TOK Essay Title #4 May 25 Evidence & Breakdown [TOOLS] | Get an A in TOK

Summary

This video provides in-depth guidance on selecting and structuring an essay around the 2025 Theory of Knowledge title: 'Do the ever-improving tools of an area of knowledge always result in improved knowledge?' The presenter breaks down approaches for organizing evidence, using both tangible and intangible tools across various disciplines, such as the internet in human sciences, algorithms in business, and CRISPR in natural sciences. The speaker emphasizes analyzing examples from multiple perspectives, highlighting that the answer is often nuanced rather than absolute, and offers practical tips and resources for viewers to excel in their essays.

Takeaways

• 😀 The speaker recommends essay title number four, emphasizing that it's an easy way to score well and encourages viewers to choose it.
• 📚 The video provides numerous notes and examples to help viewers understand the topic thoroughly, focusing specifically on human sciences.
• 🔧 The essay topic discussed revolves around whether ever-improving tools in an area of knowledge (AOK) always result in improved knowledge.
• 🧠 The speaker suggests organizing the essay by exploring different levels of correlation between improved tools and improved knowledge, rather than simply stating 'yes' or 'no'.
• 💡 The speaker emphasizes that tools might improve knowledge, but we need to determine the degree and circumstances under which this is true.
• 🌐 Examples like the internet, algorithms, and generative AI are used to show how tools sometimes improve knowledge, while at other times, they may hinder or be biased.
• 🔬 Various AOKs such as human sciences, natural sciences, and the arts are analyzed to explore how different tools impact the improvement of knowledge.
• 🎶 In the arts, the creation of new genres and the use of AI in art were highlighted as tools that impact how knowledge is transmitted, with both positive and negative outcomes.
• 🤔 The speaker advises viewers to consider prior knowledge as a factor that influences whether a new tool will effectively lead to improved knowledge.
• 💬 The video also provides practical examples of failed tools or tools with unintended consequences, such as radium use and biased algorithms, to highlight the importance of critical analysis in determining their true impact on knowledge.

Q & A

What is the main topic discussed in the video?

The video discusses strategies and tools to answer the TOK essay prompt: 'Do the ever-improving tools of an area of knowledge always result in improved knowledge?' with reference to two Areas of Knowledge (AOKs).

Why does the speaker believe the answer to the essay question is 'no'?

The speaker believes the answer is 'no' because anytime a question includes 'always' or 'never,' the answer tends to be nuanced. The speaker suggests the question should be analyzed on a spectrum, where tools may improve knowledge in some cases but not always.

What is the suggested structure for organizing the essay?

The speaker recommends organizing the essay by examining different levels of correlation between improved tools and improved knowledge. The structure includes examples of no correlation, some correlation, and reverse correlation where improved tools might hinder knowledge.

What are some examples of tools in the human sciences that improved knowledge?

Examples include the internet facilitating data collection, geospatial data mapping, game theory in economics, and algorithms used in hiring processes. These tools have led to improved knowledge by allowing wider reach, deeper analysis, and new methodologies.

How can tools sometimes hinder knowledge in the human sciences?

Tools like algorithms can embed human biases, as seen in cases where algorithms used in hiring increased racial biases instead of eliminating them. Another example is the IB's use of biased algorithms for grading students, which led to unfair results.

What is an example of a tool in the natural sciences that has both improved and hindered knowledge?

CRISPR, a tool for gene editing, has vastly improved knowledge of genetics, but ethical concerns and government regulations have sometimes hindered the progress and application of this knowledge.

How does the speaker approach the use of AI tools like ChatGPT and DALL·E?

The speaker views AI tools like ChatGPT and DALL·E as examples of 'sometimes' tools. While they can generate useful information and content, they also produce inaccuracies, as seen when AI misidentified historical figures, thus showing the limitations of these tools in improving knowledge.

What example is given from the arts to show how tools might not always improve knowledge?

An example from the arts is the use of AI to create artwork. While it may demonstrate technical skills, the speaker questions whether AI-generated art truly contributes to new knowledge or simply automates creative processes.

What is the role of new genres in improving knowledge within the arts, according to the speaker?

The speaker suggests that the creation of new genres helps in classifying and understanding knowledge. However, the process of creating new genres does not always lead to improved knowledge and can sometimes add confusion or complexity.

What advice does the speaker give for selecting Areas of Knowledge (AOKs) in the TOK essay?

The speaker advises choosing AOKs that provide a variety of examples and evidence. They suggest the human sciences and natural sciences as ideal choices due to the wealth of examples available, such as tools in economics or scientific methods like CRISPR.