Some ideas as to how you might want to address the PT (prescribed title)

Mathematicians have the concept of rigorous proof, which leads to knowing

something with complete certainty. Consider the extent to which complete
certainty might be achievable in mathematics and at least one other area of
knowledge.

 You must focus on an attempt to address the issues of proof and certainty in maths and
the extent to which they might be comparable to other AOK.

 Avoid confusion regarding the nature of mathematical proof, especially with regard to the
WOK terms inductive and deductive logic. Considering different WOK would be a
sensible way to address this title.

 It would generally be advisable to include a discussion of axioms and postulates.

 Your examples must be balanced, not too simple eg 1+1=2 or too complex, this is a TOK
essay about how the knowledge is created, not a maths essay.

 Natural sciences and history have been popular choices for areas to compare, though
examiners have noted an over-emphasis on problems within AOKs

What counts as truth in History and how does this compare to another area of
knowledge?

 What similarities and differences are there between historical explanations and those
from other AOKs?

 In weaker essays candidates found it hard to move beyond describing each area in
general terms, and simply described each area in isolation without developing links.

 Others noted that there might be different types of explanation within a specific area;
historical explanations, for example, may vary according to their scope or timescale.
Some students also noted that explanation can be tightly linked with the future and
making predictions; this proved fertile ground for original and insightful analysis.

 History can be presented as subjective, biased, intuitive and emotional and all historians
as liars and charlatans or that there is little or no legitimate knowledge or truths in this
discipline – this approach should be avoided, the title stresses the positive.
 “Art is a lie that brings us nearer to the truth” (Pablo Picasso). Evaluate this claim
in relation to a specific art form (for example, visual arts, literature, theatre).

 Examples of knowledge issues that could be addressed in this title are:

 What kinds of truth are the arts capable of expressing?
 To what extent are the insights available from the appreciation of an artwork dependent
upon the intentions of the artist?
 What be meant be a lie in the context of an artwork?

 A great title if you are interested in art because your examples should be original and
discussed with some expertise. Bear in mind that it is a TOK essay to do with the creation
of knowledge. Though to some extent you can define what knowledge means when it
comes to art and that could well depend on the art form that you chose as your focus.

 Remember that there are marks for linking to other AOK and you must consider this.

 Consider your definition of “lie” carefully.