TOK Essay Rough Draft-2
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Arizona State University *
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1862
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Arts Humanities
Date
Jan 9, 2024
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8
Uploaded by BailiffSheepMaster676
TOK Essay Rough Draft
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.
Word Count: 1995
In my possession I have a text that contains all the knowledge from the past brought forth in
the present in the world. This text, however, could be considered false in the context that it
might have been reproduced from its original source, so it could be considered in a way
gibberish; and if I were to present the text onto another person they could only see the false
calamities that follow this particular text. Which goes to say
Is the past more knowledgeable
when considering the strongest evidence?
To fully know and discuss this question there first
must be a clear distinction between what can be explained with evidence and what cannot be
explained must not be followed. What cannot be explained either historically, medically, or
practically cannot be firmly upheld in a discussion. Hence the distinction between what can and
cannot be considered strong evidence based on either past or present and its clarifications of
knowledge and how it is used in particular evidence. Artists make known their emotion through
their thoughts and experiences and show them through their work whether it be in literature,
paintings, or music. Scientists on the other hand prefer to conduct research based on logic to see
the natural world through this logic. For both areas, evidence refers to something that can be
used in either an argument or a certain research so it is important to evaluate the significance of
whether the strongest must be in either past or present. This Essay will examine two different
areas of knowledge, the natural sciences and the arts, to demonstrate the importance of how past
knowledge in logic is the strongest evidence while the artists are in the dark during the present.
What can be seen as strong evidence to scientists is because it allows them to possess a
development of knowledge through the use of their logic. The scientists' thought process is
through building on what is previously known about their area of study which points to the fact
that historically the past retains works of strong evidence that are truthful than present works.
Knowledge that Scientists know for certain is brought by extensive research and strong evidence
which would be gained from past experiments and observations which allows for them to expand
on and communicate effectively on new knowledge. Take For instance the COVID-19 pandemic,
the explanations given by the scientist at the time were in the hopes to create a genetic material
to lead them to make the development of that particular disease vaccine. This in turn helped to
protect the population of the either from hospitalization or death (Ellithorpe). What can be
proven or explained, is of much importance to scientists around the globe in the sense that if you
were to stray from that there would be no point in trying to explain something that you can’t.
This belief is what the basis of the medical field is based on. In this case, as I have explained,
health professionals can quickly address for instance a pandemic and save countless lives around
the globe. Hence, the importance of scientists is that it allows for the communication of past
knowledge to effectively allow these scientists to have a more enhanced understanding of the
world with their use of research and explanations. These explanations help for a deeper
understanding of the world in trying to make informed decisions, predictions and observations
when regarding the future population and inventions quickly and confidently.
Although, what cannot be explained is more of an igniter for many scientists because it
makes them active in trying to decipher the unexplained scientifically. These unexplained
observations are pursued by the scientists due to the fact that it may convery signs of
up-incoming knowledge and evidence that might serve as a bonus to an existing disease or
pandemic that could be seen as a great help for them (Evolution Resources at The National
Academies). Since the realm of a scientist tries to explain the unexplainable , new knowledge is
brought along the way. For example, dark matter is a hypothetical form of matter that was once
thought to be 85% of matter in the whole universe although it does not appear to interact with the
electromagnetic field, so it is not able to detect (Cooke). Although perception is important to a
scientist's journey in trying to understand then explain the existence of dark matter it was driven
by reason. In physics the concept of the unexplainable takes center stage when considering dark
matter. Physicists have inferred the existence of dark matter primarily through its gravitational
effects on visible matter. In the quest to investigate dark matter, a group of astrophysicists has
potentially achieved what could be the first-ever detection of axioms, a still unconfirmed and
theoretical ultra-light particle that helps describe the behavior of subatomic particles (cooke).
While the discovery of axions remains unverified it holds the potential to contribute to our
understanding of dark matter possibly accounting for the portion of it. Unraveling the mysteries
of dark matter is crucial in shedding light on the origins and formation of the universe upon
confirmation, such discoveries might even necessitate revisions to current padagrams of
chemistry and physics . As a result, the unexplainable holds particular significance for Scientists
as it presents a challenge to their comprehension, fuels curiosity, and serves as a constant
reminder of the vast unknown. This , inturn, propels relentless pursuit of knowledge and the
promise of further growth and discovery.
