15. theory of knowledge
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Theory of Knowledge (ToK) encourages students to question how knowledge is obtained. It distinguishes between personal and shared knowledge and explores six Areas of Knowledge (AoKs) including the natural sciences, human sciences, mathematics, history, the arts, and religious knowledge systems. ToK identifies eight specific Ways of Knowing (WoKs) such as sense perception, emotion, and reason that are used to acquire knowledge. Students complete an essay and presentation which are externally assessed and contribute to their IB Diploma.
15. theory of knowledge
- 1. Theory of Knowledge ToK encourages students to ask the question “how do you know?” in a variety of contexts. Areas of Knowledge The TOK course distinguishes between personal knowledge and shared knowledge. Thinking about shared knowledge enables students to think about the nature of the group that does the sharing, and allows international-mindedness into our exploration of knowledge questions. Students explore six of the AoKs shown below, and within these, are encouraged to think about the nature of knowledge in their own specific IB subjects, such as chemistry, history or art. Ways of knowing The ToK course identifies eight specific ways of knowing (WoKs), four of these are studied in depth. Assessment outline Essays and presentations are set during the year to help prepare for the external assessment. External assessment Component Weighting Format and syllabus coverage Essay 67% One essay on a title chosen from a list of six titles prescribed by the IB for each examination session. Maximum length: 1,600 words. