Essay Question

“Art is a lie that leads us to the truth.”

Picasso

1) Define the key terms (art, lies, truth) in Picasso’s assertion.

2) Discuss Picasso’s assertion, using examples from at least two different art forms.

3) The essay must be based on one knowledge issue.

4) Recall that one standard definition of knowledge is "justified, true belief." This is a TOK essay and so it must be about how and in what ways we know things.

Write approximately 600 words.

You must submit your essay as a Google doc.

You will have two class sessions to work on the essay. The essay is due at the end of the second class.

How to start on the essay. (You should spend about 30 minutes in this phase.)

1) Work in groups, and work as a group, not independently. I do

not want to see individuals working separately and quietly on this.

If you were to do that—and you won’t be--you would be missing the

point of this preparatory lesson.

2) Your task today is to gather materials that will help you answer the

question. “Mine” the blog (“dig into the blog, in order to find valuable

materials”). But move beyond the blog as well. Find examples that

will work for you, examples that help you explore the question.

Start by taking time to define the key terms together. Do not merely

go to a single dictionary so you can cut and paste definitions.

Compare and contrast definitions; talk about them in your small

group. This should be the first thing you do. Don’t rush this step.

Defining the terms sets the stage for your writing.

3) Talk about Picasso’s assertion; look for a range of examples that

would help you think about it.

4) Help each other and you will help yourselves.