A – TOK Essay – May 2022

Can there be knowledge that is independent of culture? Discuss with reference to Mathematics and one other area of knowledge.

Word count: 1577

When discussing knowledge, especially those belonging to areas of knowledge that are based upon empirical knowledge such as that of natural sciences and mathematics, culture is often an aspect that one does not take into account. Despite this, there are aspects of knowledge that are highly impacted by culture irrespective of its origins. Culture is a way of life that is distinct to a particular group of individuals. It takes shape in the traditions and customs that have been passed down from generation to generation. On the other hand, knowledge is a subset of information fundamental to our understanding of the world. While culture is often associated with how traditions of the past influences how people act in the present, aspects vital to human society such as political ideologies or religion have created impacts on one’s way of life or culture. In order for knowledge to be independent of culture, it must not be connected to or is derived from cultural influences. With that the title asks whether or not knowledge that is not derived from or is not connected to the creator’s culture exists, or whether culture is so ingrained within the production of knowledge that it is indistinguishable from knowledge. I believe that knowledge cannot be fully independent of culture, as it will be reflected in the knowledge produced which is ingrained in one’s way of thinking. However, if the nature of knowledge is constant such as that of Mathematics and Natural Sciences, the influence of culture will be limited.