prior research and an understanding of existing knowledge

Experimentation – Hypotheses are developed purposefully and then empirical experimentation are conducted to provide evidence either in support or against them

Emotion – Speculation tends to come from 'feelings' or 'impressions', whereas the development of a hypothesis is far more methodical

Title 5: In the production of knowledge, are we too quick to dismiss anomalies? Discuss with reference to two areas of knowledge.

Recommended AOKs: Human Sciences/History/Natural Sciences

This title allows you to reflect on whether or not we dismiss 'anomalies' (a key term to be defined) too quickly when producing knowledge.

Paradigm Shift – Anomalies are often the prompt for a paradigm shift in the sciences, causing us to challenge existing beliefs and ideas

Exceptions – Often rather than investigating anomalies further and considering an overhaul of existing knowledge, anomalies are dismissed as 'exceptions' to the rule, rather than a justification to question the rule itself

Generalisation – There is often a focus on generating 'general' rules and theories which can lead anomalies to be dismissed (think of the Human Sciences – how often do we produce a rule about human behaviour but ignore those who behave contrary to the rule)

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.

Recommended AOKs: The Arts and the Natural Sciences

This title requires you to define the 'lens' of each of these AOKs from the outset. It will be better to define them quite opposingly – the scientist is more methodical, experimental and structured, whilst the artist is more free-flowing and creative. You will then be able to take these attributes and argue which elements would be better across the two disciplines.

Creativity – Scientists can benefit from the creativity of artists when developing innovative ways of experimenting, presenting results and constructing abstract theories

Structure – Artists can often benefit from a methodical approach to constructing art, particularly when aiming to convey a specific message or purpose through their art

Flexibility – Artists are often quite flexible when constructing an artwork, always willing to change and adapt to their free-flowing thoughts, an attribute which is highly beneficial for scientists who at times may become rigid in their thinking and fixed to pre-existing scientific beliefs.

And that's it - our comprehensive guide to the 2024 November TOK Titles! If you're still racking your brain as to how to begin the writing process for your TOK essay, why not check out our post on The Complete IB TOK Essay Guide . Or check out one of our Grade A Exemplar TOK Essays ! Or better yet, if you are looking for some more personal assistance with your IB TOK Essay, click below to reach out to us and we can work with you through the entire writing process, from title selection to the best structure for success!

Internal Assessment Guides

May 2024 TOK Essay Titles Guide. Short Descriptions & Writing Tips

Hello, IB scholars! As someone deeply immersed in the International Baccalaureate (IB) world for years, I’m thrilled to share my insights on the May 2024 TOK essay titles. Understanding these complex topics can be daunting, but fear not! I’m here to guide you through each one, offering my seasoned perspective on approaching them effectively.

What Are TOK Essay Prescribed Titles?

As an experienced IB writer and advisor, I’ve guided numerous students through the intricate world of the IB Theory of Knowledge essays. In my years of involvement, I’ve understood the essence of TOK essay titles and their significance in the IB curriculum.

TOK essay titles are a unique set of essay questions the IB organization releases annually. They are designed to challenge students to reflect critically on the nature of knowledge and how we come to know what we claim to know. So, each title poses a unique question that encourages deep thinking. As you contemplate your TOK essay, consider these key elements:

Clarity of Understanding . Ensure you fully comprehend the nuances of the prescribed title.
Select AOKs and WOKs . Choose relevant Areas of Knowledge and Ways of Knowing that align with the title.
Real-Life Examples . Include practical situations to illustrate your arguments vividly.
Critical Thinking . Analyze and evaluate your examples and arguments from multiple perspectives.
Personal Insight . Reflect on your views and experiences concerning the title.

After choosing your focus, it’s time to structure your essay. A well-organized essay presents your ideas clearly and demonstrates your ability to think logically and coherently. Also, remember about word count . Start with an introduction outlining your understanding of the title and thesis. In the body, develop your arguments systematically, using your chosen AOKs and WOKs. Each paragraph should present a unique point supported by real-life examples and critical analysis.

Concluding your essay is just as important. An excellent conclusion summarizes your key points and reflects your argument’s broader implications. It’s a chance to leave a lasting impression on your reader, showing how your research contributes to a deeper understanding of knowledge.

May 2024 TOK Essay Titles: Detailed Breakdown

The May 2024 TOK essay titles cover intriguing and challenging topics that encourage critical thinking and deep analysis of knowledge:

Is subjectivity overly celebrated in the arts but unfairly condemned in history? Discuss with reference to the Arts and History.
How can we reconcile the opposing demands for specialization and generalization in the production of knowledge? Discuss with reference to Mathematics and one other Area of Knowledge.
Nothing is more exciting than fresh ideas, so why are areas of knowledge often so slow to adopt them? Discuss with reference to the Human Sciences and one other Area of Knowledge.
Do we underestimate the challenges of taking knowledge out of its original context and transferring it to a different context? Discuss with reference to two Areas of Knowledge.
Do we need custodians of knowledge? Discuss with reference to two Areas of Knowledge.
Are we too quick to assume that the most recent evidence is inevitably the strongest? Discuss with reference to the Natural Sciences and one other Area of Knowledge.

For a successful TOK essay, it’s essential to blend personal insights with academic viewpoints, create a clear and cohesive argument, and effectively address counterarguments. Remember, it is about presenting facts, researching, and reflecting on the nature of knowledge and key TOK concepts . Take this opportunity to engage critically and creatively with the topics. Now, I will guide you through each title and offer my perspective on addressing them.

1. Subjectivity in Arts and History

The debate over subjectivity’s role in arts versus history is fascinating. Often, we see a celebration of personal interpretation in the arts, whereas history demands objectivity. But should this be the case? Consider Arts and History as your Areas of Knowledge (AOKs) as you write this essay. For Ways of Knowing (WOKs), Emotion and Reason can provide deep insights. Real-life situations (RLSs) might include the analysis of a historical event or an art movement. My advice? Highlight the contrast in how subjectivity is perceived in these fields. Additionally, reflect on whether this difference is justified due to cultural bias.

2. Specialization vs. Generalization in Knowledge

Balancing the tension between specialization and generalization in knowledge production is a challenge. Mathematics is a perfect example of specialization, while Ethics can represent generalization. Logic and Intuition, as WOKs, play significant roles here. Consider using examples like mathematical theories for specialization and ethical dilemmas for generalization. To write a compelling essay, balance the two sides, providing arguments and examples from both Mathematics and another AOK of your choice.

3. Adoption of New Ideas in Knowledge Areas

Why are some knowledge areas slower to adopt new ideas? It is a question of cultural and academic inertia. Consider using Human Sciences and perhaps Natural Sciences AOK to research this. Imagination and Memory, as WOKs, are crucial in understanding this phenomenon. Use examples like breakthroughs in scientific research or new sociological theories as RLSs. Your essay should examine the resistance to new ideas and hypothesize why this occurs.

4. Knowledge Contextualization Challenges

One of the most underestimated aspects of knowledge is its context. Whether it’s Indigenous Knowledge Systems or Religious Knowledge Systems, the challenges of transferring knowledge to a different context are immense. Ways of Knowing, like Faith and Sense Perception, can be crucial in understanding these challenges. Use examples from different cultural contexts or religious texts to illustrate your points. Your essay should investigate these complexities and offer insights into how context shapes understanding.

5. The Role of Custodians in Knowledge

The question of whether we need custodians to safeguard knowledge is intriguing. Ethics and History can serve as your AOKs here, with Language and Emotion as WOKs. Consider using examples like ethical guidelines in research or preserving historical documents as RLSs. In your essay, debate the necessity of having custodians in knowledge, providing arguments for and against their role.

