Knowledge & Values 1 - Construction of Moral Values

• The arts - This RLS shows how there is often a difficult relationship between the moral position of the artist, and the work that they produce. It poses questions such as how should we view the art of people who have questionable moral stances, and should we ‘cancel’ it?

• History - This RLS shows the importance of remembering events from the past in order to be more aware of moral transgressions in the present. Do we all have a responsibility to know about the past? How does this help us become more morally-aware knowers?

• The human sciences - This RLS shows us that we need to become ‘long-term thinkers’ in order to safeguard civilization, and also understand the key issues going on in the human and natural world (specifically, climate change). Do we have a moral obligation to think in this way?

• Mathematics - This RLS shows that mathematical knowledge (algorithms) does not provide us with an absolutely objective foundation point for making ethical decisions - because humans are behind their development.

The natural sciences - This RLS shows us there are many ethically controversial issues in the natural sciences, such as lab-grown embryos. This leads us onto questions such as whether there should be limitations on the production of knowledge in science.

1. A ‘hook’ to grab the attention of your readers - this could be an engaging, interesting, intriguing opening, like a quote or a key idea or theory

2. Explain the key words and ideas of the title, and how you will interpret them

3. Outline the scope of your essay - ie the AOKs you will focus on. Usually, TOK essays ask you to look at 2 different areas of knowledge

The introduction of your TOK essay is massively important! If tricky terms in the title are not defined, or the scope of the essay not properly explained, your essay will always struggle to make sense.