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IB ToK Essay Titles and Topics: May 2017

Here are links to the full titles of the six May 2017 IB ToK Essay topics:

I briefly mention some points to consider for each title below; however, the personalised service I offer is tailored to each student.

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If you require personal help choosing your May 2017 ToK essay topics, I'd be delighted to receive your email; I'll send details of my services and fees: May 2017 IB ToK Essay Topics Enquiry

Title 1: " It is only knowledge produced with difficulty that we truly value. " To what extent do you agree with this statement?

Thoughts to consider with essay 1 include:

  • what do we mean by the production of knowledge
  • the different kinds of value knowledge can have
  • the different kinds of difficulty a process can have
If you require tailored help with topic 1 of the May 2017 ToK essay titles, then I'd be delighted to receive your email; I'll send you details of my services and fees: Topic 1 ToK Essay May 2017 Enquiry

Title 2: " Facts are needed to establish theories but theories are needed to make sense of facts. " Discuss this statement with reference to two areas of knowledge.

Thoughts to consider with essay 2 include:

  • the different uses of theories e.g. explanation and prediction
  • the two aspects of truth i.e. correspondence and coherence
  • the fundamental ways in which facts are known i.e. reason and perception
If you're considering answering topic 2 of the May 2017 ToK essay titles, then I'd be delighted to receive your email; I'll send you details of my services and fees: Topic 2 ToK Essay May 2017 Enquiry

Title 3: Should key events in the historical development of areas of knowledge always be judged by the standards of their time?

Thoughts to consider with essay 3 include:

  • the different criteria by which we might judge events
  • the difference between practical and propositional knowledge
  • the relationship between truth and propositional knowledge
If you'd like to discuss topic 3 of the May 2017 ToK essay titles, then I'd be delighted to receive your email; I'll send you details of my services and fees: Topic 3 ToK Essay May 2017 Enquiry

Title 4: " In the production of knowledge, traditions of areas of knowledge offer correctives for ways of knowing. " To what extent do you agree with this statement?

Thoughts to consider with essay 4 include:

  • the difference senses of tradition
  • what do we mean by the production of knowledge?
  • how can a way of knowing be corrected?
If you'd like help with topic 4 of the May 2017 ToK essay titles, then I'd be delighted to receive your email; I'll send you details of my services and fees: Topic 4 ToK Essay May 2017 Enquiry

Title 5: Given access to the same facts, how is it possible that there can be disagreement between experts in a discipline? Develop your answer with reference to two areas of knowledge.

Thoughts to consider with essay 5 include:

  • the difference between rational and non-rational disagreement
  • the relationship between facts and theories
  • the difference between common access and common perception of facts
If you're considering addressing topic 5 of the May 2017 ToK essay titles, then by all means email me and I'll send you details of my services and fees: Topic 5 ToK Essay May 2017 Enquiry

Title 6: " Humans are pattern seeking animals and we are adept at finding patterns whether they exist or not" (adapted from Michael Shermer). Discuss knowledge questions raised by this idea in two areas of knowledge.

Thoughts to consider with essay 6 include:

  • the concept of projection
  • the role of the imagination in perception
  • the law-governed nature of perceptual environments
If you're writing on topic 6 of the May 2017 ToK essay titles, then I'd be happy to receive your email; I'll send you details of my services and fees: Topic 6 ToK Essay May 2017 Enquiry
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