6. Evaluating Recent Evidence in Knowledge

Finally, the assumption that recent evidence is inherently more substantial is worth examining. Natural Sciences and Arts are suitable AOKs for this discussion. Use Reason and Perception as WOKs, and look at examples like the latest scientific findings or contemporary art trends as your RLSs. It’s essential to question the validity of new evidence compared to established knowledge. Your essay should balance this evaluation, presenting a nuanced view of how we perceive and value new information in different AOKs.

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Tok essay titles: common mistakes to avoid.

With the May 2024 TOK essay titles announced, I want to share some common pitfalls to avoid, ensuring you can write a well-thought-out and engaging paper. Be sure to pay attention to these mistakes.

1. Misunderstanding the Title

A standard error involves failing to understand the essay title fully. Each TOK prompt is intricately designed to provoke deep thinking. Make sure you grasp the nuances of the question and understand its connection to the Areas of Knowledge and Ways of Knowing.

2. Lack of Personal Engagement

While TOK essays require academic rigor, they also demand personal reflection. Students often miss the opportunity to express their perspectives and experiences. Relate the title to your insights, ensuring your essay reflects your unique understanding.

3. Over-Reliance on One Area of Knowledge

Frequently, essays become unbalanced by focusing too heavily on a single AOK. Discussing multiple AOKs where applicable is crucial, showing a broad understanding of how the title applies across different areas.

4. Ignoring Counterarguments

A good TOK essay presents a balanced view. You must acknowledge and investigate counterarguments to strengthen your essay. Demonstrate your ability to consider different perspectives and their implications.

5. Inadequate Structure and Flow

Essays often lose marks due to poor organization. A well-structured TOK essay with a clear introduction, body, and conclusion makes your argument more persuasive and accessible.

6. Insufficient Evidence and Examples

TOK essay without concrete examples lacks depth. Use relevant real-life situations and examples to support your points, making your arguments more compelling.

7. Neglecting the Criteria

The IB provides specific criteria for TOK essays. Familiarize yourself with these guidelines and ensure your TOK essay aligns with them. Pay attention to aspects like knowledge questions, analysis, and implications.

8. Plagiarism and Inaccurate Citations

Originality is key in TOK essays. Avoid plagiarism by properly citing sources and presenting your analysis. TOK is about your interpretation of knowledge, not just repeating others’ ideas.

The Bottom Line

This guide aims to spark your interest and offer a direct path for tackling the TOK essay topics. A remarkable essay achieves its essence by balancing your perspectives with thoroughly researching the Areas of Knowledge and Ways of Knowing. I encourage you to incorporate real-world instances that substantiate your viewpoints.

Above all, take pleasure in the process of dissecting these intricate questions. The experience gained in engaging with TOK is as valuable as the result itself. Also, you can contact our IB TOK Essay Help Service specialists for guidance or assistance. We provide top-quality help in writing TOK essays so that you can focus on what’s essential — studying!

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May 2024 TOK Essay Prompts | IB Experts Guide + Examples

Table of contents

Writing Metier

The TOK essay prescribed titles for May 2024 are now available. Understanding these TOK essay prompts is essential for IB students aiming for a successful essay. This is why I’m writing this article with expert suggestions from our IB experts for you.

UPD… November 2024 TOK titles released !

I do not want to spend your precious time with a long introduction, so let me go straight to the point!

May 2024 TOK essay titles list

Here’s a breakdown of each title, offering insights and potential approaches.

Is subjectivity overly celebrated in the arts but unfairly condemned in history? Discuss with reference to the arts and history.
How can we reconcile the opposing demands for specialization and generalization in the production of knowledge? Discuss with reference to mathematics and one other area of knowledge.
Nothing is more exciting than fresh ideas, so why are areas of knowledge often so slow to adopt them? Discuss with reference to the human sciences and one other area of knowledge.
Do we underestimate the challenges of taking knowledge out of its original context and transferring it to a different context? Discuss with reference to two areas of knowledge.
Do we need custodians of knowledge? Discuss with reference to two areas of knowledge.
Are we too quick to assume that the most recent evidence is inevitably the strongest? Discuss with reference to the natural sciences and one other area of knowledge.

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At Writing Metier, we understand the intricacies and challenges of crafting a compelling TOK essay . Our team of seasoned IB experts is here to guide you every step of the way for Custom TOK Essay

We will provide you with a tailor-made sample TOK essay that aligns seamlessly with your specific instructions, adheres to the TOK essay rubric , and meets the overarching IB criteria.

Trust in our expertise and let us support you in achieving excellence in your TOK essay writing .

Breakdown of each 2024 May TOK Essay Prompt

Now, let me break each TOK essay title for May 2024 in detail. I’ll also suggest several possible areas of knowledge, ways of knowing and applicable real-life examples to give you some inspiration for these prompts.

Let’s begin!

TITLE 1: Is subjectivity overly celebrated in the arts but unfairly condemned in history? Discuss with reference to the arts and history.

Examine the role of emotion and intuition WOKs in the arts, where personal interpretations often lead to diverse artistic expressions.

For instance, Picasso’s abstract art is open to multiple interpretations. Contrast this with history, where reason and language WOKs play a pivotal role in documenting events.

For example, while historians value primary sources for their objectivity, they often criticize biased accounts.

TITLE 2: How can we reconcile the opposing demands for specialization and generalization in the production of knowledge? Discuss with reference to mathematics and one other area of knowledge.

In mathematics, specialization might refer to mastering a specific theorem, while generalization involves understanding broader mathematical principles.

For instance, Pythagoras’ theorem is specialized, but its application in various real-life scenarios , like architecture, is a generalization. Contrast this with the natural sciences, where specialized knowledge might refer to niche research studies, while general knowledge encompasses broader scientific theories.

TITLE 3: Nothing is more exciting than fresh ideas, so why are areas of knowledge often so slow to adopt them? Discuss with reference to the human sciences and one other area of knowledge.

In human sciences, new psychological theories, for instance, undergo rigorous testing and peer reviews before acceptance. This slow adoption ensures reliability.

Contrast this with ethics, where new moral ideas, like those concerning AI’s rights, face resistance due to cultural and societal values, making their adoption slow.

TITLE 4: Do we underestimate the challenges of taking knowledge out of its original context and transferring it to a different context? Discuss with reference to two areas of knowledge.

In religious knowledge systems, scriptures taken out of their historical context can lead to misinterpretations.

For instance, ancient religious texts might not directly apply to modern ethical dilemmas.

Similarly, in the arts, a piece of art created in a specific cultural context might lose its original meaning when viewed in a different cultural setting.

TITLE 5: Do we need custodians of knowledge? Discuss with reference to two areas of knowledge.

In indigenous knowledge systems, elders often act as custodians, preserving traditions and stories for future generations. Their role ensures that knowledge is not lost over time.

In contrast, academic journals and institutions act as custodians in the natural sciences, ensuring that scientific knowledge is recorded, peer-reviewed, and accessible for future research.

TITLE 6: Are we too quick to assume that the most recent evidence is inevitably the strongest? Discuss with reference to the natural sciences and one other area of knowledge.

In the natural sciences, newer research, such as recent findings on climate change, might be considered more accurate due to advanced technology and methodologies. However, it’s essential to consider the reliability and validity of these findings.

In history, newer historical evidence, like a recently discovered manuscript, might shed light on an event, but its authenticity and context must be verified.

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May 2024 TOK essay samples

Let’s start with the sample of the TOK essay on May 2024 prompt 2 – How can we reconcile the opposing demands for specialization and generalization in the production of knowledge?

