May 2025 TOK Essay Titles – Title 2 Explained

Is our most revered knowledge more fragile than we assume it to be? Discuss with reference to the arts and one other area of knowledge.

First of all, revered means respected. And in the case of knowledge, we are talking about artistic knowledge and (probably) scientific knowledge which was highly respected and accepted by the respective expert communities. Then what you should do is to find real-life examples where such knowledge stood tall against all criticism, also other examples where such respected knowledge failed and became obsolete. By analyzing these examples, you can assess the fragility level of the said revered knowledge.

And of course, don’t forget to find examples of artistic knowledge when discussing the arts and do not waste time on artworks which were solid or fragile, accepted or criticized.

Here’s an absurd example to explain the discussion and show you the approach. You can apply what you understand to real-life examples from the arts and one another area of knowledge.

Imagine a highly respected and decorated actor who was loved and adored by many. A story comes out about his personal life and his perverse behavior. Then, as usual, many others come forward and this revered actor’s reputation is so fragile that he loses his credibility, wealth, and even friends and family. On the contrary, someone accuses a revered scientist of making backdoor deals with corporations to publish false scientific papers, but investigations clear the scientist of any wrongdoing. It shows that the scientist’s reputation was not fragile to break under the pressure of accusations.

You should find real-life examples of artistic knowledge produced in the past which stood strong against the winds of change. And examples which were not so strong and were left forgotten, and do the same in one another area of knowledge.

Remember to find artistic knowledge and not artwork. Do not forget that the examples you find should have been reputable and respected at their time, whether they kept or lost the reputation.  Also, bear in mind that all your examples should show that they have gone through knowledge trials, strong criticisms, and scrutiny. Unless you find an example where the knowledge was highly respected but fell from grace with a minor critique that shows how fragile it was. Last but not least, do not write about the obvious and popular discussions in art, science, and math that any lazy student would choose. Go the extra mile and find unique and interesting examples.

With all that said, take your “fragilometer,” find revered but contested knowledge within the arts and (probably) sciences, and examine and explore what happened to them.

Do you need help with your TOK essay? Get in touch with us.

May 2025 TOK Essay Titles