Is a Custodian a Good or Bad Thing? (PT5 May 24)
The term 'custodian' carries with it a range of possible implications, both positive and negative, particularly when applied to knowledge and knowing. ToK Essay 5 May 24 asks us to consider whether we need custodians of knowledge. Obviously, this question requires us to consider the nature of the role of custodians of knowledge.
In the most conventional sense, a custodian is someone responsible for the maintenance, preservation, and safeguarding of something valuable. This can be a vital function, especially in a world where information can be manipulated or lost. In academia and research, custodians ensure that valuable insights, methodologies, and data are not only preserved but are also made accessible for future generations. In this sense, being a custodian can be seen as inherently good, as they serve to protect and propagate understanding and wisdom.
However, the term also has other, alternative, meanings in English. 'Custody' might imply restriction or containment. In a legal framework, for instance, to be 'in custody' means to be held, often against one's will. Could this be a metaphor for withholding knowledge from those who seek it? There are instances where custodians become gatekeepers, limiting access to knowledge for various reasons — be it political, economical, or ethical. This restriction can stifle innovation, perpetuate inequality, and become a tool for oppression.
So, is being a custodian good or bad? We could consider the metaphor in terms of a role with significant responsibility, the impact of a custodian largely depends on the ethics, intentions, and methods of the individual or institution defined as such. Students developing arguments for ToK Essay 5 on the need for custodians of knowledge may want to consider that the term 'custodian' has a range of possible definitions. It can symbolise both the preserveration, limitation and maybe even the liberation of knowledge.
Find out more about this essay title in the overview discussion with Gareth Stevens.
This is just a start of the type of overview that you can find in our ToK Essay 5 Guidance Notes, in these notes we cover the basics on why we may, or may not, need custodians of knowledge. We also look at some of the higher level arguments on whether these needs could still be fulfilled without custodians of knowledge.. This year we have two versions of the notes:
The Foundation Notes fully unpack the title, explore different ways to approach the concepts in the title, and explain a number of knowledge arguments that could be used. These notes are 4,000-5,000 words.
The Complete Guide has all of the same content as The Foundation Notes, and in addition has fully explained real life examples to illustrate each knowledge argument.The Complete Guide also has evaluation points and implications for each knowledge argument. These notes are 8,000-11,000 words.
You can find essay guidance notes for all of the essay titles at this link.
Stay Toktastic my friends,
Daniel,
Bangkok, September 2023
Detailed guidance video ToK Essay 5 May 24
Overview thoughts with Gareth Stevens on ToK Essay 5 May 24
Useful for ToK Essay 5 May 24
Useful for ToK Essay 5 May 24