TOK essay sample How can we reconcile the opposing demands for specialization

If you need a professionally written TOK essay, feel free to ask for help from our IB experts.

If you have missed it, I also have an article about prior TOK essay titles with suggestions and samples. Make sure to check them out as well!

The year 2023:

November 2023 TOK essay prompts
May 2023 TOK essay titles

The year 2022:

November 2022 TOK essay prompts
May 2022 ToK essay titles

Previous years’ prompts:

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

With a clear understanding of these TOK titles, IB students are well-prepared to select a topic and begin their essay.

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Keep in mind that the key to a compelling TOK essay is a thorough understanding of the chosen prompt and a structured approach to addressing it.

If you need assistance writing a custom TOK essay , Writing Metier is here to help you out. Contact our support team via email or using a live chat or simply fill out our online order form with details of your IB TOK essay.

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November 2024 TOK Essay Prescribed Titles with Examples and Detailed Explanation

Updated: May 10

The Theory of Knowledge Essay Prescribed Titles for the November 2024 session is now available! Check them out below:

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.

I will be doing an in-depth explanation and provide detailed examples for each of the prescribed titles in a few days' time, so bookmark this page and stay tuned as explanations are released!

In the mean time, check out our plethora of TOK resources that can help you start planning and writing for your TOK Essay.

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 is an interesting title that explores acquisition of knowledge. From the perspective of a student, you should have much experience in your acqusition of knowledge. It can be helpful to ask what is our role as a student? to what extent should we learn a particular area of knowledge and not another? what motivates us to acquire knowledge? It is important to recognize that our responsibility to acquire knowledge does vary according to the area of knowledge. In mathematics for example, we may be interested in learning rigorous ways to solve quantitative problems, while in the arts, we are less interested about such rigour, and more interested about the creative process to create meaning in various art mediums. Take the contrived example of a doctor versus an artist. The responsibility for a doctor to acquire accurate knowledge about human physiology is crucial, because it is a literal matter of life or death, while the same cannot be expected of an artist. The responsility of an artist is to create meaning through forms, and mediums. In that sense, the responsibility of one person can be vastly different to another, but also, each person will have a different set of responsibilities in different areas of knowledge.

How do we think about this in a more "TOK-like" way? It helps to consider the nature of each Area of Knowledge. As a student of history, it would be irresponsible to only study one point of view of the past, rather than considering many different perspectives to draw a well-balanced conclusion about the historical events. Why? Because history is subjective and influenced by bias, our responsibility to acquire knowledge in this area is particularly important in order to understand the complexities of the past. In contrast, in mathematics, where knowledge is more objective and universal, the responsibility lies more in grasping concepts and applying logical reasoning rather than critically analysing multiple perspectives. Thus, it can be argued that the purpose of each AOK drives the responsibility of those who acquire its knowledge.

When writing this prompt, make sure that you remain focused on the acqusition process for knowledge. How does the AOK ensure you fulfill your responsibilities, what is the importance of these responsibilities, what are they and how are they determined? It is important to clearly distinguish and identify the responsibilities in each AOK, to ensure a clear focus on the title. While it may be tempting to stray into the production of knowledge in these AOKs, for the sake of clarity and focus, you should not do so. Consider picking AOKs which are quite contrasting in the way you acquire knowledge, a combination of History with Science or Mathematics presents a good argument about responsibilities between a more quantitative versus qualitative field, while consisdering Arts with History could bring out the influence of having a rigorous and defined methology (in history) in applying strict responsbilities towards the acqusition of knowledge. This prompt is also ideal to consider your position as a knower, and apply personal examples. Not only is it strategically important (given that it is harder to nullify your own experience than a researched one), but also because this prompt is closely aligned with what you are experiencing in your current academic journey - learning.

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.

Ingenuity can be defined as a creative process, a way to produce knowledge that requires creativity, innovation or novel methods. Thinking about the ways that producers of knowledge need to be ingenious in the way they produce knowledge would be helpful to understanding and choosing examples for this prompt. I suggest defining your own definition for ingenuity so that you have a solid foundation from which to build up your argument about the necessity of ingenuity in your chosen AOKs.

So how is ingenuity needed in each AOK? For the AOK of mathematics, an obvious example could be how proofs for mathematics are found, and how solutions to infamous mathematical problems are suddenly solved. There are many theorems which were solved this way, and I'm sure budding mathematicians will find talking about examples for this particular prompt very insightful and interesting. If you are less mathematically inclined, don't be scared off by the complexity of mathematics as an AOK. You can check out 3blue1brown which is a Youtube channel that discusses a lot about interesting mathematical problems. Here, I will provide one example of ingenuity in solutions to Mathematical problems.

We have many problems that are still unsolved in mathematics. Most famously, the Riemann hypothesis. You don't need to understand what it really is about, but just knowing that there are still unsolved problems out there is good for broadening your understanding of the AOK. Furthermore, often times, the problems are usually intuitive to understand, but with non-trivial solutions. You can have a look at the many wonderfully intuitive explanations of why mathematical problems and their solutions work from the aforementioned 3blue1brown Youtube channel. They have many wonderfully satisfying graphical explanations. Just as a motivating example, we may want to know why the harmonic sequence (1/n) leads to values which go smaller and smaller, but the series (the sum of their values) are not convergent. I encourage you to look at both a formal proof of this, and also a "intuitive" proof.

This is the distinction in mathematics that is quite unique. There is a 'common sense' way to explain why something works versus a 'rigourous' way to proof that something does work. For example, by intuition, we know that adding an odd number to an even number gives you an odd number. However, how do we proof this rigorously? You may learn ways such as direct proof, or proof by induction, contradiction, etc. These are all various methods and systems to prove statements and produce knowledge. However, it is when a mathematical problem cannot be proved in such ways that we may require ingenuity. Hence, it would be good for anyone considering this topic to have a solid interest/foundation in mathematics, and think about the ways YOU typically find answers to problems, versus the ways that solutions are found for more complicated mathematical results.

In other areas of knowledge, we can see how ingenuity is often related to significant results. For example, it is pretty well known that the discovery of penicillin was a total accident - there was some creative process involved to eventually turn it into the revolutionary drug we have today. So how does each AOK's methodology allow for the use of ingenuity as methods and tools to produce knowledge?

How is ingenuity needed to produce knowledge in mathematics, science, history and arts?

Is it enough to just rely on ingenuity for each AOK?

Title 3 - How might it benefit an area of knowledge to sever ties with its past? Discuss with reference to two areas of knowledge.

The relationship between an area of knowledge and its historical roots is a complex and nuanced topic. While there can be benefits to severing ties with the past, the extent to which this is desirable or feasible varies across different areas of knowledge.

One potential advantage of an area of knowledge severing ties with its past is the opportunity for methodological and systematic change. This can be particularly beneficial when the foundational assumptions, approaches, or paradigms of a field have become outdated, limiting, or hindering progress.

In the field of medicine, for example, the transition from traditional practices rooted in ancient humoral theory to the modern, evidence-based approach of modern biomedicine has been transformative. By severing ties with the past and embracing a more rigorous, scientific methodology, the medical field has been able to make significant advancements in understanding the human body, developing effective treatments, and improving patient outcomes.

Similarly, the emergence of psychology as an independent discipline, distinct from its philosophical origins, has allowed for the development of specialized research methods, experimental designs, and empirical investigations that have expanded our understanding of the human mind and behavior. This methodological shift has been crucial in establishing psychology as a robust and respected area of knowledge.

However, it is important to note that the complete severing of ties with the past is not always desirable or even possible. In some cases, the historical foundations of an area of knowledge can provide valuable context, insights, and a foundation for continued growth and development.

