TOK: Sense perception
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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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Meet Gunda, the muddy ‘Meryl Streep’ of pigs
Can a pig change your life? A film following a sow raising her piglets on a free-range farm opens today. Some hope the story of Gunda will change how we think about animals.
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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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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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Miracle or menace? The rise of the brain chip
Could neural implants change your identity? Yesterday, an entrepreneur invested millions in the technology. But scientists and philosophers are anxious about potential consequences.
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Britain plans an animal welfare revolution
Is the world too geared to humans? We love animals – so why do we treat them so badly? Yesterday a fierce debate began over new UK laws to drive out cruel and inhumane practices.
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Growing ‘assault on truth’ poses world threat
Can journalism ever claim to be the truth? Yesterday, on World Press Freedom Day, the BBC’s head issued a ringing defence of impartiality – but many believe that it is impossible to achieve.
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Chinese film director shatters Oscar barriers
Does it always take an outsider to see our inner truth? This morning, Chloé Zhao won best director and her film Nomadland, about America’s van-dwellers, won best film and best actress.
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America on trial in police murder case
Will it be a turning point for America? The trial of Derek Chauvin for the murder of George Floyd has prompted discussion about whether the US can start to heal its racial divisions.
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Chilled out Finns are world’s happiest people
Should all countries be more like Finland? The Scandinavian state has been named the world’s happiest nation – again. Now some say we could all learn from the Nordic way of life.
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Gaming industry moves to trans inclusivity
Does gaming need to be more inclusive? A new Harry Potter game will allow players to create trans characters. But some say it is just a small step for an industry that needs radical change.
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Bidder pays £50m for unique string of code
Are non-fungible tokens the future of art? The price was a new high for an artwork that exists only digitally, beating records for physical paintings by greats like Turner, Seurat and Goya.
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Dramatic crash threatens champion’s career
Is this man the greatest athlete in history? In the latest of many dramatic life events, Tiger Woods has survived a terrifying car accident, but there are fears he may never play golf again.
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AI has no idea of right and wrong say experts
Is the science of artificial intelligence unethical? As researchers warn that it can be used for racial profiling and surveillance, a new call for ethical control has just been published.
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‘You almost had me murdered three weeks ago’
Is this a turning point in the struggle against white, male supremacy? By baring her emotions openly on Instagram, Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez also issued a challenge to Republicans.