IB ToK Essay Titles and Topics: November 2021

Here are links to ideas and suggestions relating to the the six November 2021 IB ToK Essay topics:

• Topic 1. Why is it so difficult to identify a clear line between accepted and disputed knowledge within a discipline? Answer with reference to two disciplines, each taken from a different area of knowledge.
• Topic 2. "Knowledge gained through direct experience is powerful but problematic." To what extent do you agree with this statement?
• Topic 3. "There is nothing more deceptive than an obvious fact." (Arthur Conan Doyle). Discuss this claim with reference to two areas of knowledge.
• Topic 4. "Areas of knowledge always rely on a systematic process of trial and error to aid the production of knowledge." Discuss this claim with reference to two areas of knowledge.
• Topic 5. "If all knowledge is provisional, when can we have confidence in what we claim to know?" Answer with reference to two areas of knowledge.
• Topic 6. "We are rarely completely certain, but we are frequently certain enough." Discuss this statement with reference to two areas of knowledge.

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

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If you require personal help choosing your November 2021 ToK essay topics, I'd be delighted to receive your email; I'll send details of my services and fees:

Title 1: Why is it so difficult to identify a clear line between accepted and disputed knowledge within a discipline? Answer with reference to two disciplines, each taken from a different area of knowledge.

Thoughts to consider with essay 1 include:

• the role of justification in making knowledge claims
• the difference between rational and non-rational dispute of knowledge claims
• the pragmatic theory of knowledge

If you require tailored help with topic 1 of the November 2021 ToK essay titles, then I'd be delighted to receive your email; I'll send you details of my services and fees:

Title 2: "Knowledge gained through direct experience is powerful but problematic." To what extent do you agree with this statement?

Thoughts to consider with essay 2 include:

• the difference between sensing and perceiving something
• the role of concepts in forming our experiences
• the difference between knowledge and belief

If you're considering answering topic 2 of the November 2021 ToK essay titles, then I'd be delighted to receive your email; I'll send you details of my services and fees:

Title 3: "There is nothing more deceptive than an obvious fact." (Arthur Conan Doyle). Discuss this claim with reference to two areas of knowledge.

Thoughts to consider with essay 3 include:

• the idea of facts as truth-makers
• the difference between appearance and reality
• the difference between trivial and non-trivial facts

If you'd like to discuss topic 3 of the November 2021 ToK essay titles, then I'd be delighted to receive your email; I'll send you details of my services and fees:

Title 4: "Areas of knowledge always rely on a systematic process of trial and error to aid the production of knowledge." Discuss this claim with reference to two areas of knowledge.

Thoughts to consider with essay 4 include:

• the difference between a priori and a posteriori knowledge
• the difference between deductive and inductive reasoning
• scientific abduction as inference to the best explanation

If you'd like help with topic 4 of the November 2021 ToK essay titles, then I'd be delighted to receive your email; I'll send you details of my services and fees:

Title 5: "If all knowledge is provisional, when can we have confidence in what we claim to know?" Answer with reference to two areas of knowledge.

Thoughts to consider with essay 5 include:

• the difference between knowing and claiming to know
• the idea of degrees of confidence and its link to probability
• the pragmatic theory of knowledge

If you're considering addressing topic 5 of the November 2021 ToK essay titles, then by all means email me and I'll send you details of my services and fees:

Title 6: "We are rarely completely certain, but we are frequently certain enough." Discuss this statement with reference to two areas of knowledge.

Thoughts to consider with essay 6 include:

• certainty and self-evident truths
• the difference between practical and theoretical knowledge
• the pragmatic theory of knowledge

If you're writing on topic 6 of the November 2021 ToK essay titles, then I'd be happy to receive your email; I'll send you details of my services and fees: