Theory of Knowledge's Sample TOK Exhibition

Theory of Knowledge's Sample TOK Exhibition

Can new knowledge change established values or beliefs?

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5 mins read
5 mins read
Candidate Name: N/A
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Word count: 895

Table of content

Figure 1 - Glass

This is the glass my parents gave me with the logo of the foreign languages Institute I used to be a member of.

 

Until the 6th grade, I strongly opposed learning any foreign languages. Although I wasn’t interested in trying to learn other languages, I saw words on this object written in English that intrigued me, so I decided to give it a chance. I choose this glass because it represents the improvement I achieved in both educational and moral view. Knowledge acquired in English is strongly related with this glass, as it reminds me of my beginnings and development throughout the years. Not only did I develop skills in English, but I also started communicating with foreigners and my interest in their customs and culture increased rapidly. This object awakened my desire to become a part of that Institute and to give a space for my then established moral values and beliefs about foreigners to change. Last but not least, as time went by I became a fluent English speaker, which wouldn’t happen if there wasn’t a glass to intrigue me.

 

The relationship between this object and a prompt is very strong, as the name of the place where I acquired vast amount of knowledge is written on the glass. Another link is that it has initiated my interest in foreign languages. Also, this glass represents gradual change in my beliefs and moral values. In conclusion, our values and beliefs are eligible to change, it only depends on our desire to broaden our horizons, and if there wasn’t a glass with the name of the foreign languages Institute, I wouldn’t become the person I am now.

Figure 2 - Bible

This is a bible I was awarded with when I won the writing competition in my municipality. A Bible is a collection of religious texts that are out of crucial importance for members of different religions.

 

Until I got it, I wouldn’t declare myself as an atheist, but a person who is very uninterested and sceptical about believing in existence of God. Curiosity got better of me, I wanted to leave the space for my attitude to be potentially changed, so I decided to read the first part of this vast book.  When I started reading the book, I was amazed with the content and the moral of it. While reading, I started questioning my previously established values and beliefs. It provided me some additional knowledge which increased my respect towards strength of will and the influence of God. I started observing importance of life, family and friends from the other perspective. This object persuaded me to respect different religions and to stop judging book by its cover. Last but not least, the Bible taught me that everything is possible if we believe tightly in it and ourselves. My beliefs towards self-esteem and value were very negative before gaining knowledge from the Bible, but it significantly changed throughout these years.

 

The relationship between IA prompt and my object is that by acquiring new knowledge throughout my reading of this book, I drastically changed my moral values, beliefs, and habits too. This object serves as a great example how newly obtained knowledge can significantly change our attitude and moral values.  To sum up, obtaining of knowledge from this book helped me build a healthy-minded, self-confident and respectful character. I am thankful for the opportunity this object gave me as I established some new moral values and beliefs, and I’m looking forward to upgrading myself even more.

Figure 3 - A basketball

This is a basketball I received from my brother, professional basketball player who wanted to persuade me to start training basketball. This ball characterizes sudden change in my previous beliefs and features.

 

Throughout my childhood, I was a very isolated person with the fear of being mocked and without the need to share my things or feelings with anyone. My resistance for training any sport and joining any community was tightly connected with my introvert character who was afraid to share. In addition, lack of communication became apparent as a became older so it was clear that change was necessary. After overcoming initial problems, I stepped on a basketball court. Knowledge I gained on a court using this object completely changed my views and values. It taught me to cooperate, share both tough and great moments and to contribute to a community. I wasn’t afraid to express my feelings anymore. My beliefs related towards joining community experienced an immense change, as I understood value of team and society. This objects reminds me of gradual improvements in knowledge about beauty of sharing, drastic change in beliefs related to social life and trust in other people.

 

This ball not only represents fair play and teamwork, but also promotes respect between people, which could intensify emphasis on positive moral values inside the community.

 

The link between prompt and my object is that this object is meritorious for knowledge I got in basketball that convinced me to change then established moral values and beliefs. Not only it changed my values, but also taught me about equality and inclusion. From my point of view, a ball represents the beginning of a process of improvement of my attitude. Whenever I use this object, I upgrade my values as I appreciate the opportunity to make my teammates happy by distributing it with them.