In the field of mathematics, for example, the discipline's deep roots in philosophy and the study of logic have shaped its fundamental principles and methods. While modern mathematics has evolved significantly, the connections to its philosophical origins remain an integral part of the field's identity and continue to inform its ongoing development.

Furthermore, Kuhn's model of scientific progress suggests that paradigm shifts, which may involve the rejection of past assumptions, often build upon the existing knowledge base. The process of scientific revolution is not one of complete abandonment, but rather a transformation and integration of new perspectives with the accumulated wisdom of the past.

In areas such as economics, astronomy, and computer science, the relationship between the present and the past is more complex. While these fields have undergone significant transformations, the legacy of their historical origins, such as astrology in the case of astronomy or the connections between computer science and mathematics, continue to shape their current practices and trajectories.

As is often the case with TOK titles, the decision to sever ties with the past in an area of knowledge is not a straightforward one. It depends on the specific circumstances, the nature of the field, and the potential benefits and drawbacks of such a separatin. The most productive approach often involves a careful balance, where the insights and methodologies of the past are selectively integrated and built upon, allowing for the continuous evolution and advancement of knowledge. This is an implication that you should investigate with your TOK essay.

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.

The distinction between hypothesis and speculation is a longstanding debate in the pursuit of knowledge, with implications that extend across various areas of inquiry. While both concepts involve making informed conjectures about the nature of the world, the degree to which they can be rigorously tested and validated sets them apart.

In the natural sciences, the formulation of hypotheses is a fundamental step in the scientific method. A hypothesis is an educated guess, grounded in existing knowledge and empirical observations, which can be subjected to systematic testing and experimentation. This process allows researchers to gather evidence, refine their theories, and potentially arrive at robust conclusions. The strength of a hypothesis lies in its ability to make testable predictions and withstand rigorous scrutiny. Hume's model of science, which emphasizes the importance of empirical verification and the rejection of unfalsifiable claims, underscores the need for hypotheses to be grounded in observable phenomena.

In contrast, speculation is often characterized as a more open-ended and less constrained form of conjecture. Speculations may be based on intuition, imagination, or limited information, and may not necessarily lend themselves to direct empirical testing. While speculation can serve as a valuable starting point for further exploration and the generation of new ideas, it lacks the methodological rigor and evidentiary support that distinguishes a well-formulated hypothesis.

The human sciences, such as psychology, sociology, and anthropology, present a unique challenge in this regard. The complexity of human behavior and social phenomena can make it difficult to establish clear causal relationships and develop testable hypotheses. Researchers in these fields often grapple with the inherent limitations of their methodologies, which may rely more heavily on observational data, qualitative analysis, and interpretive frameworks. In such cases, the line between hypothesis and speculation can become blurred, as researchers navigate the challenges of studying the human condition.

However, it would be an oversimplification to claim that there is no significant difference between hypothesis and speculation. While both may involve a degree of conjecture, the rigorous application of scientific principles, the use of empirical evidence, and the commitment to falsifiability are what distinguish a well-crafted hypothesis from mere speculation. The pursuit of knowledge, whether in the natural sciences or the human sciences, requires a delicate balance between intuition, creativity, and the systematic testing of ideas.

The distinction between hypothesis and speculation is not a binary one, but rather a spectrum that reflects the varying degrees of evidentiary support and methodological rigor. By the end of your essay, you should be able to recognise the nuances of this distinction, and consider its implications on various areas of knowledge.

Title 5 - 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, the tendency to dismiss anomalies can often hinder our understanding of the world around us. While the desire for coherence and consistency in our theories and models is understandable, a closer examination of these outliers can lead to groundbreaking discoveries and paradigm shifts.

In the natural sciences, the handling of anomalies is often guided by the principles of the scientific method. Researchers are trained to carefully scrutinize data, identify outliers, and investigate their underlying causes. These anomalies can serve as the impetus for further research, leading to the refinement or even the complete overhaul of existing theories. For example, the discovery of the anomalous precession of Mercury's orbit by Urbain Le Verrier ultimately paved the way for Einstein's theory of general relativity, which provided a more comprehensive understanding of gravity.

In the realm of history and the arts, anomalies can take on a different form. Historical narratives are often shaped by the dominant perspectives and biases of the time, and the dismissal of alternative accounts or marginalized voices can lead to an incomplete understanding of the past. Similarly, in the arts, the rejection of unconventional or avant-garde works can stifle the exploration of new artistic frontiers. The emergence of the Impressionist movement, which challenged the traditional norms of painting, is a prime example of how anomalies can transform the landscape of artistic knowledge.

However, it is crucial to recognize that not all anomalies are worthy of equal consideration. This is where the methdologies of each AOK comes in. What frameworks and processes does each AOK possess so as to carefully evaluate and scruitinise what distinguishes a genuine outlier that could warrant further investigation versus one which is mere statistical noise or a false pattern? You may consider rigorous methodologies, such as importance of peer review to corroborate claims to be one such way to help ensure that the dismissal of anomalies is not driven by confirmation bias or a reluctance to challenge established beliefs.

In this title, it would be good to examine the nuances of how the methodologies in each AOK facilitate the falsification of certain anomalies, while preserving ones that are valuable for the discovery and production of knowledge. Particularly, it is important to have a good definition of anomalies and clearly establish the distinction between what anomalies are too be rejected and what are not to be rejected. Finally, keep focused on the question. It is not about whether we should or shouldn't reject anomalies, but are we too quick to do so. Hence, your discussion should focus on the speed/decisiveness at which these decisions happen, and much of this will relate to the methods in which the AOK uses to decide whether something is knowledge or a falsified claim.

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.

This title focuses on the interesting synergies between science and art. While we typically associate science with having a rigid framework, and rigorous methods, there may be opportunities for creativity that would otherwise appear in art. Similarly, the arts may be defined by a lassiez-faire attitude towards the production of knowledge, but sometimes a more structured and "scientific" way to produce art may be effective as well. To familiarise yourself with how art and science could overlap and work together, consider the below two resources:

https://www.forbes.com/sites/paulmsutter/2019/02/24/the-surprising-power-of-merging-science-with-art/

https://www.nature.com/articles/d41586-023-03394-8

The title allows you to explore what influences the production of knoweldge in each AOK.

Although a common stereotype of art is that an artist is just suddenly touched by an idea and goes into a flurry of artistic production, somehow stumbling into a world-class masterpiece, this is often not the case. Instead, artists often experiment much like the sciences, testing different variables like different techniques, different materials, different mediums, coming up with hypothesis, generating conclusions from each experiment which informs the creative process. Of course, there won't be much quantitative data like you would have in science, but these conclusions still allows us to build up knowledge and falsify ones as well. It can be helpful to consider how properties of the natural science could be complimentary to properties of the arts as well. Perhaps a more systematic approach to the creation of art is not necessarily incompatible nor infringe upon the art's mission to allow artists their freedom to create knowledge, but aid in this production process. At the same time, science could contribute to the arts not only in a methodological sense, but also in terms of providing novel techniques to create art. Often, cutting edge technologies are applied to the production of modern art, so that messages could be delivered in more impactful ways, creating knowledge that reaches an entirely new audience novelly. Suitable examples could include works which were produced systematically through trial and error (like a scientific experiment), or artworks produced with the aid of scientific foundations, equipment or knowledge.

