How to Identify and Question Assumptions in TOK

1. Why Questioning Assumptions Matters

In TOK, assumptions are the invisible foundations of your arguments. Unexamined, they can undermine your claims. Learning to identify and challenge these assumptions is crucial—it turns basic essays into sophisticated analyses. For structural support, check out our Structuring for Success in IB TOK Essays guide.

2. Types of Assumptions to Spot

• Underlying beliefs: e.g., “science is always objective.”
• Cultural norms: e.g., language reflects universal meaning.
• Methodological assumptions: e.g., survey results are accurate.
• Epistemic assumptions: e.g., data from experts is always reliable.

Our 10‑Step Guide to Writing a Good TOK Essay shows how to pinpoint and question these in your essays.

3. Strategies to Uncover Assumptions

• Ask “Why?” multiple times to reveal deeper premises.
• Flip your claims: turn your statement into its opposite and evaluate.
• Consider alternative perspectives—from different WOKs or AOKs—to expose biases.

You’ll find examples in our Step‑by‑Step Guide to Effective TOK Essay Strategies.

4. Analyze the Impact of Hidden Assumptions

Every assumption shapes the strength of an argument. Once identified, assess:

• How would the claim change if the assumption fails?
• Does evidence still support the claim without it?

Our TOK strategies encourage this layer of critical reflection—demonstrate this using techniques from the 10‑Step Guide.

5. Use WOKs and AOKs to Challenge Assumptions

• Reason: Is the logic sound, or is there an unspoken premise?
• Perception: Could senses mislead you?
• Language: Does word choice hide assumptions?

Check out more in our Structuring for Success guide.

6. Incorporate Assumption Analysis in Your Essays

When writing:

1. State your claim.
2. Reveal the hidden assumption.
3. Question it using counter-examples or alternative viewpoints.
4. Reflect on how challenging that assumption affects your argument’s validity.

For detailed structure, use templates from our Structuring for Success guide.

7. Reflect on Implications of Questioned Assumptions

Examining assumptions deepens the conversation. It shows:

• Epistemic humility: understanding that knowledge is conditional.
• Nuanced thinking: revealing complexity beyond surface-level claims.

You can seamlessly integrate this reflective layer using our How to Consider Implications in TOK Arguments and Conclusions strategies.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: What’s an assumption in TOK?
It's an unstated premise that supports a claim—like believing logic is universal.

Q2: How do I find hidden assumptions?
Ask “why” repeatedly, challenge your stance, and test it across WOKs/AOKs.

Q3: Should I always mention assumptions in essays?
Yes—explicitly stating and evaluating key assumptions boosts critical depth.

Q4: Can assumptions be justified?
Yes—some may be reasonable given context, but TOK requires you to acknowledge and test them.

Q5: How many assumptions should I analyze?
Include one per main claim/counterclaim—quality matters more than quantity.

Q6: How can RevisionDojo help me question assumptions?
Use our outline tools, Jojo AI prompt like “What does this claim assume?”, and reflection frameworks to guide your analysis.

Conclusion

Questioning assumptions in TOK transforms essays from superficial arguments into insightful, critically balanced pieces. By identifying hidden premises, scrutinizing their impact, and reflecting on their limits, you showcase maturity and intellectual rigor.

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