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Emily Osann

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TOK Talk
TOK Talk詮釋與知識 Interpretation as a reliable tool在知識的產生過程中，詮釋在多大程度上是一種可靠的工具？ 在本期知識論清談中，我們有幸邀請到中國文化研究中心的張玉龍老師，他的深厚學識和獨到見解為我們的討論增添了無限光彩。張老師的專業背景使他能夠深入剖析詮釋與知識之間的複雜關係。他的思考不僅啟發了我們對知識本質的重新思考，也讓我們感受到詮釋在知識生成過程中的重要性和挑戰。期待大家收聽這期節目，感受張老師的智慧和魅力。 2026 TOK Essay Title 6: To what extent is interpretation a reliable tool in the production of knowledge? Answer with reference to history and one other area of knowledge. In this episode of our TOK talk, we're pleased to welcome Dr. Zhang Yulong from the China Cultural Research Center. His deep knowledge and unique insights greatly enrich our discussion. Dr. Zhang's expertise enables him to analyze the complex relationship between interpretation and knowledge. His thoughts inspire us to rethink the nature of knowledge and highlight the importance and challenges of interpretation in the knowledge generation process. We look forward to everyone tuning in to experience Dr. Zhang's wisdom and charm. Host: 孫秀東老師 Guest:張玉龍老師
2025-10-2323 minTOK Talk
TOK Talk萬物皆數 嘉賓介紹Everything is Numbers你在多大程度上認同「萬物皆數」這一論斷。是否萬物皆數，所有的知識和理解最終都可以用數字來詮釋和量化？甚至是本質上都是數學？這是一個值得深思的問題。為了探討這個有趣的話題，我們特別邀請了吳暇老師和張紫朗老師參加這一期的知識論清談。在討論中，兩位老師的對話既幽默又深刻，像是在一場智力的舞蹈中，讓人不禁想要跟著一起起舞。他們結合自身經驗探討了數學與知識之間的微妙關係，讓人耳目一新。不論是吳老師的風趣比喻，還是張老師的深邃見解，這場對話都讓我們重新思考了知識的本質。期待大家收聽這期節目，跟隨我們一起在知識的海洋中暢游，說不定會有意想不到的收穫哦！ To what extent do you agree with the claim that “all things are numbers” (Pythagoras)? Answer with reference to the arts and the human sciences. Is everything ultimately quantifiable, and can all knowledge be interpreted through numbers? Is everything, at its core, mathematical? This thought-provoking question is the focus of our latest epistemology discussion, featuring teachers Wu Xia and Zhang Tze Long.. Their dialogue is both humorous and insightful, akin to an intellectual dance that invites participation. They explore the nuanced relationship between mathematics and knowledge, offering fresh perspectives. Join us in this episode as we navigate the ocean of knowledge—who knows what unexpected insights you might discover! Hosts: 孫秀東老師 Guests: 吳暇老師、張紫朗老師
2025-10-2322 minTOK Talk
TOK Talk知識與情境 Knowledge and Context在獲取知識的過程中，我們對某事物的理解程度是否僅能達到我們對該事物情境的理解程度？帶著這個問題，我們特意邀請了王紅櫻老師、張熙老師參與了這一期的知識論清談。期間老師們對於情境與知識的討論有趣有深刻，期待大家收聽。 In the acquisition of knowledge, can we only understand something to the extent that we understand its context? Discuss with reference to two areas of knowledge. With this question, we invited Teachers Wang Hongying and Zhang Xi to join this session of our epistemology discussion. Their insights on context and knowledge were both interesting and profound. We hope everyone tunes in! Hosts: 孫秀東老師 Guests: 王紅櫻老師、張熙老師
2025-10-2331 minTOK Talk
TOK TalkPower in the medium2026 TOK Essay Title 3: Is the power of knowledge determined by the way in which the knowledge is conveyed? Discuss with reference to mathematics and one other area of knowledge. Can knowledge stand on its own, or does its impact entirely depend on the packaging? That is the provocative challenge of the 2026 TOK Essay Title 3: "Is the power of knowledge determined by the way in which the knowledge is conveyed?" This question is particularly complex when applied to Mathematics, where facts are absolute yet their transformative power often lies hidden behind specialized notation and formal proofs. To navigate this question, I’ve...
