Should knowledge in an area of knowledge be pursued for its own sake rather than its potential application?
This IB Theory of Knowledge essay, based on the November 2025 prescribed title, explores whether knowledge in an Area of Knowledge should be pursued for its own sake or for its potential application. Focusing on mathematics and the human sciences, it examines how pure research fosters fundamental discoveries and deeper understanding of the world, using examples such as the accidental development of a new formula for pi by Priya and Sinha, and insights from Phineas Gage’s case in psychology. The essay contrasts this with cases where targeted, application-driven research, like Newton’s theory of gravitation and the evolution of psychoanalysis into modern talk therapy, has propelled major societal innovations. By analyzing these examples, the essay argues that while practical applications advance society, pursuing knowledge for its own sake is crucial for achieving profound discoveries and long-term intellectual growth.
April 25, 2025
* The sample essays are for browsing purposes only and are not to be submitted as original work to avoid issues with plagiarism.
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Should Knowledge in an Area of Knowledge be pursued for its own sake rather than its Potential
Application?
Pursuing knowledge for its sake increases the possibility that experts make fundamental
discoveries and develop a profound comprehension of the world. Although practical application
can stimulate progress and innovation, seeking knowledge for its sake enables experts to
discover unexpected applications that may be utilized to solve real-world problems. Pursuing
knowledge for its own sake means looking for information without a particular utilitarian or
practical interest; an expert seeks knowledge for the inherent importance of education and
research. On the other hand, pursuing knowledge for its potential application means seeking
information to solve specific problems, better situations in the real world, or make decisions. An
area of knowledge is a distinct field of human investigation with precise methodology, scope,
and viewpoints for comprehending and creating knowledge. Therefore, this essay answers, "To
what extent does pursuing knowledge for its own sake in the mathematics and human sciences
areas of knowledge increase the possibility of making fundamental discoveries when compared
with pursuing knowledge for its potential application?" Although pursuing knowledge for its
potential application presents the possibility of driving progress and innovation, pursuing
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knowledge for its own sake increases the prospects of making fundamental discoveries and
fostering a better comprehension of the world.
Pursuing knowledge for its own sake in mathematics results in the realization of
fundamental discoveries since experts develop a deeper comprehension of the physical world.
When scientists acquire knowledge for its own sake, they increase the possibility of realizing
beneficial and unexpected applications that they never anticipated, which can be utilized to
address challenges in the real world. For example, Arnab Priya and Aninda Sinha accidentally
came up with a new method for calculating pi (π) (Bischoff par. 2). Priya and Sinha were focused
on string theory, where the prevailing idea is that particles vibrate as strings; the two experts
were looking for an efficient way of describing interactions between particles. The researchers
combined the Feynmann diagrams with the Euler-Beta function, leading to a new representation
of pi (Bischoff par. 15). The findings present a fresh pi series that rapidly converges, meaning
fewer terms are needed to realize high accuracy in comparison with conventional series
representations. Accordingly, the new formula demonstrates that seeking knowledge for its sake
is desirable over pursuing knowledge for its potential application. The reason is that the new
formula offers a quicker way of calculating pi and can make calculations in high-energy physics
simpler, specifically those related to quantum scattering of particles (Bischoff par. 15). Therefore,
mathematicians ought to pursue knowledge for its sake instead of seeking knowledge for its
potential application. As Priya and Sinha have proven, seeking knowledge for its potential
application increases the chances of discovering unexpected applications, which makes processes
more efficient in comparison to the current processes.
