Friday, March 7, 2008

TOK essay plan

would like to do the 5th title in the list which is" in expanding the Field of knowledge we but increase the horizon of ignorance(Henry Miller). is this true?"
In this essay,i would first explain what findings does come under the title of field of knowledge and what i have understood as the horizon of ignorance. then i would like to discuss how our knowledge is based on assumptions. this could be illustrated by the example of any scientific research is based upon assumptions such as there is no friction acting on the body or the mass of the electrons are negligible. i could also write about the four ways of knowing and how each of them have their limitations and flaws because of which we can never be completely sure of what we know. also, even if any believed "fact" passes the three truth tests, it still has chances of being flawed as the truth tests too have their limitations. Also, for any belief to in fact be true, it is necessary that no assumptions are made while proving them. As there are many forces acting on us at any point of time and it is almost impossible to identify each and every one of them and quantify them, our knowledge can never be without any flaws. then, i could go on to show that with every new piece of knowledge, we seem to be disproving what was previous knowledge (world is flat etc.). in this way, what we were sure of and certain about changes to an uncertainty, resulting in ignorance as that is one less thing we know for sure. in this way, expanding the Field of knowledge results in an increase in the horizon of ignorance.

1 comment:

Aashna Nasta said...

i am actually confused about this topic, so I am really curious about what you will write. take up the challenge and best of luck!