2025-10-2331 minTOK Talk
TOK TalkDoubt is Central2026 TOK Essay Title 2: To what extent do you agree that doubt is central to the pursuit of knowledge? Answer with reference to two areas of knowledge. This title seems to pick up in the middle of a debate about the nature of knowledge, and how it has shifted over time… particularly with the 21st century focus on STEM, and a scientific approach to knowledge. For me, as an art teacher, the idea that doubt is essential to the pursuit of knowledge is counter-intuitive, even corrosive; how can one create without a measure of belief? I recognized the deep, conflicting roles do...
2025-10-2325 minTOK Talk
TOK TalkObservation is essential but flawed2026 TOK Essay Title 1: In the production of knowledge, does it matter that observation is an essential but flawed tool? Discuss with reference to the natural sciences and one other area of knowledge. The premise of the 2026 TOK Essay Title 1—that observation, the bedrock of science, is also inherently flawed—demanded a rigorous inquiry. To understand the stakes, I sat down with a science expert to challenge the maxim, 'seeing 'is believing.' Our discussion was a deep dive into the mechanisms of scientific knowledge: how the very act of observation is shaped by the techniques and tools we use; what the...
2025-10-2337 minTOK Talk
TOK TalkTOK Essay Guidance with John SpragueA fantastic professional learning workshop this week at our school led to a follow-up conversation with John Sprague, renowned TOK textbook writer and teacher. We wanted to delve deeper into the practical strategies he uses to help students master their essays. One highlight for our teaching team was Sprague’s insightful framing of "knowledge communities." He helped us see that this concept is inherently inclusive: anyone involved with a subject—from a novice apprentice to a seasoned expert—is a vital part of that community. We realized this perspective could fundamentally change how students view their work. This podcast distills that t...
2025-10-2025 minTOK Talk
TOK TalkEver Improving ToolsTitle 4: Do the ever-improving tools of an area of knowledge always result in improved knowledge? Discuss with reference to two areas of knowledge Guest: Dr. Simon Griffin Sounds: Lamma beach
2024-11-0136 minTOK Talk
TOK TalkFinite Resources, Relentless Drive2025 TOK Essay Title 3: How can we reconcile the relentless drive to pursue knowledge with the finite resources we have available? Discuss with reference to the natural sciences and one other area of knowledge Guest: Kevin Hoye Sounds: Hong Kong Birds and Traffic in the morning
2024-10-2524 minTOK Talk
TOK TalkDo not ignore contradictory evidence2025 TOK Essay Title 1: Do historians and human scientists have an ethical obligation to follow the directive: “do not ignore contradictory evidence”? Discuss with reference to history and the human sciences. Guest: Quinn Fontaine Sounds: Sri Lankan rainforest in the morning
2024-10-2526 minTOK Talk
TOK TalkFragile & Revered Knowledge2025 TOK Essay Title 2: Is our most revered knowledge more fragile than we assume it to be? Discuss with reference to the arts and one other area of knowledge Guest: Janka van Jaarsveld Sounds: Sri Lankan rainforest in the morning
2024-10-2528 minTOK Talk
TOK TalkSense Of Wonder2025 TOK Essay Title 6: Does acquiring knowledge destroy our sense of wonder? Discuss with reference to two areas of knowledge Guest: Bob Scheer Sounds: Sri Lankan rainforest at midnight
2024-10-2522 minTOK Talk
TOK TalkModels are Wrong2025 TOK Essay Title 5: To what extent do you agree with the claim “all models are wrong, but some are useful” (attributed to George Box)? Discuss with reference to mathematics and one other area of knowledge. Guest: Rob Bradshaw Sounds: Sri Lankan street musicians
2024-10-2524 minTOK Talk
TOK TalkHow do differing belief systems influence what we know? 不同的信仰体系如何影响我们的知识?不同的信仰体系如何影响我们的知识? In this bilingual podcast, we explore the complex relationship between belief systems and our understanding of the world. We examine various belief frameworks, including the Judeo-Christian, Buddhist, Taoist, and Confucian traditions, to explore if it is even possible to fully recognize the extent to which our underlying beliefs influence what we know and how we act. Join us as we delve into a short, sweet, yet deep conversation about our value systems and understanding how they shape our knowledge about others and the world. We hope this gets you thinking as you go about your day, and give you a chance to consider: How do your...