Similarly, a common stereotype of science is that it is a field filled with many rules and regulations, and there is no room for you to be innovative. However, many groundbreaking scientific discoveries are first found by some sort of creative process. A popular model (and one discussed in TOK) for the production of knowledge in science is inductivism. That is, we notice something happening in the natural world, then attempt to induce a hypothesis and subsequently generalise some phenomenon into laws of nature. This may seem very "scientific" but creativity is invovled in many stages. First, how do you choose to discover something? There must be some creative persuit. Second, how do you choose to generalise something? There must be some creative basis there as well. We must realise that creativity is a huge part of the scientific pursuit in producing knowledge, thus it appears arts' methods play a big role in science as well. Again, consider how they are not contradictory but complimentary with each other.

Another area to look into could be the dissemination of knowledge. Scientific communication could be aided by the use of art and artistic forms. While art may also benefit from some more rigorous standards of communications as well. Suitable examples in this area can inlcude interesting artistic representations of natural phenomena, some "accidental" discoveries in science, or paradigm shifts in science caused by someone going against the grain towards conventional scientific thinking.

The structure for this title will be slightly different. The typical claim-counterclaim structure does not work as well here, as the essay should explore the different aspects in which these 'gains' could be made. So, I recommend following the order of the questions:

One aspect which the artist could gain from adopting some scientific lens

An alternative aspect that artist could gain from adopting some scientific lens

One aspect in which scientists could gain from adopting an artistic lens

4. An alternative aspect that artists could gain from adopting some artistic lens

You may pursue these gains thematically as well, one focusing on how adopting the methods of the other AOK could aid the production of knowledge, while the other may focus on tools and ethics or another part of the knowledge framework. At the same time, both could focus on methods, but different aspects of it. There are many possibilities with the structure.

Hopefully, this helps you in crafting your TOK Essay. If you require more assistance, MyIBTutor offers TOK Essay reviews and tutors here to help you discuss and refine your writing and ideas. Feel free to reach out!

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May 2024 Titles at a glance

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Q1. Subjectivity & knowledge in the Arts & History.

Q2. Specialisation & generalisation in knowledge production.

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Essay Guides November 2024

TITLE 1: Our Responsibility to Acquire Knowledge

TITLE 2: Ingenuity in Knowledge Production: Necessary but Insufficient?

TITLE 3: Severing Ties with the Past: Benefits for AOK’s?

TITLE 4: Hypothesis vs. Speculation: Any Significant Difference?

TITLE 5: Dismissing Anomalies in Knowledge Production

TITLE 6: Artists & Scientists: Swapping Lenses

Essay Guides May 2024

TITLE 1: Subjectivity in History & the Arts

TITLE 2: Reconciling Specialization & Generalization in Knowledge Production

TITLE 3: Why Are AOK´s Slow to Adopt Fresh Ideas?

TITLE 4: Transferring Knowledge Between Contexts

TITLE 5: Are Custodians of Knowledge Essential?

TITLE 6: Recent Evidence: Inevitably the Strongest?

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Filter exemplars, do we need custodians of knowledge discuss with reference to two areas of knowledge., is replicability necessary in the production of knowledge discuss with reference to two areas of knowledge., want to get full marks for your tok essay allow us to review it for you 🎯, are visual representations always helpful in the 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 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., 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”, nothing is more exciting than fresh ideas, so why are areas of knowledge often so slow to adopt them, how can we reconcile the opposing demands for specialization and generalization in the production of knowledge discuss with reference to mathematics and one other area of knowledge., do we need custodians of knowledge discuss with reference to two areas of knowledge, nothing is more exciting than fresh ideas, so why are areas of knowledge often so slow to adopt them discuss with reference to the human sciences and one other area of knowledge., is subjectivity overly celebrated in the arts but unfairly condemned in history discuss with reference to the arts and history., are we too quick to assume that the most recent evidence is inevitably the strongest discuss with reference to the natural sciences and one other area of knowledge., is subjectivity overly celebrated in the arts but unfairly condemned in history, do we underestimate the challenges of taking knowledge out of its original context and transferring it to a different context discuss with reference to two areas of knowledge., is subjectivity overly celebrated in the arts but unfairly condemned in history discuss with reference to the arts and history, nothing is more exciting than fresh ideas, so why are areas of knowledge often so slow to adopt them discuss with reference to the human sciences and the natural sciences..

November 2024 TOK Essay Prescribed Titles (Detailed Explanations and Examples)

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The November 2024 session Theory of Knowledge essay prescribed titles are out now! Here they are:

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.

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THEORY OF KNOWLEDGE 2023

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THEORY OF KNOWLEDGE

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TOK ESSAY TITLES 2024

Tok essay title 1 may 2024.

Is subjectivity overly celebrated in the arts but unfairly condemned in history? Discuss with reference to the arts and history.

TOK ESSAY TITLE 2 MAY 2024

How can we reconcile the opposing demands for specialization and generalization in the production of knowledge? Discuss with reference to mathematics and one other area of knowledge.

TOK ESSAY TITLE 3 MAY 2024

Nothing is more exciting than fresh ideas, so why are areas of knowledge often so slow to adopt them? Discuss with reference to the human sciences and one other area of knowledge.

TOK ESSAY TITLE 4 MAY 2024

Do we underestimate the challenges of taking knowledge out of its original context and transferring it to a different context? Discuss with reference to two areas of knowledge.

TOK ESSAY TITLE 5 MAY 2024

Do we need custodians of knowledge? Discuss with reference to two areas of knowledge.

TOK ESSAY TITLE 6 MAY 2024

Are we too quick to assume that the most recent evidence is inevitably the strongest? Discuss with reference to the natural sciences and one other area of knowledge.

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Studying TOK has been an enlightening journey. It has challenged my perspectives, sharpened my critical thinking skills, and expanded my understanding of knowledge. I highly recommend this course to all IB students.

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TOK has been an incredibly thought-provoking course for me. It has pushed me to question everything and explore different ways of knowing. This course has truly transformed the way I approach learning and understanding the world.

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Studying TOK has opened my mind to the diverse ways in which knowledge is constructed and evaluated. It has challenged my preconceived notions and deepened my appreciation for the complexity of knowledge.

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TOK has made me realise the power of questioning and the importance of having an open mind. It has encouraged me to explore different viewpoints and engage in meaningful discussions.

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Learn more from, frequently asked questions.

Theory of Knowledge (TOK) is an interdisciplinary course offered as part of the International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma Programme. It delves into the nature of knowledge, how it is acquired, and the ways in which it is justified. TOK fosters critical thinking, reflection, and exploration of different ways of knowing and areas of knowledge.

TOK offers invaluable skills for intellectual and personal growth. It enhances critical thinking, nurtures an appreciation for diverse perspectives, and encourages curiosity. By engaging with TOK, students develop abilities that are highly beneficial for higher education, such as analyzing arguments, evaluating evidence, and constructing well-reasoned viewpoints.

TOK is assessed through an externally moderated essay and an oral presentation. The TOK essay requires students to critically analyze a prescribed title or develop a self-chosen title related to TOK. The oral presentation provides an opportunity for students to explore a real-life situation from a TOK perspective and engage in a thoughtful discussion.

TOK equips students with critical thinking skills that can be applied to everyday life. It enables individuals to navigate complex issues, evaluate sources of information, and make informed decisions. The skills and perspectives cultivated in TOK are highly transferable, benefiting students in university studies, career paths, and active engagement with the world.

Absolutely! TOK emphasizes the importance of effective communication in conveying ideas and arguments. It encourages students to express themselves clearly, develop coherent arguments, and support them with evidence. Through the oral presentation component and essay writing, TOK hones students’ communication skills, enabling them to articulate their thoughts with precision and clarity.

I Asked Trump the Viral Question About Childcare. What His Answer Tells Us

Donald Trump Attends Luncheon At New York Economic Club

O n September 5, like millions of parents across America, I got up, got my kids ready for school—and, as always, worried about childcare. “Who’s doing drop-off today,” I wondered to myself. “Will I have to leave that meeting early to get to pick-up? How are we going to make this work?”

