TOK EXHIBITION Object 1: A Scientific Journal Article Reporting a New Discovery
- Theme: Knowledge and Technology
- Rationale: A peer-reviewed scientific journal article, especially one reporting a new discovery based on empirical evidence and rigorous methodologies, serves as a representation of knowledge. Unlike belief or opinion, the content of such an article has been critically evaluated by experts and is supported by observable data and replicable experiments. This object exemplifies how knowledge is distinguished by its basis in verifiable facts and consensus within the scientific community, reflecting a commitment to objectivity and the scientific method.
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TOK EXHIBITION Object 2: A Voter’s Guide Compiled by a Partisan Group
- Theme: Knowledge and Politics
- Rationale: A voter’s guide, especially one compiled by a partisan organization, may blend facts with ideological perspectives, showcasing the intersection of belief with knowledge. The guide’s content, while informative, is often intended to persuade or influence, reflecting underlying beliefs and values of the compiling group. This object highlights how beliefs can color the presentation of information, affecting the perception and acceptance of what might otherwise be considered factual knowledge, demonstrating the subjective lens through which knowledge is sometimes filtered.
TOK EXHIBITION Object 3: An Editorial Op-Ed in a Newspaper
- Theme: Knowledge and Language
- Rationale: An op-ed provides a clear example of opinion, characterized by personal views, interpretations, and arguments of the author on various issues. Unlike knowledge, which is grounded in empirical evidence and consensus, or belief, which is tied to conviction and faith, an opinion is openly subjective and intended to express a viewpoint or persuade readers. This object underscores the importance of language and rhetoric in distinguishing opinions from knowledge and beliefs, emphasizing the role of critical thinking in navigating these distinctions.
TOK EXHIBITION Object 4: A Religious Text
- Theme: Knowledge and Religion
- Rationale: Religious texts are foundational to the beliefs of various faith communities, embodying convictions that are accepted on faith rather than empirical evidence. These texts illustrate how belief is distinguished from knowledge and opinion by its reliance on spiritual conviction, tradition, and the authority of sacred writings. The reverence and spiritual significance attributed to religious texts demonstrate how beliefs are deeply ingrained in cultural and personal identity, distinct from the empirical basis of knowledge or the subjective nature of opinion.
TOK EXHIBITION Object 5: User Reviews on a Product Website
- Theme: Knowledge and Technology
- Rationale: User reviews on a product website offer a mix of subjective opinions, personal experiences, and factual information about product performance. These reviews encapsulate the spectrum from opinion (personal satisfaction or dissatisfaction with the product) to knowledge (specific, verifiable facts about the product’s features or functionality). This object illustrates the challenge of navigating between subjective opinions, objective knowledge, and individual beliefs (trust in the brand or product based on past experiences) in the digital age, highlighting the critical role of discernment in evaluating the validity and reliability of information online.
