Can new knowledge change established values or beliefs?

The following IB theory of knowledge exhibition explores the question: Can new knowledge change established values or beliefs? Through the lens of three distinct objects, Galileo's pendulum, the Vinland Map, and the Book of Mormon, the essay writer illustrates the varying ways new knowledge can either challenge or reinforce established beliefs. Galileo's pendulum and the Vinland Map serve as prime examples of how new evidence can prompt significant shifts in understanding. In contrast, the exhibition essay writer uses the Book of Mormon to exemplify how new knowledge may not necessarily alter established beliefs. Thus, this sample IB essay adheres to the instructional framework of a ToK exhibition by emphasizing the complexity of the relationship between new knowledge and established beliefs.

* The sample essays are for browsing purposes only and are not to be submitted as original work to avoid issues with plagiarism.