But, unlike those millions of parents, after drop off, I came home, put on a suit, and had a rare opportunity: I got to ask former President Donald Trump what he plans to do to fix the problem.

Trump’s rambling, word-salad of an answer to my question at the Economic Club of New York set off a firestorm. We’ve learned something about Trump: he has no plan to address the childcare crisis. That much is obvious. But we’ve also learned something about this election: childcare is, for the first time in a national campaign, a top economic issue.

To be clear, I didn’t ask Trump a gotcha question. In fact, it was a softball: “If you win in November, can you commit to legislation making childcare affordable? And, if so, what specific piece of legislation will you advance?”

Name one bill—that’s all. He could have said he’d expand the child tax credit , or reinstate the pandemic-era funding for childcare centers that expired last year, for starters.

Instead, Trump took a hard pivot into his tariff policy, before concluding, “as much as childcare is talked about as being expensive, it’s, relatively speaking, not very expensive compared to the kind of numbers we’ll be taking in.”

But when childcare costs more than rent in all 50 states, when it’s costing our country $122 billion each year in lost earnings, productivity, and revenue, and when childcare prices are rising at nearly double the pace of overall inflation —there’s no question that it is expensive and families are feeling the pain.

Childcare is an economic issue. Full stop.

Parents already know this. They’re the ones sitting at the kitchen table planning out their budgets for the month and seeing on paper that the numbers just don’t add up. As the founder and CEO of Moms First—a movement for affordable childcare, paid family leave, and equal pay—I’ve heard from countless women forced out of the workforce because they had no other way to take care of their families. Even worse are the heart wrenching stories from moms forced to make impossible choices, like deciding between paying for day care and feeding their baby.

Read More: Positive Economic Data Is Still Hiding Bleak Reality for Families

Moms are drowning right now. So it shouldn’t be surprising that Trump’s comments have sparked outrage—from people on both sides of the aisle .

Trump has never treated childcare as a serious economic issue with consequences for working families. At the debate back in June, he spent more time talking about his golf game than about childcare policy. In fact, during his first term, his administration killed a bipartisan deal that would have doubled funding for childcare.

Trump is not alone. Republican leadership has never treated childcare as a serious economic issue, either. JD Vance is another obvious offender—with his delusional proposal that we fix the crisis by asking grandma to pitch in, or his equally baffling suggestion that education requirements are what is preventing people from becoming childcare workers—not the fact that we pay them less than dog walkers. The Democratic Party, on the other hand, has put forward serious policy proposals and yet, every time big, transformative childcare policy is on the table, Democratic leadership has traded it away instead of making it the non-negotiable that American families deserve.

So Trump hasn’t changed—but maybe we have. Maybe this was the final straw after years of disrespect from politicians. Maybe parents are bone tired and have reached their breaking point. Maybe we’re ready to express our collective anger and disappointment at the ballot box.

As we head into the final stretch of the election, one thing is clear: Something has shifted. Childcare finally has been vaulted into the national conversation.

Candidates, take note. It’s time to treat childcare as a top economic issue because it is. When voters say that they can’t get to work because gas prices are too high, politicians take them seriously and do something about it. When parents say that they can’t get to work because daycare is too expensive, they deserve the same treatment and consideration.

And parents, what we’ve seen in the last week is that childcare can be a galvanizing issue. The biggest mistake that we could make right now is to let the moment fizzle out. Voters need to demand clear, specific childcare plans from their candidates and hold them to their promises at the polls. There’s been a lot of talk this election cycle about whether being a parent makes you more qualified to lead this country. No, you don’t need to be a parent to be president—but you do need to listen to them. And right now we’re demanding what we want, loud and clear.

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Breast milk’s benefits are not limited to babies

Some of its myriad components are being tested as treatments for cancer and other diseases.

I N A TALK she gave in 2016, Katie Hinde, a biologist from Arizona State University, lamented how little scientific attention was commanded by breast milk. Up until that point, she said, both wine and tomatoes had been far more heavily studied. Eight years on, alas, that remains true.

What is also true—and this was the serious point of Dr Hinde’s talk—is that scientists have been neglecting a goldmine. Unlike wine or tomatoes, breast milk's physiological properties have been honed by evolution to be healthy. In babies it can reduce inflammation, kill pathogens and improve the health of the immune system. As a result, some components of breast milk are now being studied as potential treatments for a host of adult conditions, including cancer, heart disease, arthritis and irritable bowel syndrome ( IBS ). Scientists may never look at breast milk in the same way again.

The exact composition of breast milk remains slightly mysterious. After water, its most abundant components are lactose; fatty compounds known as lipids; and sugar molecules called human milk oligosaccharides ( HMO s). But it also contains a host of proteins, vitamins, minerals, enzymes, hormones and live cells from the mother’s body. Its richness continues to surprise: in 2009, for example, more than 250 previously unknown proteins were identified within it; in 2015 it yielded up 300 new micro RNA molecules, which regulate gene expression throughout the body. “There is lots of room for discovery”, says Meghan Azad at the University of Manitoba, in Canada.

The motherlode

In a recent study of milk from 1,200 mothers on three continents, Dr Azad and her colleagues found roughly 50,000 small molecules, most of them unknown to science. By using artificial-intelligence ( AI ) models to analyse this list of ingredients, and link them to detailed health data on babies and their mothers, they hope to identify components beneficial for specific aspects of babies’ development.

Such work would add much needed rigour to the field. At present, identifying which of these myriad components to study often occurs at random. In one case, doctors noticed that preterm babies who are fed breast milk, as opposed to formula, had dramatically lower incidence of necrotising enterocolitis ( NEC ), an often fatal disease in which intestinal tissue becomes inflamed and dies. That observation prompted research on whether any specific components in breast milk could be conferring this protection.

HMO s, which are known to have anti-inflammatory effects, may be partly responsible. That has led to the idea that HMO s could be used as therapeutics for diseases that involve inflammation. In a study in mice published in 2021, Lars Bode at the University of California, San Diego, and his colleagues reported that one HMO reduced the development of atherosclerosis, the blockage of arteries that leads to heart attack and stroke. Dr Bode says that in other experiments with mice, the results of which are yet to be published, HMO s have shown promise in treating arthritis and multiple sclerosis. Clinical trials with humans will be far more expensive.

Other discoveries have come about by happenstance. In 1995 scientists at Lund University, in Sweden, reported a discovery they had stumbled upon while studying breast milk’s antimicrobial properties. They had added some of its constituents to a dish containing lung-cancer cells, hoping to see them fend off bacteria. Instead, remarkably, the cancer cells died off. The culprit was a molecule that they named HAMLET , formed when two ingredients in breast milk (alpha-lactalbumin, a protein, and oleic acid) combined.

Since then, the research team, led by Catharina Svanborg, has been assessing HAMLET ’s potential as a cancer treatment. The molecules work their magic by entering the nuclei of cancer cells and reprogramming their DNA , blocking essential functions. An added advantage of this method is that the cancer cells die in a way that spares the surrounding healthy tissue. In results of a small, early-stage study published on September 10th in Cancer Medicine , a journal, a drug developed from HAMLET reduced the size of 88% of tumours in bladder-cancer patients with no side-effects, other than discomfort at the injection site. Results in mice with brain and colon cancer are also promising.