2024-08-0722 minTOK Talk
TOK TalkWho Owns Knowledge?Prompt 29. Who owns knowledge? LY’s first response: “Those who study, those who learn, those who share” is not a bad start. I wish this were the world we lived in, but somehow I think the answer is far more complicated and often influenced by power (for good and for bad) more than we care to acknowledge. What is ownership? That it ‘belongs’ to you? Can knowledge even be owned? Pioneers, inventors, artists, discoverers of new knowledge - do they own the knowledge they produce, create or discover? If whoever was first gets the credit, does that mean they own the knowle...
2024-06-0337 minTOK Talk
TOK TalkRole of Imagination!This is one that I could discuss endlessly. Who doesn’t love imagination? I actually recorded this (and a few more episodes) nearly a year ago and have been waiting for the right time. Now seems like the right time for this one, especially as we’re talking about the role of imagination in allowing us to understand and empathize with circumstances outside of our own world. We did go down a little LOTR rabbit hole in this one, let me know if you agree with what we said! But to bring it back to TOK, we talked about imagination in a...
2024-02-1730 minTOK Talk
TOK TalkHow important are Material Tools?I met with Jon Rees, another TOK Teacher (as well as teacher of Human Technologies and IB English) here in Hong Kong, and we discussed TOK Exhibition Prompt 23: How important are material tools in the production or acquisition of knowledge? It was a fascinating discussion! Students, you need to be careful in this question about the difference between producing knowledge and producing things. While there is a connection (knowledge is needed to produce things), it is not an obvious connection so an exploration of the knowledge being produced (not just the thing) is required here. I think it would be...
2024-02-1640 minTOK Talk
TOK TalkNothing more exciting than fresh ideas? 2024 TOK Essay Title 3May 2024 TOK Essay Title 3 Nothing is more exciting than fresh ideas, so why are areas of knowledge often so slow to adopt them? Discuss with reference to the human sciences and one other area of knowledge. What is the difference between an idea and knowledge? What is slow or fast in terms of ideas? What contexts affect the timeframe? Slow for what? Who? What does it mean to “adopt” an idea? How is that different from acceptance? When does an idea become a theory or law? What makes an idea fresh? What about the possibilities they represent is both exciting and...
2023-11-0123 minTOK Talk
TOK TalkDo we need custodians of knowledge? 2024 TOK Essay Title 5May 2024 TOK Essay Title 5 Do we need custodians of knowledge? Discuss with reference to two areas of knowledge. I met with Kevin and recorded this, but I had a technical malfunction so the recording was lost. I’ve tried to recapture the essence of our conversation as best as I could. We unpacked some really interesting questions: How does one become a ‘custodian’ of knowledge? Who has the authority or right? Who decides what is protected? What about knowledge that has been lost or discluded? What other great truths and insights are we not hearing because of the selectivity? As custod...
2023-10-2614 minTOK Talk
TOK TalkSpecialization vs. Generalization: 2024 TOK Essay Title 2May 2024 TOK Essay Title 2: How can we reconcile the opposing demands for specialization and generalization in the production of knowledge? Discuss with reference to mathematics and one other area of knowledge. This is a tough one that requires some confidence to write about examples with confidence in mathematics. A good investigation would offer an exploration of ways that the demands are reconciled. Why do the demands oppose? Are they really opposing demands? Why do we need both specialization and generalization? If one way to reconcile these demands is to create systems and improve communication within and across knowledge communities, what...
2023-10-2312 minTOK Talk
TOK TalkRecent Evidence: 2024 TOK Essay Title 6May 2024 TOK Essay Title 6 Are we too quick to assume that the most recent evidence is inevitably the strongest? Discuss with reference to the natural sciences and one other area of knowledge. Be careful here with this title that you’re really talking about evidence and not the interpretation of evidence in the form of theories! This one is worth a listen just for how we talk about ways to approach TOK Essay Titles in general, nearer to the end. One more word about the arts after further consideration: recent evidence could be uncovered in the arts in many ways, fo...
