Theory of Knowledge - Course Companion for Students Marija Uzunova Dang Arvin Singh Uzunov Dang

1798, Thomas Malthus argued that human
in
would end in misery because of unchecked
life
growth. His logic seemed
consumption
resources were finite, while needs
inescapable:
wants were growing quickly—but then
and
technology.
came
sets of predictions are yet to come
Both
the “Limits to Growth” thesis has
true—but
much more popular in the 21st century.
become
groups of scientists have observed
Independent
contemporary data suggest we are on the
that
predicted by the MIT team. How do
trajectory
know this? It is possible of course, to look
they
the details of their methodology but, for the
at
else can we do to measure and move towards
What
matters in the Anthropocene? To begin with,
what
can identify and agree on the things that matter,
we
find ways to measure them. Ecological impact,
and
can be asked about the power and
questions
of predictive knowledge.
validity
1. What counts as evidence for the accuracy of
If experts suggest different courses of
2.
based on different predictions, which
action
Given the complexity of the calculations
3.
predictive knowledge about the
underlying
of the world, what is the role of trust in
state
this knowledge?
communicating
Does predictive knowledge bestow
4.
responsibilities on those who
special
and the living standards of typical
wellbeing,
have all been put forward as important
people
that are more feasible than they might
indicators
seem.
IV. Ethics
IV. Ethics
a prediction?
can we use to judge which one is
criteria
reliable?
more
purposes of analysis in TOK, more general
produce it?
Figure 8.7
The planetary
boundaries (www.anthropocene.info)
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