2012 Tok Questions

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Year 11 TOK Essay, Semester 2, 2012 Due Tuesday 13th of November Write an essay of length 800 to 1000 words on one of the following topics: 1. Can we have beliefs or knowledge which are independent of our culture? 2. “It is a capital mistake to theorize before one has data. Insensibly one begins to twist facts to suit theories, instead of theories to suit facts” (Arthur Conan Doyle). Consider the extent to which this statement may be true in two or more areas of knowledge. 3. “Imagination is more important than knowledge. For knowledge is limited to all we now know and understand, while imagination embraces the entire world, and all there ever will be to know and understand.” (Albert Einstein) Do you agree? 4. What counts as knowledge in the arts? Discuss by comparing to one other area of knowledge. 5. “Habit is stronger than reason.” To what extent is this true in two areas of knowledge? 6. “The ultimate protection against research error and bias is supposed to come from the way scientists constantly re-test each other’s results.” To what extent would you agree with this claim in the human sciences and the natural sciences? Your essay should include at least two quotes or examples sourced from newspapers, books, magazines or websites. They should be appropriately referenced using the ‘Harvard System’ (which is outlined in your TOK Handbook). You must include a bibliography (also in the correct format) and an accurate word count. Read the criteria to understand how you will be assessed. It’s important that you try to demonstrate your ‘TOK thinking’ by: * Including ideas and examples that reflect your own experiences and thinking processes – self awareness as a knower. * Including examples that reflect cultural diversity – your international perspective. * Applying critical thinking to your arguments –
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