Transcript TOK essay preparation (Steve Reynolds 2011) - DPC

Theory of Knowledge
Essay Preparation
By Steve Reynolds
Li Po Chun United World College of Hong Kong
 Background
 Choose one
to the assessed task:
title from a prescribed
list of 10 set by the IB.
 Externally assessed.
 Word limit – 1,200 – 1,600.
 Worth 40 points.
 The TOK teacher may comment on
one draft only.
TOK Essay
Questions are cross disciplinary in nature.
Consider knowledge issues relevant to the
question and formulate a main idea.
 THe main idea should make a claim and
be subject to counter-claims (the task is
more about exploring your arguments
than answers; more about demonstrating
thinking than being ‘right’)
 The essay should reach a conclusion.
 The ideas should show links between
knowledge issues…Ways of Knowing and
Areas of Knowing.
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TOK Essay
Other details:
 The essay should be legible and well
presented.
 References and bibliography should be
included if appropriate.
 “Common knowledge” (e.g.. “the world
is round”) need not be referenced but
any ‘factual’ claims (evidence based on
fact) or quotations should.
 Bibliographies, references, maps,
diagrams, illustrations and tables are not
included in the word count.
TOK Essay
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The first thing to decide on is which
question to choose! This is a vital first step.
Students should consider which question:
They find most interesting and enjoyable to
explore (motivating).
Covers an area that they have most
knowledge in (expertise)…though they may
want to choose to explore an area they
have little knowledge and experience of
(curiosity & discovery).
How to write a TOK Essay?
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This presentation focuses on an example
of approaches to writing a TOK essay
focusing on a question set in 2007:
“Can
a machine know?”
How to Write a TOK Essay?
TOK Essay Writing – Stage One
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“Unpack the question.” (www.digitalbrain.com)
It is vital to understand what the question
is asking (and students should keep
reminding themselves throughout their
planning & writing so as to stay focused).
So:
Identify key words in the question.
Evaluate the meaning of the question.
Identify the Knowledge issues in the
question.
Unpacking The Question
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Identify key words:
“Can machines know?”
A machine is defined
scientifically as a
device that transmits
or alters energy.
Machines can range
from a washing
machine to a
computer.
Question arising: What kind
of machine shall I focus on?
Knowledge has
many definitions
relating to
information, fact,
experience and
understanding.
Question arising: What
philosophy/ies of
Knowledge shall I refer to?
Unpacking The Question
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Understanding (giving meaning to) the
question:
“To reflect on the nature of knowledge
with reference to how far machines
Identifying the Knowledge issues:
possess it?”
Re-writing the question for more
personal understanding (but not
forgetting I must answer the
actual question)
•What is knowledge?
•How far and in what form can
machines possess it?
•Can humans quantify knowledge
in other forms?
Focusing:
•My focus on machines will be on artificial intelligence (AI). (Computer Science
describes AI as an, ‘intelligent agent.”:A system that perceives its environment and takes
action which maximizes its chance of success. AI coined by John McCarthy in 1956.
•NOTE: After this stage you might realize that this is not the right question for you,
in which case choose a different question!
TOK Essay Writing – Stage Two
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‘Thought showering’ ideas.
What do I need to find out in order to write
the essay? Explore and research a range of
ideas and themes that might inform my
understanding of the question and
contribute to the content of your essay. A
variety of approaches can be used to
organizing research materials & your
thinking:
Spider graphs.
Mind maps.
Lists/bullet points.
For example:
‘Thought showers'
Option: A mind map that keeps elements of TOK much in focus
and raises knowledge issues:
Can AI feel? Does it have,
‘social intelligence’?
Dreyfus vs. Newell &
Simon.
Emotion
Language
Can a machine know?
AoK and WoK LINKS
Alan Turing’s test
vs. John Searle.
Language
processors?
Natural Sciences
Logic & reason
Mathematics
Computing devices all rooted in
mathematical devices.
Algorithms at base of AI
learning. “Qualification
problem”. “Dartmouth Proposal”.
Perception
Materialist theory of
physical mind. Mind
is physical therefore
can be reproduced.
Input from sensors to define world
e.g. microphone, camera.
Recognition e.g. fingerprint
matching.
‘Thought shower’
– Mind Map in Focus
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Examples of more detailed notes from the mind
map:
Emotion: Can AI feel? Can it have ‘Social
intelligence’ (e.g. empathy)? How can we ever
know if AI feels unless we are also AI? Claim:
Newell & Simon’s, ‘Physical symbol system
hypothesis’ states that all knowledge exists
through symbols and therefore AI has
sufficiency to ‘know’. Counter claim: Dreyfus
argues humans depend on unconscious instinct
(a “feel”) integral to our knowing. Different
from purposeful manipulation of symbols by
computers/AI.
‘Thought shower’
– Mind Map in Focus
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Language: don’t computers have a
‘language’? Language processors
recognize human voice? Claim: Alan
Turing’s tests including, ‘Polite
conversation’. If AI acts as intelligently
as humans it is as intelligent. Counter
claim: John Searle’s, ‘Chinese room
argument’. You can use a book to
‘translate’ Chinese symbols but you still
don’t understand it.
