What is the relationship between knowing and understanding?

This IB Theory of Knowledge essay, based on the November 2025 prescribed title, explores the relationship between knowing and understanding through the lens of two Areas of Knowledge: natural sciences and history. The essay investigates how factual knowledge serves as a foundation for understanding in disciplines like genetics and historical analysis, while also examining instances where deep conceptual understanding can precede or exist independently of complete empirical knowledge. Drawing on examples such as the discovery of DNA, Einstein’s theory of relativity, the causes of World War II, and patterns of revolution, the essay critically analyzes the dynamic interplay between knowing and understanding, ultimately arguing that while they are interconnected, they are not always mutually dependent.

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