The Theory of Knowledge

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Using history and at least one other area of knowledge, examine the claim that it is possible to attain knowledge despite problems of bias and selection. In my Theory of Knowledge course, we had a small debate on whether feng shui and other forms of alternative medicine, i.e. acupuncture and aromatherapy are reputable. Some stated that the promoted results from these practices are psychological, in which the supposed results are based on the knower’s belief of the potency of said practice. Others rebutted that the results are more neurological, in which the knower allows the brain to accept the activity without reluctance. The knower basically remains open-minded in the belief of the practice’s potency, thus allowing themselves to gain healing. To what extent can the knower attain knowledge despite problems of bias and selection? In this essay, it will be shown that knowledge can be attained despite problems of bias and selection in the areas of history, the arts, and the natural sciences. In this essay, it will be shown that historical knowledge can be attained despite problems of bias and selection. History provides us with some form of truth on past events with the help of recorded accounts, even though not all events are selected for examination. Historical events are selected based on what historians see as significant. The information presented may lack a great deal of information, based on the historian’s perception. Many views may contradict each other, thus causing the knower to question what is truth and what is not. For example, in my History of the Americas course from my junior year, we discussed different theories on the true cause(s) of the Stock Market Crash of 1929. Inductive reasoning wi... ... middle of paper ... ...om." Www.skepdic.com. The Skeptic's Dictionary, 1 Jan. 2012. Web. 09 Feb. 2012. . Lagemaat, Richard Van De. Theory of Knowledge for the IB Diploma. Cambridge: Cambridge UP, 2011. Print. Porvaznik, Phil. "The Facts and Stats on 33000 Denominations: World Christian Encyclopedia (2001, 2nd Edition)." PhilVaz.com. Phil Porvaznik, 28 Aug. 2007. Web. 08 Feb. 2012. . “Top 10 Most Famous Scientific Theories (That Turned out to Be Wrong).” Top 10 Lists - Top Ten Lists - TopTenz.net. TopTenz.net. Web. 01 Feb. 2012. . Van Wyhe, John. “History of Phrenology on the Web.” The History of Phrenology on the Web. Web. 01 Feb. 2012. .

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