Theory of Knowledge
Theory of Knowledge
13
Chapters
165
Notes
Chapter 1 - Knowledge & The Knower(Core)
Chapter 1 - Knowledge & The Knower(Core)
Chapter 2 - Knowledge & Technology(Optional)
Chapter 2 - Knowledge & Technology(Optional)
Chapter 3 - Knowledge & Language(Optional)
Chapter 3 - Knowledge & Language(Optional)
Chapter 4 - Knowledge & Politics(Optional)
Chapter 4 - Knowledge & Politics(Optional)
Chapter 5 - Knowledge & Religion(Optional)
Chapter 5 - Knowledge & Religion(Optional)
Chapter 6 - Knowledge & Indigenous Societies(Optional)
Chapter 6 - Knowledge & Indigenous Societies(Optional)
Chapter 7 - History(AoK)
Chapter 7 - History(AoK)
Chapter 8 - The Human Sciences(AoK)
Chapter 8 - The Human Sciences(AoK)
Chapter 9 - The Natural Sciences(AoK)
Chapter 9 - The Natural Sciences(AoK)
Chapter 10 - The Arts(AoK)
Chapter 10 - The Arts(AoK)
Chapter 11 - Mathematics(AoK)
Chapter 11 - Mathematics(AoK)
Chapter 12 - ToK Exhibition
Chapter 12 - ToK Exhibition
Chapter 13 - ToK Essay
Chapter 13 - ToK Essay
IB Resources
Chapter 1 - Knowledge & The Knower(Core)
Theory of Knowledge
Theory of Knowledge

Chapter 1 - Knowledge & The Knower(Core)

Exploring the Boundaries: Knowledge vs. Ignorance in Our World

Word Count Emoji
458 words
Reading Time Emoji
3 mins read
Updated at Emoji
Last edited on 5th Nov 2024

Ignorance - a vast sea, knowledge: a small island

Concept: Our knowledge is limited, like a small island in a vast sea of ignorance. We know less than we think we do, highlighting the vastness of our ignorance.

 

Example: Imagine studying for a big test; the more you study, the more you realize how much more there is to learn. This is akin to our collective understanding of the universe: the more we discover, the more we realize how much we still don't know.

Philosophy of knowledge: daniel deNicola

Concept: Knowledge is like a map, with known areas and unknown "dangerous" territories ("Here be dragons"). These boundaries can be blurry, and all our "maps" have their own strengths and weaknesses.

 

Example: Consider Google Maps vs. a physical map. Google Maps can give real-time updates and detailed routes, but is reliant on technology. A physical map, while lacking real-time data, is tangible and can be used without technology.

Limits of knowledge

Concept: Understanding the limits of our knowledge is important, like methodological limits or ethical limits. Some limits are known, unknown, and potentially unknowable.

 

Example: In medicine, there's a lot we don't know about how the brain fully functions due to technological and ethical limitations (we can't simply open someone's head to study their brain while they're alive).

Overcoming knowledge limits

Concept: Humans have found ways to overcome knowledge limitations, such as through historical methods or economic predictions. Being aware of our knowledge limits helps prevent mistakes.

Example: Astronomers once believed that the universe was geocentric. With advancements in technology and methodology, we now know that it's heliocentric.

Knowledge domains

Concept: Different domains offer different scopes of knowledge. Does knowledge in religion extend where scientific knowledge cannot? Does art take over from mathematics at some point?

 

Example: While science can explain how a rainbow forms, art can express the feeling of seeing a rainbow, and religion might offer a spiritual interpretation of it.

Ignorance: an influence and consequence

Concept: Ignorance affects our decisions and actions, and it can be broader and more intriguing than knowledge. Ignorance could also be due to cultural factors or deliberate misinformation.

 

Example: Consider a false news story spreading on social media. This could lead to 'ignorance' as people believe and act on the false information.

Knowledge, ignorance and societal impact

Concept: Lack of knowledge can lead to significant impacts. For example, gaps in collective knowledge can lead to 'epistemic injustice'.