2023-10-2236 minTOK Talk
TOK TalkSubjectivity in Arts & History: 2024 TOK Essay Title 1May 2024 TOK Essay Title 1: Is subjectivity overly celebrated in the arts but unfairly condemned in history? Discuss with reference to the arts and history. Be careful with this title: you need to really interrogate assumptions about the role of subjectivity in both arts and history. Think about instances where subjectivity may be overly celebrated in the arts and where objectivity could be of value. Likewise, think about where subjectivity is condemned and where it might also have value in history. I really like this title and look forward to hearing your thoughts on it (and reading your essays!) Guests: Kevin...
2023-10-2227 minTOK Talk
TOK TalkDoes Some Knowledge Belong to Communities Of Knowers?Today we talked about TOK Exhibition prompt 14: Does some knowledge belong only to particular communities of knowers? This is a good one with links to religious knowledge, and secret knowledge only shared by communities… We discuss the idea of preserving some knowledge, why some knowledge does (and perhaps should?) only belong to particular communities, and the blurry line where protecting knowledge becomes gatekeeping. This is a really good one, and left me with a lot more questions than answers. An interesting link to this year’s TOK Essay titles too! Guest: Dr. Rachel Oser Music: cover of Taylor Swift Love Stor...
2023-09-2922 minTOK Talk
TOK Talk美感的根源和本质 Origin & Essence of Beauty你為什麼會覺得某種存在很美？美感的根源和本质是什么？美感是个人、某种文化所特有的、还是整个世界共有的？帶著這些問題，我們特意邀請了王紅櫻老師、賀瑜老師、吳玥老師參與了這一期的知識論清談。期間老師們對於藝術與美的討論有趣有深刻，期待大家收聽。能夠完成這一話題的討論與後期製作，離不開Ms OSANN、苗曉龍老師的大力支持。鞠躬、致謝。 In this Mandarin episode of TOK Talk, Mr. Sun invited Mandarin Language Teachers Mr. Wang, Ms. He, and Ms. Wu to discuss important questions about beauty: Why do we think certain things are beautiful? What is the origin and nature of a sense of beauty? Is this sense specific to the individual or to the culture, or is it universal? A profound discussion on art and beauty The discussion and post-production of this topic cannot be completed without the strong support of Ms Osann and Miao Xiaolong. Hosts: 孫秀東 Mr. Sun Guests: 王紅櫻老師、賀瑜老師、吳玥老師 Music: 王美婷老師
2023-08-2535 minTOK Talk
TOK TalkChallenges raised by communication of knowledgeIn this episode, I met with Bill Kyzner (IB Teacher of Global Politics) and Garrett McKee (IB Teacher of Design Technology) to discuss Prompt 10: What challenges are raised by the dissemination and/or communication of knowledge? We explored the relationship between the communicator, the message, and the audience along with the challenges raised in each of these stages. We first unpacked the assumption that there will be misinterpretation: what is said is not what will be received. Some of the many challenges we discussed include: the layered meaning of words, translation, media of dissemination, perspectives that shape our understanding, language...
2023-07-0230 minTOK Talk
TOK Talk歷史真相 Truth & History歷史是什麼？我們多大程度上可以探尋到歷史的真項？如果歷史真相難以證實,這是否意味著有關該歷史事件的各種版本都具有同樣的可接受性?哪些因素會影響你接受對歷史事件的解釋？帶著這些問題，我們特意邀請了張瓊老師、苗曉龍老師、李曉熙老師參與了這一期的知識論清談。期間老師們胸懷大志、腹有良謀、指點江山，有包藏宇宙之機，有吞吐天地之志，慾知如何，敬請收聽。能夠完成這一話題的討論與後期製作，離不開Ms OSANN、苗曉龍老師的大力支持。鞠躬、致謝。 Mandarin speakers, this is the second episode just for you! In this podcast, Sun Laoshi asked, "What is history? To what extent can we explore the truth of history? If historical truth is difficult to verify, does that mean that various versions of that historical event are equally acceptable? What factors influence your acceptance of an interpretation of a historical event?” With these questions in mind, we invited teachers Zhang Qiong, Miao Xiaolong, and Li Xiaoxi to contribute to this Episode of TOK Talk - our second Chinese Podcast in our growing effort to share bilingual resources about TOK. I hope you enjoy this episode! Once again, I would especially like to thank Wang Mei Tyng Laoshi for the beautiful original musical composition especially prepared for this podcast. Hosts: 孫秀東 Xiudong Sun & Emily Osann Guests: 張瓊老師、苗曉龍老師、李曉熙老師 Music: 王美婷老師
2023-06-0825 minTOK Talk
TOK TalkConstraints On Pursuit Of KnowledgeRecently I met with Naomi Chevannes who teaches Design Technology here in Hong Kong. We discussed TOK Exhibition Prompt 15: What constraints are there on the pursuit of knowledge? Breaking this down we discussed constraints such as access, tools, time, language, personal experience, motivation, perspectives, funding… We found possible divisions of these constraints such as inner and outer constraints, as well as an elegant distinction between constraints to the pursuit of knowledge which are within or without our control. We talked about knowledge as a buffet, and contrasted that with a famine (we may have gotten a little carried away with ou...
