IB ToK Essay Titles and Topics: November 2017

Below are links to ideas on the themes of the six November 2017 IB ToK Essay topics.

• Theme 1. The value of knowledge in relation to its access
• Theme 2. Theories destabilize as well as solidy our view of the world
• Theme 3. The accuracy of knowledge over time
• Theme 4. The reliability of methods that test and support knowledge claims
• Theme 5. Simple explanations and best explanations
• Theme 6. Creativity and the production of knowledge

I briefly mention some points to consider for each title below; however, the personalised service I offer is tailored to each student.

The IB organization holds copyright in the theory of knowledge (TOK) prescribed titles and does not permit any reproduction of any IB materials on a public website without its prior written consent. Please contact me if you wish to know any particular title verbatim.

You should be very wary of simply repeating phrases and words from ToK websites.

In particular, basing your essays on downloaded templates carries considerable risks. First, you don't know with whom you are dealing.

Secondly, your essay will share the same structure as many others and will likely be considered as plagiarised. As an experienced philosophy and ToK examiner I know how easy it is to identify essays with a common source.

At any time, you can access free podcasts, videos, and articles, relevant to your IB ToK essay or presentation, from the site's social media pages.

The posts also provide links to discussions of WoKs, AoKs and real-life examples; so it's worth following or liking them:

If you require personal help choosing your November 2017 ToK essay topics, I'd be delighted to receive your email:

Theme 1: The value of knowledge in relation to its access

Thoughts to consider with essay 1 include:

• the various kinds of value we attach to things
• how access to knowledge relates to the ways of knowing
• the relation between access to knowledge and a knower's perspective

If you require tailored help with topic 1 of the November 2017 ToK essay titles, then I'd be delighted to receive your email:

Theme 2: Theories destabilize as well as solidy our view of the world

Thoughts to consider with essay 2 include:

• the role of theories in prediction as well as explanation
• the criteria we use to choose between competing theories
• how theories are supported and also refuted

If you're considering answering topic 2 of the November 2017 ToK essay titles, then I'd be delighted to receive your email:

Theme 3: The accuracy of knowledge over time

Thoughts to consider with essay 3 include:

• the distinction between accuracy and precision
• the criteria we use in choosing between competing knowledge claims
• the role of measurement and standards in the acquisition of knowledge

If you'd like to discuss topic 3 of the November 2017 ToK essay titles, then I'd be delighted to receive your email:

Theme 4: The reliability of methods that test and support knowledge claims

Thoughts to consider with essay 4 include:

• the distinction between knowledge and knowledge claims
• the distinction between confirming and supporting a knowledge claim
• the relation between the reliability of a knowledge claim and the reliability of methods for acquiring knowledge

If you'd like help with topic 4 of the November 2017 ToK essay titles, then I'd be delighted to receive your email:

Theme 5: Simple explanations and best explanations

Thoughts to consider with essay 5 include:

• abduction and inference to the best explanation
• the criteria we use in selecting the best explanation
• Ockham's Razor

If you're considering addressing topic 5 of the November 2017 ToK essay titles, then by all means email me:

Theme 6: Creativity and the production of knowledge

Thoughts to consider with essay 6 include:

• the role of the imagination in producing new possibilities
• the role of the imagination in testing new possibilities
• the kinds of imagination: in particular supposition

If you're writing on topic 6 of the November 2017 ToK essay titles, then I'd be happy to receive your email: