AREAS of KNOWLEDGE: HISTORY
Within the Theory of Knowledge course, you will explore knowledge questions related to one or more 'areas of knowledge'. These 'areas of knowledge' are fields of study in which we try to gain knowledge through the ways of knowing. The areas of knowledge roughly correspond with the groups of study within the IB programme, even though there are some additional realms of knowledge such as ethics, religion and indigenous knowledge which are relevant to TOK. Within your TOK classes, you will also explore boundaries and overlaps between different areas of knowledge. The knowledge frameworks are useful tools to analyse the historical development, language, methodology and scope of each area of knowledge. Given that we need to make links between different areas of knowledge, it is not advisable to discuss areas of knowledge in complete isolation. The articles and links immediately below are indeed examples of real life situations which touch upon TOK questions in a range of areas of knowledge. For practical purposes, however, I have organised the resources per area of knowledge. It is up to you to explore them and make further links between areas of knowledge and ways of knowing. Doing so, will hopefully inspire you to develop interesting knowledge questions, which form the basis of TOK assessment. This page will discuss history as an area of knowledge.
Knowledge frameworks, knowledge questions and topics of study (TOK guide 2015)
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links between HISTORY and other areas of knowledge:
Possible relevant essay questions:
- Is explanation a prerequisite for prediction? Explore this question in relation to two areas of knowledge. (November 2015)
- Assess the advantages and disadvantages of using models to produce knowledge of the world. (November 2015)
- “The main reason knowledge is produced is to solve problems.” To what extent do you agree with this statement? (November 2015)
- With reference to two areas of knowledge discuss the way in which shared knowledge can shape personal knowledge. (May 2015)
- To what extent do ways of knowing prevent us from deluding ourselves? Justify your answer with reference to at least one area of knowledge. (May 2015)
- “The possession of knowledge confers privilege.” To what extent is this an accurate claim? (Specimen 2015)
- “All knowledge depends on the recognition of patterns and anomalies.” Consider the extent to which you agree with this claim with reference to two areas of knowledge. (Specimen 2015)
- To what extent are areas of knowledge shaped by their past? Consider with reference to two areas of knowledge. (Specimen 2015)
- “A map is only useful if it simplifies things.” To what extent does this apply to knowledge? (Specimen 2015)
- "In knowledge there is always a trade-off between accuracy and simplicity." Evaluate this statement in relation to two areas of knowledge. (May 2016)
- "The knower's perspective is essential in the pursuit of knowledge. " To what extent do you agree? (May 2016)
- To what extent do the concepts that we use shape the conclusions that we reach? (May 2016)
- “Conflicting knowledge claims always involve a difference in perspective.” Discuss with reference to two areas of knowledge. (November 2016)
History
Memory plays a substantial role as a Way of Knowing in the Area of Knowledge of history. Many knowledge communities are keen to remember the past and some people feel that they need to 'make history' before they die. History can have an ethical function, as we may 'learn from mistakes in the past'. Language plays a substantial role in the recording of history and passing on of collective memory. Some knowledge communities draw on oral history, whereas others record data in writing or symbols. Historians aim to paint an accurate picture of the world as it once was, yet this is not always possible. We are often faced with a lack of historical data, biased records and politically influenced historical propaganda. History textbooks have changed markedly over the years and the language of history textbooks is often emotionally coloured. Indeed, the choice of history textbooks and what does or does not become part of a nation's history curriculum has been highly debated by politicans, authority figures, activists and educators. History lessons can be a powerful tool to shape and manipulate how we know. In TOK you are invited to evaluate historical knowledge.
Mr Griffiths' TOK lecture on History: problems with methodology and bias
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File Size: | 1540 kb |
File Type: | pptx |