What is a Knowledge Question?
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Recently, whilst browsing an online forum, I came across a question that intrigued me: “What is a knowledge question?” I realised that despite having created content on various related topics, I had never written a dedicated blog post on this fundamental concept. So today, we’ll look at this essential topic: what is a knowledge question?
Defining a Knowledge Question
A knowledge question is essentially a question about knowledge itself. This might sound straightforward, but it involves deeper inquiry into the nature, acquisition, and validity of knowledge. Such questions often address fundamental issues concerning what we know, how we know it, and the boundaries of our understanding. Central to the field of epistemology, which deals with the theory of knowledge, knowledge questions examine how different elements interact to form what we consider knowledge.
First Order vs. Second Order Knowledge Questions
To grasp the concept fully, it’s important to differentiate between first order and second order knowledge questions.
First Order Knowledge Questions
First order knowledge questions are directly concerned with the content of what we know. They ask about specific pieces of knowledge or factual information. Examples include:
“What are the causes of climate change?”
“How does photosynthesis work?”
These questions are typically empirical, focusing on observable and verifiable phenomena. They are addressed within various academic disciplines, or Areas of Knowledge (AoKs), through methodologies like scientific investigation, historical analysis, or logical reasoning. The answers provide direct knowledge about the world and its workings.
Second Order Knowledge Questions
Second order knowledge questions, in contrast, are more abstract and reflective. They focus on the nature and scope of knowledge itself rather than specific content. These questions prompt us to think about how we come to know what we know, the reliability of our sources, and the validity of our methods of inquiry. Examples include:
“What counts as reliable evidence in scientific research?”
“Can historical accounts be objective?”
These questions are philosophical in nature, engaging with epistemological concepts. They require us to scrutinise the foundations and assumptions underlying our first order knowledge claims, helping us understand the limitations and potential biases in our methods of knowing.
Examples of First and Second Order Knowledge Questions
To illustrate the distinction, consider these examples:
If the first order question is, “What are the causes of climate change?” a related second order question could be, “To what extent is scientific methodology able to demonstrate reliable causal relationships?”
If the first order question is, “How was European colonialism explained in the 18th century?” a related second order question could be, “Should we judge the actions of those in the past by the standards of today?”
Importance of Understanding the Difference
Understanding the difference between first order and second order knowledge questions is vital for achieving high marks in ToK. The distinction delineates different levels of inquiry:
First order questions seek to expand our knowledge about specific facts and phenomena.
Second order questions challenge us to reflect on the principles and processes behind our understanding.
Engaging with second order questions can lead to deeper insights and more robust methods of inquiry, enhancing the quality and credibility of our first order knowledge.
Application in ToK Assessments
The ToK Exhibition Prompts and ToK Essay Questions are all second order knowledge questions. Both assessments require you to explore possible first order knowledge questions that relate to these second order questions. At ToKToday, we offer a wealth of resources to help you navigate these concepts, available both on our YouTube channel and website.