2023-05-1228 minTOK Talk
TOK Talk不同文化,不同語言,不同的世界? Different culture, different language, different worlds?This is the first of a series of Bilingual TOK Talk Podcasts! Today I met with four Chinese speaking colleagues to discuss the question: 具有不同文化及語言背景的人們是否生活在不同的世界中? “Do people with different cultural or language backgrounds live in different worlds?” 這一期的話題參與者來自中文組的三位同儕：劉宇老師、張瓊老師和白鷺老師。三位老師結合各自的親身經驗從多個角度分享了自己對於這一話題的認識，期間妙語連珠、精彩紛呈又發人深省。我個人在這次討論中也是受益良多，期待未來會有更多的中文老師參與到這個清談節目中。能夠完成這一話題的討論與後期製作，離不開Ms OSANN、王美婷老師、苗曉龍老師的大力支持。鞠躬、致謝。 Sun Laoshi led this conversation, and together we met with Liu Yu, Zhang Qiong Laoshi and Bai Laoshi. These teachers shared their understanding of this topic from multiple perspectives based on their own personal experience. Sun and I personally benefited a lot from this discussion, and I look forward to more Chinese teachers participating in this series in the future. I would especially like to thank Wang Mei Tyng Laoshi for the beautiful original musical composition especially prepared for this podcast. Guests: Guests:孫老師, 劉宇老師, 張瓊老師, 白鷺老師
2023-02-1329 minTOK Talk
TOK TalkIs Bias Inevitable In The Production Of Knowledge?Today I’m joined for another session by Ms. Virginia Voigt, Psychology teacher and we discussed TOK Exhibition Prompt 12: Is Bias inevitable in the production of knowledge? Since we’re human (and we're biased even when we try to be aware of our own biases), and knowledge is made by and for humans, the logical deduction here would be that yes, bias is inevitable. We don’t stop with this though, we unpack this question through the lens of Psychology, a field that strives to be as aware as possible and remove bias through stringent measures. Our conversation today reminds me ver...
2022-12-1321 minTOK Talk
TOK TalkAre Some Types Of Knowledge Less Open To Interpretation Than OthersPrompt 9: Are some types of knowledge less open to interpretation than others? In this episode, I met with one of my favourite teachers here in HK, Anastasia Stitch. She is a DP History teacher & examiner, and she holds a Masters of International and Public Affairs from University of Hong Kong, and was a DP History student herself. Looking through a Historical lens, I was really interested to hear what she had to say about Exhibition Prompt 9: Are some types of knowledge less open to interpretation than others? We explore the beauty of history, literature and arts as being constantly open...