‘Thought shower’
– Mind Map in Focus
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Mathematics/Logic/Reason:
AI roots are in mathematical devices (from
abacus). Part of human knowledge is learning.
Algorithms are at the base of AI ability to learn.
Claim: “Dartmouth proposal” at AI conference
1956, that every part of learning can be defined,
therefore can be simulated by computer. Counter
claim: “Qualification problem’. McCarthy
identified that human knowledge paradigms use
assumptions (if one says, “bird” one instantly
imagines a small flying, singing creature, though
this may not be accurate). Humans know despite
lack of certainty/logic (faith as a WOK?).
TOK Essay Writing – Stage Three
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Having explored and researched ideas,
identify a thesis. That is, a ‘central point’
or, ‘main idea’.
Distill it to one sentence if possible (and
keep that sentence clearly displayed in the
study area).
Identify sub sections from the thesis
(these can be the basis of the paragraphs).
Each one is an argument or part argument
(claims & counter claims).
JUSTIFY all arguments (show evidence).
For example:
The Thesis
“Whilst machines can exhibit and utilize
elements of knowing, they lack the selfconscious, sub-conscious and emotional
traits of full human knowing.”
 Sub sections:
 Emotion: Newell & Simon (symbols)
vs. Dreyfus (instinct & feeling). Social
intelligence & empathy.
 Math/Logic/Reason: “Dartmouth
proposal” vs. “Qualification problem”.
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Sub sections:
Language: Turing’s ‘Polite conversation’
vs. Searle’s ‘Chinese room argument.
Don’t forget to include personal
examples/experiences where you can
include your arguments.
 Order sub sections from weakest to
strongest argument (to help ensure that
in the body of the essay the paragraphs
will build to a climax and hold the reader developmental).
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The Thesis
TOK Essay Writing – Stage Four
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Structuring and writing the essay.
Use the material created so far to write a draft of
the essay:
State the question.
Introduction. This is the “point of entry” for the
reader. Attract the reader and focus their
attention (might use an anecdote, surprising
information or a dialogue to open). Avoid
dictionary definitions. Include the thesis in the
last sentence of the introduction “thesis first”.
Be concise.
Structuring and Writing the Essay
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The body of the essay, broken into paragraphs. Use the sub
sections of the thesis as a structural guide.
JUSTIFY all claims and statements (show evidence for
arguments). Don’t forget to include COUNTER CLAIMS.
CLARIFY (make ideas and arguments clear and complete).
Don’t generalize.
SOURCE claims (footnotes and bibliography where
appropriate).
VARY sources – facts, personal experiences.
CHECK sources for accuracy.
COHERENCE – is more important than being ‘right’ or ‘wrong’.
Check for logic and flow in any arguments.
LINKS – check that links are made between AoKs and Woks
where appropriate.
When the body of the essay is completed, check that the
paragraphs are in the most effective, flowing order (building
the argument).
Structuring and Writing the Essay
Conclusion.
The “point of exit”. Closure for the reader.
Conclude the argument by:
 Summing up.
 New questions arising (e.g. “Strong AI may
herald knowledge in machines on a human
scale in the future.”)
 A final perspective. “Thesis last”. Restate
the thesis (it may have changed as the
essay has developed).
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Structuring and Writing the Essay
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Now re-read the essay against the
assessment criteria. Does the work meet
the assessment requirements (have you
‘played the game’).
Re-draft the essay as necessary and polish
it up:
Check spelling and grammar.
Tidy presentation.
Number pages.
Word count.
Consistent sourcing as appropriate.
In Summary
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“unpack the question” – key words;
understanding the question; identifying
knowledge issues.
‘Thought shower’ ideas – research,
explore, question, imagine. Use spider
graphs, mind maps, lists. Record sources
explored. Identify links, counter claims and
examples.
Create a thesis (big idea or central
point). Make sub-sections for associated
arguments. Justify arguments and include
examples.
Structure and write a draft of the essay.
Re-read, check against criteria, re-draft,
polish.
Criterion A: Understanding knowledge issues
 Focuses on Knowledge issues (KI) that are relevant to
the title
 Demonstrates understanding of the KI
 Effectively links & compares WoK’s & AoK’s
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Criterion B: Knower’s perspective
Evidence of independent thinking
Shows personal, reflective exploration & self
awareness as knower
Considers different perspectives (counter-claims)
Varied & effective examples
The assessment criteria looks for..
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Criterion C: Quality of analysis of KI
Explores KI with depth/detail and insight
Coherently justifies all main points
Counter claims explored & evaluated
Implications/assumptions of argument identified
Criterion D: Organization of ideas
Essay is well structured/effective organization
Concepts are clear & appropriately refined
Factual information is correct
Sources are acknowledged
References permit tracing of sources
Word limit has been met
The assessment criteria looks for..
Bibliography
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http://peernet.ibpc.ca/tok/tokassessment/t
ok essay
www.digitalbrain.com/roztru/tok
http://essayinfo.com/essays/
Members.tripod.com/~lklivingston/essay/
IB Theory of Knowledge subject guide 2007.