IB TOK

TOK ESSAY TITLE MAY 2023

TOK 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.

Title 4 of the May 2023 TOK essay prompt adds a humorous touch, reminding us of the adage that “a little knowledge can be dangerous.” The question posed is whether one is surprised by the observation that having a small amount of knowledge can often lead to a sense of power or authority over that knowledge. It is quite common to encounter individuals with limited knowledge who fall into the illusion of overestimating their understanding.

In the natural sciences, this overestimation of capabilities in making knowledge claims can be observed.

Similarly, in the field of human sciences, it is not uncommon to see individuals becoming overwhelmed and overrating their own abilities.

To excel in the May 2023 TOK essay and achieve a perfect score, it is advisable to start early and seek guidance from TOK experts throughout the essay writing process.