It is not only the molecules in breast milk that could have health benefits. Until about 15 years ago, says Dr Azad, it was assumed that breast milk was largely sterile. But genetic-sequencing tools have revealed it contains a wide variety of bacteria. Some, such as Bifidobacterium , a particularly beneficial bacterium that feeds exclusively on HMO s, can survive the trip into the baby’s gut, where it strengthens the gut barrier; regulates immune responses and inflammation; and prevents pathogenic bacteria from adhering to the lining of the gut. That makes it an ideal candidate for use in probiotics, live bacterial supplements used to remedy the gut’s ecosystem.

The immune-boosting properties of Bifidobacteria are now being explored in patients of all ages with compromised immunity. Prolacta Bioscience, a biotech firm in California, is conducting a clinical trial of one sub-species called B. infantis , combined with HMO s, in adults undergoing bone-marrow transplants for blood cancer (a procedure that wipes out the immune system). There is some evidence to think this might work: in a small trial in 2019 at the Cincinnati’s Children Hospital, breast milk given to children aged 0-5 years after a bone-marrow transplant reduced infections and other complications.

Because Bifidobacteria feed on HMO s, the sugar molecules could help beneficial bugs proliferate. That, in turn, can help patients with impaired gut microbiomes, such as those with IBS . Recent trials of HMO s as therapy for this condition—though either small-scale or lacking control groups—have suggested that they are safe, well-tolerated and can improve symptoms. More definitive trials are under way.

Other exciting results have emerged from studying breastfeeding itself. When babies breastfeed, some of the milk ends up in their nasal cavity. It is possible, say scientists, that it could then make its way into the brain. In a small study in 2019 doctors at the Children’s Hospital in Cologne nasally administered maternal breast milk to 16 premature babies with brain injury. The babies subsequently had less brain damage, and required less surgery, than those who did not receive the treatment.

Similar results were reported in May by researchers at the Hospital for Sick Children in Toronto. In a small safety study, they administered intranasal breast milk as a preventive treatment for brain haemorrhage in premature babies; 18 months later, babies so treated had better motor and cognitive development, and fewer vision problems, than those fed only the usual way. Though bigger trials are needed to confirm these results, stem cells in the milk may be repairing some of the damage.

It is too early to tell whether any blockbuster drugs will result. But breast-milk scientists are starting to feel vindicated. For Bruce German from the University of California, the neglect of breast milk will rank “as one of the great embarrassments of scientific history.” ■

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News Analysis

As Debate Looms, Trump Is Now the One Facing Questions About Age and Capacity

With President Biden no longer in the race, former President Donald J. Trump would be the oldest person ever to serve in the Oval Office. But his rambling, sometimes incoherent public statements have stirred concern among voters.

Share full article

Former President Donald J. Trump, wearing a blue suit and red tie, stands at a lectern in front of a microphone.

By Peter Baker

Reporting from Washington

Follow along with live updates and debate analysis on the Trump and Harris campaigns .

The last time the nation held a debate with the presidency on the line, a candidate with about eight decades of life behind him faced the challenge of proving that he was still up to the job of running the country. He failed .

Two and a half months later, the cast of characters has shifted and another candidate heading toward the octogenarian club confronts his own test to demonstrate that he has not diminished with age. Whether he passes that test may influence who will be the next occupant of the Oval Office.

At 78, former President Donald J. Trump exhibits more energy and speaks with more volume than President Biden does at 81, but he, too, has mixed up names, confused facts and stumbled over his points. Mr. Trump’s rambling speeches, sometimes incoherent statements and extreme outbursts have raised questions about his own cognitive health and, according to polls, stimulated doubts among a majority of voters.

With Mr. Biden now out of the race, the politics of age have been turned on their head. Mr. Trump is now the oldest person ever to run for president on a major party ticket and, if he wins, would become the oldest president in history by the end of his term, when he would be 82. While he managed to sidestep questions about his own capacity while Mr. Biden was his opponent, the rival he will square off against at Tuesday’s prime-time debate in Philadelphia will be Vice President Kamala Harris, who at 59 is nearly two decades younger.

The issue has been propelled back into the campaign by some of Mr. Trump’s recent public performances, most notably a meandering, hard-to-follow answer to a question on child care at the Economic Club of New York last week. Asked how he would help American working families stressed by the cost of taking care of children, Mr. Trump wandered through a thicket of unfinished sentences, non sequitur clauses and confusing logic that tied the answer to tariffs on imports.

Speaking at the Economic Club of New York, Mr. Trump gave a rambling answer when asked what he would do to lower the cost of child care.

“If you win in November, can you commit to prioritizing legislation to make child care affordable? And if so, what specific piece of legislation will you advance?” “Well, I would do that. And we’re sitting down, you know, I was — somebody, we had Senator Marco Rubio and my daughter, Ivanka, was so impactful on that issue. It’s a very important issue. But I think when you talk about the kind of numbers that I’m talking about that — because, look, child care is child care. It couldn’t, you know, there’s something — you have to have it in this country. You have to have it. But when you talk about those numbers compared to the kind of numbers that I’m talking about, by taxing foreign nations at levels that they’re not used to, but they’ll get used to it very quickly. And it’s not going to stop them from doing business with us. But they’ll have a very substantial tax when they send product into our country. Those numbers are so much bigger than any numbers that we’re talking about, including child care, that it’s going to take care. We’re going to have — I look forward to having no deficits within a fairly short period of time, coupled with the reductions that I told you about on waste and fraud and all of the other things that are going on in our country because I have to stay with child care. I want to stay with child care. But those numbers are small relative to the kind of economic numbers that I’m talking about.”