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The Last Judgment by Michelangelo
In the realm of the arts, the inexplicable holds great significance for artists as it allows
them to delve into the mysteries and transcendent aspects of life. This exploration can serve as a
way to connect with the inherent uncertainty and quest for meaning that are central to human
experiences and often drive artistic pursuits. Art possesses the unique ability to ignite our
imagination and offer insights into concepts that defy straightforward explanations, such as the
abstract notions of heaven and hell that tap into our spirituality.
One exemplary work that embodies this approach is Michelangelo's "The Last Judgment," a
biblical masterpiece commissioned by Pope Clement VII for the Sistine Chapel. This painting
vividly portrays the second coming of Jesus Christ and the ultimate judgment of humanity by
God. The central figure, Jesus, is surrounded by a multitude of saints, while the lower half of the
painting illustrates the resurrection of the dead and the descent of damned souls into hell.
Religious events like the day of judgment are considered unfathomable, rooted in their belief as
supernatural or celestial occurrences, exempt from empirical examination. This perspective rests
on the idea that religious knowledge is primarily derived from revelation and faith, rather than
empirical observation and research.
Therefore, the creative process that led Michelangelo to craft this representation of the day of
judgment remains ultimately beyond full explanation. The concept of the unexplainable within
art aligns with the innate human longing for comprehension and knowledge. Humans naturally
seek answers and understanding in their surroundings, yet the acceptance that not all aspects of
life can be completely elucidated can also instill a profound sense of wonder and awe. This sense
of wonder serves as a wellspring of inspiration for artists.
Guernica by pablo picasso
Contrary to the previous viewpoint, artists often prioritize what can be explained, as it enables
them to effectively convey their ideas and intentions. The ability to articulate their experiences
allows artists to communicate the emotions and sentiments evoked by specific events or
situations. A notable illustration of this is Picasso's anti-war mural, "Guernica," commissioned
by the Spanish government. This powerful work captures the horrors of war, particularly the
bombing of Guernica during the Spanish Civil War, and stands as one of Picasso's most
significant creations.
In "Guernica," Picasso skillfully infuses emotion into his artwork to guide viewers in interpreting
the event and understanding the underlying emotions. Within the realm of the arts, artists have
the capacity to express unconventional perspectives and motivate individuals to take action.
Protest art, for instance, serves as a platform for artists like Picasso to call for social change and
inspire others to do the same. This underscores the arts' potency as a means of producing and
disseminating knowledge.
Through "Guernica," Picasso effectively tugs at our emotions, offering an explanation of the
tragedies of war and their impact on individuals affected by such calamities. By providing this
explanation, he aids his audience in comprehending the issue he addresses and the perspective he
presents. Therefore, what can be elucidated within the arts holds greater importance for artists, as
it aligns with the fundamental human drive to understand and explain the world, with art serving
as a medium for exploring and expressing this understanding.
While both explainable and unexplainable concepts hold significance for natural
scientists, there's an argument to be made that unexplainable ideas carry more weight, as they
represent realms of uncertainty and potential for discovery and progress. They can serve as
wellsprings of inspiration, motivating scientists to delve into research and exploration. Natural
scientists, as part of the broader human pursuit, strive to fathom the intricacies of the natural
world through observation, experimentation, and analysis. Yet, the acknowledgement that not
everything can be entirely explicable can fuel a sense of wonder and curiosity, driving their quest
for answers.
On the other hand, for artists, the explainable takes precedence as it forms the foundation of the
creative process and aids in conveying the artist's message or intent to the audience. It's essential
not to assume a strict dichotomy between explainable and unexplainable aspects. Sometimes,
things may have explanations that are inherently ambiguous, and at times, they may possess
elements of both explainability and explainability, necessitating a balance between the two. The
perceived natural equilibrium, often considered the essence of visual beauty and a driving force
behind spiritual endeavors, emerges when great natural scientists and artists draw from both
sides, creating a harmonious synergy.
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