TOK EXHIBITION Object 1: The Waldseemüller Map (1507)
- Theme: Knowledge and the Knower
- Rationale: The Waldseemüller Map of 1507, known for being the first to depict the Americas as separate from Asia and to name America, serves as a profound example of the evolution of geographical knowledge and the pursuit of certainty in mapping the world. This map illustrates the impact of exploration and discovery on the human understanding of our planet, marking a significant shift in the European perception of the world’s geography. It embodies the inquiry into how certainty in knowledge is influenced by the acquisition of new information and technological advancements in cartography. The Waldseemüller Map prompts discussion on the provisional nature of knowledge, highlighting how certainty is sought through exploration and inquiry, yet remains subject to revision with new discoveries. It encourages students to reflect on the dynamic and evolving understanding of our world, challenging the notion of absolute certainty in knowledge.
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TOK EXHIBITION Object 2: A Quantum Mechanics Textbook
- Theme: Knowledge and Technology
- Rationale: Quantum mechanics challenges classical notions of certainty and determinism, introducing concepts like superposition and uncertainty at a fundamental level of physical reality. A textbook on this subject represents the intellectual frontier where certainty is deeply questioned, making it a fitting object to explore the limits of what can be known and the extent to which scientific knowledge seeks to provide answers in the face of inherent uncertainty. It encourages students to reflect on the scientific pursuit of understanding in areas where certainty seems fundamentally unattainable.
TOK EXHIBITION Object 3: An Encyclopedia of World Religions
- Theme: Knowledge and Religion
- Rationale: This encyclopedia, encompassing a wide range of religious beliefs and practices, highlights the diversity of human thought on existential questions and the nature of reality. It serves as a basis for examining how different religions approach the concept of certainty, offering varying answers to life’s ultimate questions. This object prompts students to consider how faith and spirituality contribute to or complicate the search for certainty, and the implications of religious knowledge for personal and collective understanding.
TOK EXHIBITION Object 4: A Diagnostic Tool for Mental Health Assessment
- Theme: Knowledge and Technology
- Rationale: This tool, used to diagnose mental health conditions, represents the challenges of attaining certainty in medical science, especially in areas dealing with human psychology and behavior. It raises questions about the criteria for diagnosis, the reliability of tools and methods used in psychology, and the impact of these factors on the certainty of medical knowledge. This object encourages a discussion on the complexities of diagnosing and understanding mental health, highlighting the ongoing evolution of knowledge and the role of technology in seeking certainty in healthcare.
TOK EXHIBITION Object 5: A Voter’s Guide for a Recent Election
- Theme: Knowledge and Politics
- Rationale: A voter’s guide, intended to inform citizens about candidates and issues, illustrates the challenges of achieving certainty in the political realm. It reflects on how political information is presented, the role of media in shaping public opinion, and the difficulties voters face in discerning factual information from bias or misinformation. This guide prompts exploration of the extent to which certainty can be achieved in making informed political decisions, considering the influence of political knowledge and the mechanisms through which it is acquired and disseminated.
