Theory Of Knowledge

TOK
ALS 2009-2010

IB Hexagon

Nature of the Subject

The TOK challenges students and their teachers to reflect critically on diverse ways of knowing and areas of knowledge, and to consider the role which knowledge plays in a global society. It encourages students to become aware of themselves as thinkers, to become aware of the complexity of knowledge, and to recognize the need to act responsibly in an increasingly interconnected world.

Nature of the Subject

The TOK programme is composed almost entirely of questions. The most central of these questions is How do I, or how do we, know that a given assertion is true, or a given judgment is well grounded? The questions have been grouped into four broad categories: Knowers and Knowing, Ways of Knowing, Areas of Knowledge and Linking Questions.

The TOK Diagram

Ways of Knowing and Areas of Knowledge

Language and Emotions History

Methods of data collection Validity of sources Uniqueness as a body of knowledge Objectivity vs subjectivity

Aims

Develop a fascination with the richness of knowledge, and an understanding of the empowerment that follows from reflecting on it

Develop an awareness of how knowledge is constructed, critically examined, evaluated and renewed, by communities and individuals
develop an understanding of why critically examining knowledge claims is important

Aims

develop a critical capacity to evaluate beliefs and knowledge claims make interdisciplinary connections consider that knowledge may place responsibilities on the knower understand the strengths and limitations of individual and cultural perspectives

Knowers and Knowing

Knowers and Knowing

Nature of Knowing Knowers and Sources of Knowledge Justification of Knowledge Claims

Ways of Knowing

Perception
Nature of Perception Limitations of Perception

Language
Nature of Language Language and Knowledge Functions of Language Language and Culture

Ways of Knowing

Reason
Nature of Reason Reason and Knowledge Strengths and Weaknesses of Reason

Emotion
Nature of Emotion Emotion and Knowledge

Areas of Knowledge

Mathematics
Definition of Mathematics Mathematics and Reality Mathematics and Knowledge Claims

Areas of Knowledge

Natural Sciences
Definition of the Natural Sciences Natural Sciences: Methods of Gaining Knowledge Natural Sciences and Knowledge Claims Natural Sciences and Values Natural Sciences and Technology

Areas of Knowledge

Human Sciences
Definition of the Human Sciences Human Sciences: Methods of Gaining Knowledge Human Sciences and Knowledge Claims Human Sciences and Values

Areas of Knowledge

History
Definition of History History: Methods for Gaining Knowledge History and Knowledge Claims History and Values

Areas of Knowledge

The Arts
Definition of the Arts The Arts: Methods of Gaining Knowledge The Arts and Knowledge Claims The Arts and Values The Arts and Knowledge Perspectives

Areas of Knowledge

Ethics
Definition of Ethics Ethics: Methods of Gaining Knowledge and Knowledge Claims Ethics and Values Ethics and Technology Ethics and Knowledge Perspectives Ethics and Politics

TOK Points

TOK Points

Points awarded for:

External Assessment: the Essay (1,200-1,600 words) on a Prescribed Title (40 points) Internal Assessment: the Presentation (approximately 10 minutes per student) (20 points) both are combined to give a total out of 60.

Sample Assessment Topics

A sample Essay Title:

We see and understand things not as they are but as we are. Discuss this claim in relation to at least two ways of knowing.

Sample Presentation Topics:

Plastic surgery Banning of videogames Media and society