TOK EXHIBITION Object 1: CRISPR-Cas9 Gene Editing Kit
- Theme: Knowledge and Technology
- Rationale: The availability of CRISPR-Cas9 gene editing kits for both professional and amateur use raises profound ethical questions about the boundaries of genetic manipulation. This technology embodies the dilemma of whether all scientific knowledge should be pursued, given its potential for both groundbreaking medical treatments and controversial applications like designer babies or biohacking. It prompts discussions on the responsibilities of scientists and society in setting ethical limits on knowledge exploration, balancing the benefits of genetic advancements against potential risks and moral concerns.
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TOK EXHIBITION Object 2: Facebook’s News Feed Algorithm Patent
- Theme: Knowledge and Technology
- Rationale: The patent for Facebook’s News Feed algorithm, which determines what content is prioritized and shown to users, exemplifies the ethical considerations in curating and disseminating information. This object highlights the impact of algorithmic decision-making on public discourse, privacy, and individual autonomy, raising questions about the ethical responsibilities of tech companies in managing and sharing knowledge. It invites reflection on the balance between personalization and manipulation, exploring whether there should be limits on the knowledge algorithms seek to optimize and exploit.
TOK EXHIBITION Object 3: A Map of Indigenous Sacred Sites
- Theme: Knowledge and Indigenous Societies
- Rationale: Maps detailing the locations of indigenous sacred sites confront the ethical dilemma of documenting and revealing knowledge that indigenous communities may wish to keep private. This object serves as a basis for exploring the tension between academic interest or public curiosity and the right of communities to maintain secrecy or control over their cultural and spiritual knowledge. It prompts discussion on the ethics of knowledge discovery and dissemination, especially in contexts where such knowledge is deeply intertwined with cultural identity, spirituality, and land rights.
TOK EXHIBITION Object 4: “The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks” by Rebecca Skloot
- Theme: Knowledge and the Knower
- Rationale: This book tells the story of Henrietta Lacks and the immortal cell line, HeLa cells, derived from her cancer cells without her knowledge or consent. It highlights ethical issues in medical research and the pursuit of knowledge without considering the rights and dignity of individuals. The story of HeLa cells raises critical questions about consent, racial and ethical injustice, and the human cost of scientific progress, prompting reflection on the ethical considerations that should guide the pursuit of knowledge, especially in fields that directly impact human lives.
TOK EXHIBITION Object 5: AI-Driven Facial Recognition Technology Patent
- Theme: Knowledge and Technology
- Rationale: Patents for AI-driven facial recognition technology underscore the ethical challenges posed by surveillance capabilities and privacy infringements. This technology represents a frontier of knowledge with significant implications for individual rights and societal norms, questioning whether the pursuit of such knowledge respects ethical boundaries. It raises debates on surveillance, consent, and the ethical use of personal data, highlighting the need for ethical frameworks to guide technological development and knowledge acquisition in sensitive areas.
