Syeda Aleen Fatima Hassan
Theory of knowledge
TOK exhibition written commentary-
“Can new knowledge change established values and beliefs ?”
Knowledge and the knower
Word count: 943
, Object 1: A photo of Princess Diana shaking her hand with a patient who has
contracted HIV/AIDS
(For World AIDS Day. Lady Diana Helping Break the Stigma of Physical Contact With People
That Contacted HIV/AIDS, 1987, n.d.)
Princess Diana’s handshake with an HIV/AIDS patient in 1987 was a bold act of defiance against
the pervasive misconceptions surrounding the disease. At that time, there was a widespread fear
that HIV could be transmitted through casual contact, leading to the marginalization and
stigmatization of those affected (Cope & Leake, 2024; Green, 2021). Diana’s compassionate
gesture directly challenged these misconceptions by demonstrating that HIV is not spread
through touch (Varma, 2023).
This moment is a powerful illustration of how emotion and perception shape public beliefs.
Diana’s empathetic action elicited a new emotional response—one of empathy and
understanding—prompting people to question their irrational fears. Her influence as a public
figure amplified the impact of this act, showcasing how authority can be a potent means of
shifting societal beliefs (Dibdin, 2020).
This topic resonates with me because it highlights the intersection of emotion, authority, and
knowledge. It underscores how scientific understanding alone may not be sufficient to change
societal values; it must be coupled with emotional intelligence and leadership. Diana’s role in
humanizing individuals with HIV/AIDS exemplifies the transformative power of individual
Theory of knowledge
TOK exhibition written commentary-
“Can new knowledge change established values and beliefs ?”
Knowledge and the knower
Word count: 943
, Object 1: A photo of Princess Diana shaking her hand with a patient who has
contracted HIV/AIDS
(For World AIDS Day. Lady Diana Helping Break the Stigma of Physical Contact With People
That Contacted HIV/AIDS, 1987, n.d.)
Princess Diana’s handshake with an HIV/AIDS patient in 1987 was a bold act of defiance against
the pervasive misconceptions surrounding the disease. At that time, there was a widespread fear
that HIV could be transmitted through casual contact, leading to the marginalization and
stigmatization of those affected (Cope & Leake, 2024; Green, 2021). Diana’s compassionate
gesture directly challenged these misconceptions by demonstrating that HIV is not spread
through touch (Varma, 2023).
This moment is a powerful illustration of how emotion and perception shape public beliefs.
Diana’s empathetic action elicited a new emotional response—one of empathy and
understanding—prompting people to question their irrational fears. Her influence as a public
figure amplified the impact of this act, showcasing how authority can be a potent means of
shifting societal beliefs (Dibdin, 2020).
This topic resonates with me because it highlights the intersection of emotion, authority, and
knowledge. It underscores how scientific understanding alone may not be sufficient to change
societal values; it must be coupled with emotional intelligence and leadership. Diana’s role in
humanizing individuals with HIV/AIDS exemplifies the transformative power of individual
