IB Theory of Knowledge - an ongoing list of interesting finds

Interestingly, following our discussion last class about the ethics surrounding the "study" of nomadic tribes, National Geographic has published a feature article this month addressing some of the same difficult topics raised. The feature presents quite a detailed look at the influence of modern societies/technology on indigenous tribes in both Peru and Brasil, delving into where the two worlds either overlap or collide.  The pictures in the piece show a very rural, indigenous lifestyle, but the feature also makes mention of tribes having access to smartphones and guns, or offering their expertise as armed "guardians" of their territory. Quite an engaging look at a very complex ongoing controversy.

A post from the Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History that outlines "issues that arise at the crossroads of science and religion, particularly in relation to the scientific accounts of evolution and human origins..."  As the Smithsonian's Committee points out, "Cultural divides in the United States over the acceptance of evolution and scientific understandings of human origins make this interchange relevant. They also offer an opportunity to inspire a positive relationship between science and religion. "  (February 8, 2016) For a biting scientific retort to Creationism, check out: Scientific American's relatively scathing "15 Answers to Creationist Nonsense"  (July 1, 2002). Dr. Dave Hone's " Why creationists are out of time with history and science " (April 27, 2016). Alternately, Answers in Genesis' website offers counter arguments and further explanation to central Creationist theories and the potential overl...

A website dedicated to information on modern artistic movements, styles and works. An interactive and user-friendly exploration of modern art. The Art Story: Modern Art Insight

This piece presents a top-10 ranking of Bansky's work:  A look  "at Banksy’s 10 most powerful works of social commentary that have helped make him into a one of culture’s most iconic—and controversial—figures." Bansky's 10 Most Powerful Works of Social Commentary

This website provides a straight-forward overview of the difference between these two theories , with links to the relationship of each to both natural and human sciences. Positivism argues that knowledge can only be gained through observable and measurable "facts" (leaning towards natural sciences),  while Constructivism claims that knowledge is socially constructed (leaning towards human sciences). A good/brief start for those looking into theoretical discussions of validity of things like WOKs. Difference Between Positivism and Constructivism

This piece focuses on the Edward Snowden case and its haunting similarity to George Orwell's dystopian fiction, Nineteen-Eighty Four. The post features artwork that illustrates the oppressive totalitarian setting within Orwell's novel and also includes a portion of the introduction to the edition, written by " Guardian  editor-in-chief Alan Rusbridger — who broke the Edward Snowden story in a masterwork of journalism and stood up to real-life Big Brother by refusing to hand over Snowden’s data to the government." Haunting Illustrations for Orwell’s  Nineteen Eighty-Four , Introduced by the Courageous Journalist Who Broke the Edward Snowden Story

"Susan Sontag spent a lifetime contemplating the role of writing in both the inner world of the writer and outer universe of readers, which we call culture." Sontag :  “Love words, agonize over sentences. And pay attention to the world.” Susan Sontag on Storytelling, What It Means to Be a Moral Human Being, and Her Advice to Writers

A look at what it is and why a global understanding might be necessary. From the University of Wisconsin-Madison's Centre for Journalism Ethics. GLOBAL MEDIA ETHICS

Yes, another NG post. They really do have some great material on a wide range of interesting topics! This one is a fun/creepy look at a dark period in history.  It is an interactive that allows you to get a feel for the extent to which human beings can go.  Can you survive Salem's witchcraft hysteria?

The National Geographic Channel ran a special with Morgan Freeman that focused on a broad look at the "story" of God.  On THIS site , you can find a wide variety of interesting tidbits exploring the nature of religion, religious beliefs, rituals and values. Some interesting ones include: How different religions see God Ancient Egyptian tombs and death rituals What philosophers say about miracles What do the world religions say about miracles? 

I found this one on www.theoryofknowledge.net.  With direct links to the upcoming USA presidential election, the piece is described as follows: " Social scientists investigate when and why liberals and conservatives mistrust science. The apparent split may be more about cultural and personal beliefs than feelings about science itself." How objective are our scientific opinions?