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However, mathematicians also need to pursue knowledge for its potential application for
this knowledge to be valuable. Pursuing knowledge for its potential application results in
innovation that can transform industries. For example, Isaac Newton came up with a
mathematical conceptualization of Kepler’s laws. Newton developed his theory of gravitation
over an extended period. His research started in 1665, and in 1679, Newton started thinking
about gravitation and the effect that it had on the orbiting of planets through the laws of planetary
motion that Kepler developed (Labster par. 15). This development demonstrates Newton's
intention with regard to practically applying Kepler's ideas. Newton's theory proposed that each
object in the universe attracts another object with a force that is proportional to the product of its
mass and inversely relative to the square of the distance that separates them. This law positioned
Newton to mathematically derive the laws of Kepler, proving that the perceived motions of the
planet are a consequence of a fundamental force, which is gravity (Labster par. 15). Newton's
law marked a primary change in comprehension of the cosmos, turning away from descriptions
that are purely observational to a theory that explains the underlying mechanisms that govern
celestial mechanics. Newton's 1679 discovery demonstrates that seeking knowledge for its
potential applications results in innovation that can transform industries. This is perceptible
through space exploration; understanding gravity is important for space missions because the
knowledge is integral to determining spacecraft trajectory, calculating the velocities of
launching, and predicting how satellites orbit. This knowledge has helped in exploring a planet
like Mars, where experts have made the largest number of missions over the past few decades
(BBC par. 24). Accordingly, when mathematicians seek knowledge for its potential applications,
they create knowledge that transforms industries.
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In the human sciences, the pursuit of knowledge for its sake results in a better
understanding of human behavior. This knowledge effectively expands experts' capacity to
predict human behavior based on well-developed concepts. For example, psychologists'
improved understanding of the regions of the brain that shape personality was by chance –
through Phineas Gage's case. Gage was a railroad worker who was a victim of an accident
involving an iron rod. The rod destroyed much of Gage's left frontal lobe, triggering an onset of
personality changes (Cherry par. 22). He became short-tempered, less accountable, and
impulsive; this behavior was in stark contrast to his past character. This case laid the groundwork
for knowledge regarding the role that the frontal lobe plays in developing personality, social
behavior, and emotional regulation. Psychologists coined the concept of brain localization
(Cherry par. 22). Gage's case demonstrates that experts should pursue knowledge for its sake
because such knowledge expands understanding regarding human behavior; basic research may
appear abstract, but it may result in unexpected breakthroughs that transform society. Gage's
story is still a landmark in psychology because it helps experts understand the connection
between the structure of the brain and behavior. Accordingly, Gage's case is important in
psychology because the field of neurology was in its infancy in 1848. The changes that experts
observed in Gage's behavior connected with emerging theories about the localization of the
functions of the brain – or the notion that specific functions connect with particular parts of the
brain. Therefore, this case is one of the preliminary sources of evidence pointing to the role of
the frontal lobe in personality development (Cherry par. 22). In the present day, psychologists are
aware of the function of the frontal cortex with regard to higher-order functioning like social
cognition. Accordingly, pursuing knowledge for its sake rather than its potential application
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positions experts to study human behavior in a way that deepens their comprehension of
foundational concepts and makes groundbreaking discoveries.
However, pursuing knowledge for its potential application creates a practical case for
resource allocation because the resultant knowledge increases human well-being. Addressing
real-world challenges is usually at the forefront of research endeavors, meaning experts use
knowledge regarding human behavior to find ways of improving human well-being by coming
up with effective interventions to issues like mental health challenges. For example, Sigmund
Freud's psychoanalysis laid the ground for talk therapy, which helps people deal with their
mental health issues (Khatri par. 1 – 2). Psychoanalysis involves people speaking about their
feelings and thoughts to reveal their unconscious motivations. Carl Rogers built on Freud's work
to improve talk therapy by pioneering person-centered therapy, where clients improve their
understanding of personal experiences by talking to a trained practitioner (Yao and Kabir par. 1).
These developments demonstrate that pursuing knowledge for its potential application positions
experts to come up with knowledge that addresses real-world challenges like finding effective
ways of managing mental health issues. At present, talk therapy has evolved to a point where
therapists can effectively improve their clients' self-awareness levels. Ideally, therapists use
guided conversations to improve their patients' capacities to develop insights regarding their
thoughts, behaviors, and emotions (Mind.org par. 1). These endeavors result in a better
understanding of the challenges that patients experience. Accordingly, pursuing knowledge for
its potential applications inspires social progress and innovation because research and
development results in the discovery of new ideas regarding human nature. A focus on the
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potential application of knowledge helps in the effective allocation of resources since this
application is premised on finding innovative ways of dealing with real-world challenges.
