TOK: The Human Sciences
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‘Freedom day’ delayed as lockdown extended
Will lockdown ever end? Yesterday, Britain’s government announced that the current restrictions would not be lifted next week after all, prompting fears that they could drag on and on.
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Anti-woke ‘alternative BBC’ is launched
Does Britain need a rival to the BBC? Last night saw the launch of GB News, a TV channel aiming to provide a populist voice countering the metropolitan media. But not everyone is convinced.
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PM and President sign new Atlantic Charter
Is symbolism important? Yesterday, Boris Johnson and Joe Biden agreed a new deal setting out their joint vision for future prosperity and the world's recovery from the coronavirus crisis.
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Rewriting the rules of British-US diplomacy
Is it time to ditch the term “special relationship”? As Boris Johnson and Joe Biden meet for the first time today, the nature of the UK’s dealings with the US could change dramatically.
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Robinson tweets spark ‘cancel culture’ row
Should a person’s racist past be forgiven? Yesterday, as a second cricketer was linked with offensive posts, many called for punishment. But some say we should accept that people can change.
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English under threat from verbal sandbagging
Is English being choked to death by jargon? The world’s most popular language is descending into a nightmare of meaningless baloney and hot air, one top writer claimed yesterday.
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‘I am a vessel for the story to come through’
Is the best writing based on experience? Michaela Coel has established herself as one of the most exciting talents in TV today, partly by drawing on traumatic events in her own life.
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All change please: Gen Z demands revolution
Is it time for a new revolutionary age? Hundreds of young people from 30 countries have told researchers they demand a radical transformation in politics, economics and climate action.
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Fans boo footballers for anti-racist stance
Should footballers of all nations take the knee? Yesterday, the world of sport rushed to defend the England team. For some, the jeers are proof that all players must act now to fight racism.
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Winslet demands right to show her wrinkles
Should airbrushing be illegal? Today, the unrealistic representation of celebrities’ bodies is under scrutiny after Kate Winslet refused to have footage of herself doctored for television.
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Tennis star makes a stand for mental health
Has elite sport become too cruel? Today the world of tennis is in turmoil after Grand Slam champion Naomi Osaka’s withdrawal from the French Open in protest against the demands of the media.
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Pentagon confirms new UFO footage is real
Is belief in UFOs religious? Today the world is reeling from a new video of an object flying like no human craft. But some think our UFO obsession is just a new answer to an ancient problem.
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UK conversion therapy ban sparks global row
Should gay conversion therapy be classed as torture? Pride Month begins today, kicking off celebrations in cities across the world. But LGBTQ+ people still face persecution everywhere.
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‘An Olympics without fans is not the Olympics’
Are fans the real heroes of sport? The news yesterday that some Japanese spectators may be allowed at this summer’s Olympics was a reminder that athletes alone do not make an event.
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The deeper causes of a mental health meltdown
Is mental illness the world’s biggest problem? The Duke of Sussex is one of a growing number of people who believe if we do not solve this crisis today, the future will be a disaster.