2022-12-0132 minTOK Talk
TOK TalkBonus Episode: All the titles 2023… beware!After we finished the last episode, Kevin Hoye and I kept our conversation going about each of the titles, and I decided to keep the mic on to capture our conversation in the form of a quick little bonus episode to point out some things to watch out for and some interesting bits about each of the 6 titles. Class of 2023 TOK students… listen up! Again, thank you random musicians… speaking of which, if you’re a musician and would like to be featured, reach out to me! You can contact me here: https://www.toktalk.org/contact.html Guest: Kevin Hoye
2022-10-2509 minTOK Talk
TOK TalkVisual Representations: 2023 TOK Essay Title 5Today I enjoyed tea and Talked some TOK with Kevin Hoye (IB English Literature and TOK Teacher) about 2023 TOK Essay Title 5: Are visual representations always helpful in the communication of knowledge? Discuss with reference to the human sciences and mathematics. We talked a lot about different ways into understanding this question.. Links to several examples discussed can be found on www.TOKTalk.org Thank you to the random street Shanghai musician, once again for the music bringing us in and out of this track. Guest: Kevin Hoye
2022-10-2532 minTOK Talk
TOK TalkReplicability: 2023 TOK Essay Title 1In this episode, I sat down with Donna Gee (IB Design Technology Teacher) and Michael Stewart (IB Psychology and TOK Teacher) to unpack and wrestle with 2023 TOK Essay Title 1: Is replicability necessary in the production of knowledge? Discuss with reference to two areas of knowledge. We had a rich discussion which I hope you’ll find insightful into the role and relevance of replicability in different Areas of Knowledge. Links several examples discussed can be found on www.TOKTalk.org Guests: Donna Gee, Michael Stewart
2022-10-2533 minTOK Talk
TOK TalkBubbles: 2023 TOK Essay Title 3In this episode, I talked to Ian Galley (IBDP English Language & Literature) Nicole Mamphey (Science and Applied Ethics) about TOK Essay Title 3: Does it matter if our acquisition of knowledge happens in “bubbles” where some information and voices are excluded? Discuss with reference to two areas of knowledge. We had a rich discussion about “bubbles'' as they exist in social media networks and internet platforms as well as within academia, algorithms, and how this contributes to, enhances and distorts our bubbles. We also discussed many of the real world consequences (why it matters!) that what we’re learning may occur in these...
2022-10-2440 minTOK Talk
TOK TalkAstonishing Power: 2023 TOK Essay Title 4In this episode, I met with Dr. PS Yuen and Janka Steenkamp (both IB English teachers to talk about Essay Title 4: Do you agree that it is “astonishing that so little knowledge can give us so much power” (Bertrand Russell)? Discuss with reference to the natural sciences and one other area of knowledge. Hope you find this episode as interesting as we did! If you’re looking for the TOK Essay Title Posters I mentioned, you can find them on my website at www.TOKTalk.org. You can also find the links to many ideas discussed in this episode and others...
2022-10-2027 minTOK Talk
TOK TalkMethodologies: 2023 TOK Essay Title 6Today I had a really insightful discussion with IB Theatre teacher, Alex Campion. We talked about May 2023 TOK Essay Title 6: To what extent is the knowledge we produce determined by the methodologies we use? Discuss with reference to history and one other area of knowledge. Of course we talked about the Arts, attempting to give light to artistic methods in contrast with "the scientific method". I really enjoyed this one, and hope it leaves you thinking a little about the connection between the way we choose to produce knowledge and the impact it has on what we know. Stay tuned...
2022-09-2720 minTOK Talk
TOK TalkThat which can or cannot be explained: 2023 TOK Essay Title 2Today I had a coffee with Bill Kyzner and Bob Scheer and we unpacked the 2023 May Title 2: For artists and natural scientists, which is more important: what can be explained or what cannot be explained? Discuss with reference to the arts and the natural sciences. Questions that arose included: When does one become an “artist” or “scientist”? What does it mean to “explain”? Important for the artist/scientist to do what? So many different questions and ideas came up as we talked, I hope this gives you some food for your TOK thought! Guests: Bill Kyzner, Bob Scheer
2022-09-2627 minTOK Talk
TOK TalkTo What Extent Is Certainty Attainable?Today I met with Dr. Rachel Oser, (Science Teacher) & 孫秀東 Xiudong Sun, (Chinese Literature and TOK Teacher) to talk about Exhibition Prompt 8: To what extent is certainty attainable? 在何種程度上確定性是可以達到的？This was a really interesting episode for me firstly, because we begin by contrasting the idea of certainty in Religious knowledge and Science… This is something I find very delicate to explore through the lens of TOK. Secondonly, the episode was especially interesting because it was my first English & Chinese bilingual episode! I hope to do more of these in the future. I have added a translation of some of the sections where I thought clarity would help. I hope I h...