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The May 2024 TOK Essay Titles
Find out the prescribed titles for the TOK essay in the May 2024 session and get access to video analysis and tips. Learn how to write a strong TOK essay with Tim, an expert IB teacher and marker.
Unpacking the 2024 November TOK Titles: A Comprehensive IB ...
Unpacking the 2024 November TOK Titles: A Comprehensive IB Solved Guide. The November 2024 IB Theory of Knowledge (TOK) Essay Titles are out! Let's be honest - tackling the TOK essay can be a daunting task. With so many ideas, concepts and topics at our disposal and a myriad of ideas swirling around, it's easy to feel overwhelmed at the outset.
2024 November TOK Essay Prompts: Key Writing Tips
Conclusion. 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.
EXPLAINED: May 2024 TOK Essay Prescribed Titles
The titles for May 2024 are released! Here they are below: Make sure to bookmark this page as I explain and provide examples for each of these titles in depth! UPDATE: Title 1, 2, 5 and 6 are now available. Stay tuned for more! For general guidance on how to write a good TOK essay, check out my TOK Essay advice collection.
May 2024 TOK Essay Titles: Guide & Writing Tips
Learn how to approach the May 2024 TOK essay titles with clarity, critical thinking and personal insight. Find detailed breakdowns, writing tips and examples for each title, covering various Areas of Knowledge and Ways of Knowing.
The November 2024 TOK Essay Titles
Below are the Theory of Knowledge Essay prescribed titles for the November 2024 session. The video analysis of these titles is ready for you in the member's area --which you can watch using a free trial. (Just click the "subscribe" tab at the top of this page). Our updated TOK Essay Video Course (11 helpful videos) is ready for you as well.
May 2024 TOK Essay Titles
Vasy Kafidoff. October 26th, 2023. IB. The TOK essay prescribed titles for May 2024 are now available. Understanding these TOK essay prompts is essential for IB students aiming for a successful essay. This is why I'm writing this article with expert suggestions from our IB experts for you. UPD….
Example essays
Example essays. Last updated: 06 June 2023. As part of theory of knowledge (TOK), each student chooses one essay title from six issued by International Baccalaureate® (IB). The titles change in each examination session. Upcoming and past questions include:
TOK Chronicles: Decoding the TOK Essay Prompts for May 2024
Explore the six essay topics for the Theory of Knowledge (TOK) Essay in the May 2024 IB assessment. Learn how to apply TOK concepts and methods to various areas of knowledge and challenges.
Tok Assessment
Here are the essential elements: 1. Assessment pages of the TOK Subject Guide. 2. Prescribed Essay Titles for the examination session. 3. The 35 Exhibition Knowledge Question Prompts. 4. Rubrics for the Exhibition and for the Essay.
ToK Essay Guides Nov 2024
The ToK Essay questions for November 2024 are usually released in March 2024. Q1. Responsibilities for pursuing knowledge. Q2. Ingenuity & its limits in knowledge production. Q3. AOKs cutting off ties with the past. Q4. Similarities & differences between hypothesis & speculation.
November 2024 TOK Essay Prescribed Titles with Examples and ...
Explore the November 2024 TOK essay prescribed titles with detailed examples and explanations. Maximise your TOK grade and create a 10/10 essay with these helpful tips. ... So, I recommend following the order of the questions: One aspect which the artist could gain from adopting some scientific lens.
TOK Essay essentials
Three mandated formal interactions between the student and teacher are recorded on the Planning and Progress Form (TK/PPF): 1. Discuss the list of prescribed titles with the student. 2. Discuss the student's initial exploration of their selected title. 3. Comment on one draft of the student's essay.
Theory of knowledge
Theory of knowledge (TOK) is assessed through an exhibition and a 1,600 word essay. It asks students to reflect on the nature of knowledge, and on how we know what we claim to know. TOK is part of the International Baccalaureate® (IB) Diploma Programme (DP) core, and is mandatory for all students. Learn more about theory of knowledge.
How to Structure a Theory of Knowledge Essay
Paragraph 1. - Say one or two interesting things about the prescribed title question. This shows us, right away that you know what the question is asking. - Define one or two of the key terms in the title. Get definitions for all of the main words in your title. You don't need to include all of them in your essay, but it's useful to see how ...
ToK Essay Guides May 2024
The ToK Essay questions for May 2024 are usually released in September 2023. Q1. Subjectivity & knowledge in the Arts & History. Q2. Specialisation & generalisation in knowledge production. Q3. Fresh ideas & the pursuit of knowledge. Q4. Challenges of transferring knowledge between contexts.
TOK Essay May 2024
Click here to download sample conclusions for each TOK Essay Title from May 2024! Each page below will give you a downloadable guide for the Theory of Knowledge May 2024 titles that will get you started with strategy, research, and evidence! If you need more help with your TOK Essay, click here to get in touch with me and send me your essay!
Essay Guides
November 2024 ToK Essay Title Guides. From 6000 to 8000+ words each, these comprehensive essay guides are designed to help you understand the key terms of the title as well as how to approach it using the different AOK's and other applicable TOK concepts such as the Knowledge Framework. Each AOK section includes a range of real life examples whilst also addressing the potential implications ...
PDF TOK ESSAY
The TOK Essay is to be completed during the early part of the second year of the Diploma Program. Therefore, you will complete this task in the second year of the program which is Form 6 in context of the school. It is important to follow strictly the school's overall schedule of internal deadlines for the completion of the TOK Essay.
IB TOK Essay examples
High scoring IB Theory of Knowledge Essay examples. See what past students did and make your TOK Essay perfect by learning from examiner commented examples! Exemplars. Review. Login. JOIN FOR FREE. ... May 2025 May 2024 November 2023 May 2023 November 2022 May 2022 November 2021 May 2021 November 2020 May 2020 Other. Apply.
November 2024 TOK Essay Prescribed Titles (Detailed ...
n24, tok, tok essay. Advertisements. The November 2024 session Theory of Knowledge essay prescribed titles are out now! Here they are: 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 ...
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THEORY OF KNOWLEDGE 2023 A Comprehensive Guide CONTACT US THEORY OF KNOWLEDGE TOK Curriculum Discover the TOK curriculum and its components, including knowledge questions, areas of knowledge, and ways of knowing. TOK Essay Tips Learn essential tips and techniques for writing an impressive TOK essay that effectively addresses knowledge issues and receives high marks.
An alternative look at the Trump-Harris debate, in five charts
K AMALA HARRIS and Donald Trump met for the first time at the presidential debate on September 10th. Ms Harris extended a hand and introduced herself to him—and also to many Americans. Mr Trump ...
Asking Trump About Childcare
I Asked Trump the Viral Question About Childcare. What His Answer Tells Us ... Former U.S. President Donald Trump during an Economic Club of New York event on Sept. 5, 2024. Yuki Iwamura ...
Breast milk's benefits are not limited to babies
Sep 11th 2024 Share I N A TALK she gave in 2016, Katie Hinde, a biologist from Arizona State University, lamented how little scientific attention was commanded by breast milk.
Trump Repeats False Claim About Immigrants Eating Cats and Dogs
Sept. 10, 2024 Leer en español Former President Donald J. Trump repeated a false and outlandish claim that Haitian immigrants in Springfield, Ohio, have abducted and eaten their neighbors' pets.
As Debate Looms, Trump Is Now the One Facing Questions About Age and
A clip of the exchange went viral and prompted headlines with words like "incomprehensible," "incoherence" and "gibberish." The White House and Ms. Harris's allies pounced, mocking ...
The May 2025 TOK Essay Titles
Below are the Theory of Knowledge Essay prescribed titles for the May 2025 session. The video analysis of these titles will be ready for you soon in the member's area --which you can watch using a free trial. (Just click the "subscribe" tab at the top of this page). Our updated TOK Essay Video Course (11 helpful videos) is ready for you as well.

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May 2024 TOK Essay Titles Guide. Short Descriptions & Writing Tips

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May 2024 TOK Essay Titles: Detailed Breakdown

1. Subjectivity in Arts and History

2. Specialization vs. Generalization in Knowledge

3. Adoption of New Ideas in Knowledge Areas

4. Knowledge Contextualization Challenges

5. The Role of Custodians in Knowledge

6. Evaluating Recent Evidence in Knowledge

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1. Misunderstanding the Title

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May 2024 TOK Essay Prompts | IB Experts Guide + Examples

May 2024 TOK essay titles list

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Breakdown of each 2024 May TOK Essay Prompt

TITLE 1: Is subjectivity overly celebrated in the arts but unfairly condemned in history? Discuss with reference to the arts and history.

TITLE 2: How can we reconcile the opposing demands for specialization and generalization in the production of knowledge? Discuss with reference to mathematics and one other area of knowledge.

TITLE 3: Nothing is more exciting than fresh ideas, so why are areas of knowledge often so slow to adopt them? Discuss with reference to the human sciences and one other area of knowledge.

TITLE 4: Do we underestimate the challenges of taking knowledge out of its original context and transferring it to a different context? Discuss with reference to two areas of knowledge.

TITLE 5: Do we need custodians of knowledge? Discuss with reference to two areas of knowledge.

TITLE 6: Are we too quick to assume that the most recent evidence is inevitably the strongest? Discuss with reference to the natural sciences and one other area of knowledge.

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November 2024 TOK Essay Prescribed Titles with Examples and Detailed Explanation

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.

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.

Title 3 - How might it benefit an area of knowledge to sever ties with its past? Discuss with reference to two areas of knowledge.

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.

Title 5 - In the production of knowledge, are we too quick to dismiss anomalies? Discuss with reference to two areas of knowledge.

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.

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Essay Guides

From 6000 to 8000+ words each, these comprehensive essay guides are designed to help you understand the key terms of the title as well as how to approach it using the different AOK’s and other applicable TOK concepts such as the Knowledge Framework .

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