Theory of Knowledge Essay
5. Do we need custodians of knowledge? Discuss with reference to
two areas of knowledge.
Exam Session: May 2024
Candidate Code: ksh 100
Word Count: 1598
, "One child, one teacher, one book, one pen can change the world." is what education activist
Malala Yousafzai argued, (Treasure Earth C.I.C) and that no matter who you are, as a
custodian of knowledge you can influence the future. Custodians of knowledge are
gatekeepers of knowledge, they are experts in their field and, in theory, are needed to provide
and protect knowledge. conversely, custodians of knowledge may be self-serving bodies or
individuals, exploiting the power they hold over certain knowledge. In the Arts, custodians
can be critics or artists themselves, illustrating personal or global messages on their canvases,
and having their art judged by self-proclaimed experts. In the Natural sciences, custodians
can be scientists, having a role in ensuring knowledge conveyed is obtained through the
rigorous scientific method. This essay aims to examine the importance, or lack thereof, of
custodians of knowledge
Firstly, custodians of knowledge can play a vital role in protecting and producing knowledge
for those who are uncertain or new to certain kinds of knowledge, influencing how the public
perceives knowledge. Specifically in indigenous communities, communities with historical
continuity with pre-colonial societies and have strong links to territories and natural resources
(United Nations). Therefore, in the realm of art and indigenous art, custodians play a central
role in preserving and producing knowledge of cultural traditions. Linda Tuhiwai Smith is a
key figure in the field of indigenous studies and is known for her work on indigenous
knowledge and education (SMITH). She is known for publishing “Decolonising
Methodologies” and argues that indigenous art is often misunderstood by Western audiences.
Aboriginal artists can be seen as important custodians of knowledge as only certain groups of
people can illustrate indigenous stories, this is because Aboriginal groups have the right to
portray their personal, cultural histories through art. Aboriginal artworks, such as rock
paintings in Australia, offer cultural and historical significance, portraying stories, beliefs and
5. Do we need custodians of knowledge? Discuss with reference to
two areas of knowledge.
Exam Session: May 2024
Candidate Code: ksh 100
Word Count: 1598
, "One child, one teacher, one book, one pen can change the world." is what education activist
Malala Yousafzai argued, (Treasure Earth C.I.C) and that no matter who you are, as a
custodian of knowledge you can influence the future. Custodians of knowledge are
gatekeepers of knowledge, they are experts in their field and, in theory, are needed to provide
and protect knowledge. conversely, custodians of knowledge may be self-serving bodies or
individuals, exploiting the power they hold over certain knowledge. In the Arts, custodians
can be critics or artists themselves, illustrating personal or global messages on their canvases,
and having their art judged by self-proclaimed experts. In the Natural sciences, custodians
can be scientists, having a role in ensuring knowledge conveyed is obtained through the
rigorous scientific method. This essay aims to examine the importance, or lack thereof, of
custodians of knowledge
Firstly, custodians of knowledge can play a vital role in protecting and producing knowledge
for those who are uncertain or new to certain kinds of knowledge, influencing how the public
perceives knowledge. Specifically in indigenous communities, communities with historical
continuity with pre-colonial societies and have strong links to territories and natural resources
(United Nations). Therefore, in the realm of art and indigenous art, custodians play a central
role in preserving and producing knowledge of cultural traditions. Linda Tuhiwai Smith is a
key figure in the field of indigenous studies and is known for her work on indigenous
knowledge and education (SMITH). She is known for publishing “Decolonising
Methodologies” and argues that indigenous art is often misunderstood by Western audiences.
Aboriginal artists can be seen as important custodians of knowledge as only certain groups of
people can illustrate indigenous stories, this is because Aboriginal groups have the right to
portray their personal, cultural histories through art. Aboriginal artworks, such as rock
paintings in Australia, offer cultural and historical significance, portraying stories, beliefs and