2022-09-2129 minTOK Talk
TOK TalkOn What Grounds Might We Doubt A Claim?TOK Exhibition Prompt 4: On what grounds might we doubt a claim? To unravel this question, I met with Sarah Rodgers (DP Chemistry & MYP Science Teacher) & Alice Brookes (DP Bio & MYP Science Teacher). Together, we talk about a range of reasons we might doubt claims that are made about knowledge, and conversely what might make knowledge claims more trustworthy. We touch upon a variety of criteria, and discuss issues related to science, doubt in the time of Darwin when religion ran the world, the conflicting information about nutrition, as well as the current political climate in areas around the globe. It’s...
2022-08-3122 minTOK Talk
TOK TalkWhat Are The Implications of Having, or Not Having, Knowledge?Today I sat down with Jim Faherty, an experienced University Guidance Counsellor here in Hong Kong to exchange views on Exhibition Prompt 7 What are the implications of having or not having knowledge? Because of his background in university applications and guidance, we discussed this question in relation to how having knowledge within this realm expands and helps to refine options for future choices in a young person's life. We go beyond this, and discuss the implications of having knowledge, one of those being the responsibility to share knowledge with others. We consider the reliability of sources, which is not only...
2022-08-1225 minTOK Talk
TOK TalkHow Does The Way That We Organize Or Classify Knowledge Affect What We KnowToday I’m joined by Liu Yu, aka Mr. LY, teacher of Chinese Humanities and Assistant Principal at ISF Academy in HK. We discuss Prompt 6: How does the way we organize or classify knowledge affect what we know? We explore Confucian values in China as a way of organizing knowledge (and by extension society) within Chinese culture. We also consider language and culture as ways we organize knowledge, and explore how in our personal experiences we’ve been able to step outside our own individual cultures in order to understand more about the world. We also really get into the chal...
2022-08-0333 minTOK Talk
TOK TalkWhat counts as good evidence for a claim?In this episode, I sat down with DP Design Teacher Donna Gee and DP Global Politics Teacher Bill Kyzner to discuss TOK Exhibition Prompt 5: What counts as good evidence for a claim. It really got me thinking about the significance of this question in my own personal knowledge about myself and the world, but also in a bigger sense about claims being made in today’s very heated political world. We stayed focused in this talk about evidence and claims within Design and Global Politics, but I cannot stop thinking about how perspectives play a very significant role in just ho...
2022-06-2626 minTOK Talk
TOK TalkCan new knowledge change established values or beliefs?Prompt 11: Can new knowledge change established values and beliefs? I know this will likely bother anyone who is interested in order and logic, but I've decided to break the order of prompts so I can publish them as I record them. Turns out the most interesting topics to those around me are not necessarily in the order the IB has given them. Who knew? Anyway... Today I’m joined by Theatre Teacher, Bob Scheer. We get together and discuss TOK Exhibition Prompt 11: Can new knowledge change established values and beliefs? Bob has also created the harmonies for music on today’s po...
2022-06-0121 minTOK Talk
TOK TalkIs Some Knowledge More Useful Than Others?This is the second episode in a series exploring the TOK Exhibition Prompts. Today I’m joined by Adam Walker, expert and teacher of Theatre. We get together and discuss TOK Exhibition Prompt 2: Are some types of knowledge more useful than others? We’re both teachers of the Arts, so our conversation focuses heavily around the arts. It would be interesting to sit down with a physicist, architect, astronomer or statistician and have a similar conversation! Another thank you to Vyvienne Schapel for the quick little piano riffs taking us in and out of the podcast! For links to some of t...
2022-05-1328 minTOK Talk
TOK TalkWhat Counts As Knowledge?This is the first in a series exploring the TOK Exhibition Prompts. In these episodes, I don't intend to answer the questions, but rather explore them and get you thinking. I hope you enjoy and find it stimulating! To explore Prompt 1: What counts of knowledge, it was helpful to think about the following Types of Knowledge: Factual Conceptual Procedural A Posteriori knowledge - from personal experiences A Priori knowledge - from reason Expert knowledge - deep knowledge from a discipline Empirical Knowledge - from senses alone Encoded Knowledge - knowledge encoded in symbols Personal Thank you to Vyvienne Schapel for...
