TOK EXHIBITION Object 1: A Signed First Edition of “A Brief History of Time” by Stephen Hawking
- Theme: Knowledge and the Knower
- Rationale: This iconic book by physicist Stephen Hawking makes complex concepts in physics accessible to the general public, showcasing the pivotal role experts play in democratizing specialized knowledge. Hawking’s ability to distill and communicate sophisticated ideas about the universe in an understandable manner exemplifies how experts can bridge the gap between complex academic research and public comprehension. It prompts reflection on the importance of expertise in facilitating broader engagement with and understanding of scientific knowledge, influencing how such knowledge is consumed and valued by society.
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TOK EXHIBITION Object 2: A TED Talk Video on Behavioral Economics
- Theme: Knowledge and Language
- Rationale: TED Talks, such as those exploring behavioral economics, serve as platforms where experts share insights in engaging and accessible formats, significantly influencing public knowledge and perspectives. This particular TED Talk exemplifies how experts use language and media to shape understanding of and interest in specialized fields, affecting how knowledge is acquired and applied in everyday decision-making. It highlights the role of experts in making complex ideas relatable and actionable, thereby influencing the consumption of knowledge across diverse audiences.
TOK EXHIBITION Object 3: The IPCC Climate Change Report
- Theme: Knowledge and Technology
- Rationale: The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) reports synthesize the latest scientific findings on climate change, serving as authoritative sources that influence policy, education, and public discourse. These reports exemplify how experts consolidate and communicate critical information, guiding global responses to complex challenges. The role of these expert compilations in shaping understanding, policy, and action on climate change underscores the significant impact of expert knowledge on the collective acquisition and application of information in addressing global issues.
TOK EXHIBITION Object 4: Consumer Reports Magazine Issue
- Theme: Knowledge and Technology
- Rationale: Consumer Reports, known for its independent product testing and reviews, illustrates the influence of expert evaluations on consumer behavior. By providing evidence-based assessments and comparisons, experts in various fields guide consumers in making informed decisions, affecting the acquisition and trust of knowledge related to products and services. This object invites discussion on how expertise shapes consumer knowledge, trust, and decision-making processes, emphasizing the role of credibility and evidence in expert advice.
TOK EXHIBITION Object 5: Software User Agreement for a Social Media Platform
- Theme: Knowledge and Technology
- Rationale: Software user agreements, especially those for social media platforms, serve as a modern example of how expertly crafted documents influence user understanding and behavior regarding technology use. These agreements, often dense and complex, highlight the reliance on legal and technical expertise in shaping the terms of engagement with digital platforms. This reliance underscores the role of experts in mediating our interaction with technology, influencing our consumption of digital knowledge through the framing of rights, responsibilities, and privacy considerations. This object invites reflection on how the expertise behind these agreements impacts user awareness and decision-making in the digital realm, emphasizing the intersection of technology, information dissemination, and the nuances of digital literacy.
