An Introduction

Theory of Knowledge

Objective

The overall aim of TOK is to encourage students to formulate answers to the question “how do you know?”

Objectives and terminology

examine how academic disciplines/areas of knowledge generate and shape knowledge

Areas of Knowledge

mathematicsnatural scienceshuman scienceshistory

the artsethicsreligious knowledge systemsindigenous knowledge systems.

Objectives and terminology

identify and analyse the various kinds of justifications used to support knowledge claims

Objectives and terminology

understand the roles played by ways of knowing in the construction of shared and personal knowledge

Ways of Knowing

language sense perception emotion reason

imagination faith intuition memory

Personal & Shared Knowledge

Shared knowledge

“We know because…”

Someone who was born in 1995 and knows about the

moon landing only from history books

The same person reads a lot about

Computer Programming, but who also writes his

own programs.

The same person is the only one who knows how he feels when he listens to

Beethoven’s Moonlight Sonata.

Objectives and terminology demonstrate an awareness and understanding of different perspectives and be able to relate these to one’s own perspective

Objectives and terminology formulate, evaluate and attempt to answer knowledge questions

Some Knowledge Questionswhat counts as evidence for X?what makes a good explanation in subject Y?how do we judge which is the best model of Z?how can we be sure of W?what does theory T mean in the real world?how do we know whether it is right to do S?

Assessment1. A presentation, taking a real life issue, identifying and

exploring the knowledge questions that derive from it (Autumn of Year 13)

2. A 1600 word essay - candidates choose from a list of 6 prescribed titles (handed in in February of Year 13)

ToK Blog – www.nlcstok.edublogs.org

ToK Journal Notes Handouts “ToK moments” Articles Pictures Cartoons