2022-05-1109 minTOK Talk
TOK TalkDo good explanations have to be true?Today’s topic is a previous TOK Essay title: “Do good explanations have to be true?” To help me explore this question, I am joined by four fellow IB & TOK Teachers: Mr. Bill Kyzner representing Political Science, Mr. Francis Wynne, representing the Classics, including Latin Language & Greek Mythology, Mr. Jordan West-Pratt representing Natural Sciences, and today I’ll be representing the Arts. Questions we discuss in relation to Natural Sciences, Political Science, Classics and the Arts: What does each discipline seek to explain? What might a “good” explanation look like (as opposed to a “bad” one)? Are there some explanations in your subject...
2021-02-2043 minTOK Talk
TOK TalkStatistics Conceal as much as they RevealToday we delve into the world of Statistics, and unpack how it can be a tool that can both reveal and conceal. To help me with this complicated question, I’ve asked some well-informed people to help me unpack this year’s TOK Essay Title 4: “Statistics conceal as much as they reveal” Here with me today are Ms. Zehra Baig, Statistics teacher, Mr. Martin Brown, Mathematics teacher and Ms. Virginia Voigt, Psychology teacher. We discuss: What is “Statistics”? Why is Statistics such a powerful tool (is it?) How might Statistics be a tool for Revealing? Concealing? (in different areas of knowledge) W...
2020-12-2052 minTOK Talk
TOK TalkThe Roles of Bias in the Pursuit of KnowledgeJoining me today are Dr. Rachel Oser: a Research Scientist & Teacher, Mr. David Fenwick: a Physics, Mathematics and Engineering Teacher, and Mr. Kevin Hoye, an English and fellow TOK Teacher. The prompt is this year’s essay Title 6: ​ “Avoiding bias seems a commendable goal but this fails to recognize the positive role that bias can play in the pursuit of knowledge” Questions we discuss: * Why might avoiding bias be a commendable goal in the discipline you teach? What are some of the measures taken to avoid these biases in your discipline? * The title seems to imply that it isn’t possible t...
2020-12-1051 minTOK Talk
TOK TalkInterview with an IB GraduateIn this episode, I sat down and talked with my oldest daughter, who graduated last May from an IB school in Shanghai and is now studying Art at Parsons in New York. We discussed her experience as an IB student and she shares her perspective about TOK, CAS and IB in general. She also shares some honest advice in general about getting through IB and applying for Universities, as well as her experience and challenges as a Third Culture Kid in University. We share some good laughs in this episode, and I hope that you enjoy it as much as...
2019-03-0924 minTOK Talk
TOK TalkIntro to EthicsThis episode I give an introduction to four main theories or perspectives on ethics: Virtue ethics, Deontological Ethics, Consequentialism and Utilitarianism, and Moral Relativism. I discuss these theories in relation to current situations such as the MeToo Movement and Self-driving cars. I love ethics... so this will be the first of several episodes looking at how ethics shapes knowledge in other areas.
2018-12-3124 minTOK Talk
TOK TalkReason? Intuition, Faith, Imagination!Should we as a global society value knowledge produced with reason over all other ways of knowing? In this episode, I explore a little more about the strengths and limitations of reason in contrast with intuition, faith and imagination. Credit to the intro singer Kelsang Dorjee from Tibet with whom I had the pleasure of meeting and singing with a few years ago in Shanghai. Please visit my website at www.TOKtalk.org if you want to contribute to a future episode or have comments! If you enjoyed this episode, please leave a review.
2018-10-3122 minTOK Talk
TOK TalkWhat's in a name?Welcome back for episode 2! In this episode I introduce my cohost, Hobbes and together we discuss the first way of knowing: Language. We ask and explore the questions: What's in a name? A word? How does language shape the way we think? Why does it matter?
2018-10-1918 minTOK Talk
TOK TalkTOK.. What's that!?Welcome to TOK Talk, a new podcast about Theory of Knowledge. What's that you say? Well listen to my first podcast to get a basic understanding, and stay tuned for more podcasts coming soon!
2018-10-1806 min