What is the Mpemba Effect?
In this edition I would like to explain why hot water freezes faster than cold water, when put into the freezer. It is a very counter-intuitive observation, it's a paradox. This is called the Mpemba...
View ArticleWhat are Ethical Dilemmas?
In this edition we will have a look at ethical dilemmas. What are they? What are some different opinions in making an ethical choice? There are several schools of thought in finding a solution to an...
View ArticleWhat is the Observer Effect?
Every measurement changes the object that we want to measure. This is called the Observer Effect. When we stick a thermometer into a glass of water to measure its temperature, then the thermometer will...
View ArticleWhat is Falsification?
In this edition of TOK-TALK we will talk about Karl Poppers contributions to the philosophy of science. Sir Reimund Karl Popper is considered to be one of the most influential philosophers of the 20th...
View ArticleWhat is the Scientific Method?
If we want to reach an objective description of our world, then we need to reduce these subjective influences. We need standardized procedures in gaining further knowledge of our world. The scientific...
View ArticleWhy are Simpler Explanations Usually Better?
According to Wiliam of Ockham (c. 1288 - c. 1347), if there are competing explanations for a phenomenon, the simpler explanation is to be preferred. The simpler explanation is often the correct one. It...
View ArticleWhat are Thought Experiments?
It is not always necessary to conduct real-life experiments to reach a valid scientific conclusion. Thought experiments may in some cases also suffice. In this edition I will illustrate you a thought...
View ArticleWhat is Determinism?
Determinism refers to the idea that the future is not up to chance, the future can be predicted. Determinists claim that if you had sufficient knowledge of the current situation, then you could in...
View ArticleWhat are the differences between Facts, Theories and Opinions?
The terms facts, theories and opinions are often confused. The objective of this edition is to clarify these terms. Facts are observations or measurements from an experiment, theories are the...
View ArticleWhat are Formal Systems?
Introduced here: the MIU puzzle as an example of a formal system. A formal system is composed of axioms, to which rules of inference are applied to produce theorems to which the rules can be applied...
View ArticleWhat is the “4-Ears Model” of Communication?
According to Psychologist Friedmann Schulz von Thun, when a person talks to another person he/she is passing on four different messages. This communication model is called the "4 Ears Model" and is...
View ArticleWhat is Knowledge?
Plato defined knowledge as "Justified true belief". For a person to know something he/she has to believe it, has to be able to justify it and it has to be true. This is explained here.
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