I.B T.o.K (Theory of Knowledge) - Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words

I.B T.o.K (Theory of Knowledge) - - Essay Example Indeed, ToK can raise many questions: exactly how is a problem defined, what is one’s approach to solving the problem, is it valid, is the information associated with the problem fact or truth, and then how are those concepts measured. These and other questions are important with ToK, and equally appropriate in selecting criteria distinguishing between knowledge, opinion, and propaganda. With ToK, a question does not always get a direct answer. Trying to select criteria to distinguish between the three types of information noted, considering ToK, cannot yield a definite answer either. Each of the three listed words has varied definitions, often as a function of the author of the definition. For example, for the word knowledge, John Locke (1689) stated, â€Å"Knowledge is the perception of the agreement or disagreement of two ideas.† (â€Å"Book IV, Of Knowledge and Probability,† Knowledge). Almost five centuries later, Princeton’s WordNet Search 2.1 defines knowledge as, â€Å"the psychological result of perception and learning and reasoning.† (â€Å"Knowledge,† WordNet Search). The Random House Dictionary of the English Language has a 10-part definition, the first part defining knowledge as â€Å"acquaintance with facts, truths, or principles, as from study or investigation; general erudition.† (â€Å"Knowledge,† Random House Dictionary). The varied definitions directly impact the differentiation. The Princeton definition is psychologically based, similar to opinion. Using the Random House definition, knowledge is not similar to opinion, and clear differentiation could be possible. Selecting a definition becomes a matter of value judgment and inherent bias as a function of who selects the definitions. Though injecting bias, selecting working definitions was necessary to perform the task at hand. It is acknowledged that the outcome of the paper could have been