Different Forms of Knowledge Have Different Forms of Evidence: Thinking about ToK Essay 6

The concept that different forms of knowledge require different forms of evidence is an approach that could be explored in ToK Essay 6 May 24. IIt could be argued that knowledge and evidence are mutually inclusive concepts, albeit in complex ways.

As such, I thought it would be useful to look at a few different types, or forms, of knowledge, and the evidence from which they are constituted. 

Scientific Knowledge

Arguably the most rigorous in its demand for evidence, scientific knowledge hinges on empirical data produced by the scientific method. Through the scientific method—observation, hypothesis, experiment, and analysis—evidence is amassed and evaluated, allowing theories to be refined or refuted.

Artistic Knowledge

In many ways, artistic knowledge could present a nice contrast. It doesn't always rely on empirical evidence, but possibly on subjective experience and intuition. The evidence here is interpretative, assessed through the emotional and intellectual response of the audience.

Emotional Knowledge

In understanding ourselves and others, emotional intelligence plays a role that is difficult to quantify. Here, evidence often comes in the form of interpersonal experiences and self-reflection, far removed from empirical scrutiny but essential to our social fabric.

Physical Knowledge

Sports and physical activities bring forth another form of knowledge, one that is gained through practice and muscle memory. The evidence for this kind of knowledge is experiential and somatic; your body "knows" how to execute a specific move, guided by countless repetitions and incremental improvements.

Philosophical Knowledge

Lastly, philosophical knowledge stands out as it frequently relies on logical reasoning and dialectics. Its evidence takes shape in compelling arguments, rigorous debate, and the careful sifting of premises and conclusions.

The types of evidence required for different forms of knowledge can range from hard data to lived experience.  It may be useful to develop arguments along these lines when considering whether the recency of evidence influences its “strength” in ToK Essay 6.

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 6 Guidance Notes, in these notes we cover the basics of the relationship between the recency of evidence and its strengths. We also look at some of the higher level arguments on the different types of evidence, and how this changes what we might define as its ‘strengths’. 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 for ToK Essay 6 May 24

Overview thoughts with Gareth Stevens on ToK Essay 6 May 24