How to solve Essay Title 3 for the Nov 2024 TOK series
Title: How might it benefit an area of knowledge to sever ties with its past? Discuss with reference to two areas of knowledge.
History
Studying history is all about understanding the past to inform the present and future. Can we say that in certain contexts, severing ties with the past could actually benefit the field of history? Let’s start with the claim.
It can be good to sever ties
Severing ties with the past can be good in allowing individual knowers to comprehend and understand global events in a more objective manner. Since most traditional historical narratives often reflect the perspectives of the dominant group or can be affected by biases in general, severing ties with these narratives can allow historians and knowers to acquire a more balanced perspective.
Severing ties with the past with the past can also provide more freedom within the bounds of historical research, since new methods such as the introduction of digital humanities can analyse and visualise historical events in manners that were not available in the past. These new technologies may also used by historians to foster more insight and generate new ideas within the field of history.
Possible problems
While severing ties with the past, historians and learners will be in a position to disregard a lot of valuable context that may lead to an oversimplification of historical knowledge. Since history is cumulative, understanding how subsequent events followed one another, such as the importance of the Enlightenment, could lead to a gap in our comprehensive understanding of history.
Severing ties with the past can also keep learners distanced with the significance of historical study. For example, a fundamental aspect of historical lessons is to decrease the risk of repeating historical mistakes. For example, looking back on past pandemics such as the Spanish flu hugely impacted the present generation’s adoption of social distancing and other such precautions during the recent pandemic.
The Natural Sciences
Good to sever ties
In the Natural Sciences, severing ties with the past can be good since it allows scientists to eliminate outdated theories to make space for new discoveries. For example, the previous miasma theory was effectively replaced by germ theory, revolutionising our understanding of diseases. Letting go of such disproven theories can be good for the advancement of scientific knowledge.
Severing ties with the past can also allow scientific researchers to develop new methods for modern issues within society. Certain new technologies demonstrate this severing from past practices, such as how single use plastics were replaced by biodegradable and more sustainable materials as part of our attempts to reduce environmental pollution.
Possible problems
When severing ties with the past, there is a possible risk of overlooking proven scientific methods from the past. For example, while modern agricultural technologies generate good results, it is important to also consider the inclusion of traditional and established farming technniques such as crop rotations and organic farming for maintaining soil health.
Secondly, severing ties with the past can hinder our comprehensive understanding of scientific heritage. As individual learners and as experts, it’s important to be informed about valuable historical insights in the field of science. For example, the Royal Greenwich Observatory maintains historical observatories and their records, which is an important resource if you’re a learner of astronomy.
The Arts
Good to sever ties
Severing ties with the past within the Arts can allow more of a balance within artistic representation in certain instances. For example, the Harlem Renaisance in the 1920s allowed African American artists to express their cultural voice and identity in a manner that challenged and broke away from Eurocentric artistic traditions to celebrate Black culture and identity.
Severing ties can also allow artists to embrace new forms of technology, which can also increase the scope of their artistic expression. For example, certain artists like Joshua Jarker use 3D printing technology to create highly detailed and intricate sculptures in a short period of time, and thus opening up new possibilities for artistic experimentation.
Possible problems
Severing ties with the past can also lead to an eventual lack of comprehensive understanding for individual knowers. For example, learners in the field of music need to be familiar with the nuances and historical influence of classical music. If learners ignore the contributions of composers like Beethoven and Mozart, they would obtain a rather superficial understanding of music history.
Secondly, severing ties can possibly result in a loss of culture heritage, for both individual learners and for communities. For example, music such as Irish folk songs and Celtic music are an essential aspect of the country’s cultural identity and heritage. However, the importance of traditional folk music can be overshadowed by contemporary genres and music trends.
The Human Sciences
Good to sever ties
Similar to the Natural Sciences, severing ties with outdated theories in the human sciences can also lead to new understandings, enhancing knowledge of human behaviour and society. For example, the shift from Freud’s psychoanalytical theory to CBT has led to more effective treatments of mental health disorders in the field of psychology.
Secondly, moving away from strict disciplinary boundaries of the past can lead to enriching interdisciplinary research approaches. For example, political psychology as a new field has revealed new insights for psychological factors influencing political behaviour and decision making.
Possible problems
Severing ties with the past also comes with concerns about the loss of historical context while learners consume new knowledge. For example, although Freud’s theories are now considered outdated compared to treatments like CBT, it’s still important to review the exact progression from earlier theories to current practices and treatments, in order to have a more holistic understanding.
Secondly, severing ties with the past can also result in ethical problems in the human sciences, since there can be potential for repeating past mistakes. Since past studies such as the Milgram and the Stanford Prison experiments have informed the ethical standards in psychological research, it’s necessary to learn from them while setting ethical guidelines in the present and future.
Related: The Complete Guide to the Nov 2014 TOK Essay Titles
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