 

Example: If a community lacks knowledge about their voting rights, they may be vulnerable to exploitation or may fail to participate fully in democratic processes, leading to an unjust system.

Knowledge and ignorance in practice

Concept: In real-world situations, ignorance can lead to certain behaviors or beliefs. Even a geographical misunderstanding can influence political views.
 

Example: In the case of the Ukrainian revolution, people who incorrectly located Ukraine on the map were more likely to support military intervention due to misconceptions about the geopolitical situation.

 

These notes cover how we view knowledge and ignorance, how they affect us individually and as a society, and the limitations and potentials of different domains of knowledge. Remember, it's okay not to know everything - there will always be dragons at the edge of the map!

Table of content

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IB Resources
Chapter 1 - Knowledge & The Knower(Core)
Theory of Knowledge
Theory of Knowledge

Chapter 1 - Knowledge & The Knower(Core)

Exploring the Boundaries: Knowledge vs. Ignorance in Our World

Word Count Emoji
458 words
Reading Time Emoji
3 mins read
Updated at Emoji
Last edited on 5th Nov 2024

Ignorance - a vast sea, knowledge: a small island

Concept: Our knowledge is limited, like a small island in a vast sea of ignorance. We know less than we think we do, highlighting the vastness of our ignorance.

 

Example: Imagine studying for a big test; the more you study, the more you realize how much more there is to learn. This is akin to our collective understanding of the universe: the more we discover, the more we realize how much we still don't know.

Philosophy of knowledge: daniel deNicola

Concept: Knowledge is like a map, with known areas and unknown "dangerous" territories ("Here be dragons"). These boundaries can be blurry, and all our "maps" have their own strengths and weaknesses.

 

Example: Consider Google Maps vs. a physical map. Google Maps can give real-time updates and detailed routes, but is reliant on technology. A physical map, while lacking real-time data, is tangible and can be used without technology.

Limits of knowledge

Concept: Understanding the limits of our knowledge is important, like methodological limits or ethical limits. Some limits are known, unknown, and potentially unknowable.

 

Example: In medicine, there's a lot we don't know about how the brain fully functions due to technological and ethical limitations (we can't simply open someone's head to study their brain while they're alive).

Overcoming knowledge limits

Concept: Humans have found ways to overcome knowledge limitations, such as through historical methods or economic predictions. Being aware of our knowledge limits helps prevent mistakes.

Example: Astronomers once believed that the universe was geocentric. With advancements in technology and methodology, we now know that it's heliocentric.

Knowledge domains

Concept: Different domains offer different scopes of knowledge. Does knowledge in religion extend where scientific knowledge cannot? Does art take over from mathematics at some point?

 

Example: While science can explain how a rainbow forms, art can express the feeling of seeing a rainbow, and religion might offer a spiritual interpretation of it.

Ignorance: an influence and consequence

Concept: Ignorance affects our decisions and actions, and it can be broader and more intriguing than knowledge. Ignorance could also be due to cultural factors or deliberate misinformation.

 

Example: Consider a false news story spreading on social media. This could lead to 'ignorance' as people believe and act on the false information.

Knowledge, ignorance and societal impact

Concept: Lack of knowledge can lead to significant impacts. For example, gaps in collective knowledge can lead to 'epistemic injustice'.

 

Example: If a community lacks knowledge about their voting rights, they may be vulnerable to exploitation or may fail to participate fully in democratic processes, leading to an unjust system.

Knowledge and ignorance in practice

Concept: In real-world situations, ignorance can lead to certain behaviors or beliefs. Even a geographical misunderstanding can influence political views.
 

Example: In the case of the Ukrainian revolution, people who incorrectly located Ukraine on the map were more likely to support military intervention due to misconceptions about the geopolitical situation.

 

These notes cover how we view knowledge and ignorance, how they affect us individually and as a society, and the limitations and potentials of different domains of knowledge. Remember, it's okay not to know everything - there will always be dragons at the edge of the map!

Table of content