Doubt is Central

2026 TOK Essay Title 2: To what extent do you agree that doubt is central to the pursuit of knowledge? Answer with reference to two areas of knowledge. This title seems to pick up in the middle of a debate about the nature of knowledge, and how it has shifted over time… particularly with the 21st century focus on STEM, and a scientific approach to knowledge. For me, as an art teacher, the idea that doubt is essential to the pursuit of knowledge is counter-intuitive, even corrosive; how can one create without a measure of belief? I recognized the deep, conflicting roles doubt plays in our two fields. To bridge that ideological gap and truly understand the scientific methodology, I pulled a brilliant Physics teacher away from his formulas and into a necessary conversation. Guest: Mr. Saif Ullah (Physics Teacher) Music: Julia Shi performing Claude Debussy, Feb 2025