In conclusion, while pursuing knowledge for its potential application helps drive
innovation and progress, seeking knowledge for its own sake is integral in making fundamental
discoveries and increasing experts' understanding of the world. The basic investigation may
appear abstract during the initial stages, but experts can make unexpected breakthroughs through
this approach. The reason is that experts expand their understanding of the universe as they
pursue knowledge. The desire to learn stimulates intellectual growth by laying the groundwork
for progress in the future, even in cases where instant application is not apparent. This is
perceivable in the Phineas Gage example. Nonetheless, pursuing knowledge for its practical
application has also improved the quality of people's lives and stimulated progress and
innovation. Newton's law of universal gravitation and the evolution of psychoanalysis to talk
therapy demonstrate this reality. Therefore, an effective way of fostering innovation and making
breakthrough discoveries is balancing between seeking knowledge for its own sake and pursuing
it for its potential application. Nonetheless, pursuing knowledge for its sake is more integral in
encouraging experts to expand their knowledge of the world and make unexpected applications.
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Works Cited
BBC. "14 Amazing Space and Astronomy Discoveries of the 21st Century So Far." BBC Sky at
Night Magazine: Astronomy, Astrophotography & Space News, 2024,
www.skyatnightmagazine.com/space-science/space-astronomy-discoveries. Accessed
25 Mar. 2025.
Bischoff, Manon. "String Theorists Accidentally Find a New Formula for Pi." Scientific
American, 29 Aug. 2024, www.scientificamerican.com/article/string-theorists-
accidentally-find-a-new-formula-for-pi/
#:~:text=What%20is%20truly%20surprising%20in,just%20a%20by-product”. Accessed
25 Mar. 2025.
Cherry, Kendra. "The Famous Case of Phineas Gage's Astonishing Brain Injury." Verywell
Mind, 2 July 2024, www.verywellmind.com/phineas-
gage-2795244#:~:text=Phineas%20Gage%20is%20often%20referred,especially%20in%
20relation%20to%20personality. Accessed 25 Mar. 2025.
Khatri, Minesh. "What Is Psychoanalysis?" WebMD, 15 Apr. 2023, www.webmd.com/mental-
health/what-is-
psychoanalysis#:~:text=3%20min%20read,treatable%20was%20an%20important%20co
ncept. Accessed 25 Mar. 2025.
Labster. "5 Ways to Make Law of Universal Gravitation an Approachable Topic." Labster |
Virtual Labs for Universities and High Schools, 13 Mar. 2025, www.labster.com/blog/
make-law-of-universal-gravitation-
approachable#:~:text=4.,g%20is%20of%20swinging%20pendulum.
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Mind.org. "About talking therapies." Mind.org, 2024, www.mind.org.uk/information-support/
drugs-and-treatments/talking-therapy-and-counselling/about-talking-therapies/
#:~:text=Talking%20therapies%20are%20treatments%20which,
(if%20you%20want%20to). Accessed 25 Mar. 2025.
Yao., Lucy, and Rian Kabir. "Person-Centered Therapy (Rogerian Therapy)." National Library
of Medicine, 9 Feb. 2023.
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK589708/#:~:text=Person-
Centered%20Therapy-,Person-
centered%20therapy%2C%20also%20referred%20to%20as%20non-
directive,one%20from%20realizing%20self-actualization.
April 25, 2025
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Academic level:
High school
Type of paper:
IB ToK Essay
Discipline:
Mathematics and human sciences
Citation:
MLA
Pages:
6 (1600 words)
Spacing:
Double
* The sample essays are for browsing purposes only and are not to be submitted as original work to avoid issues with plagiarism.
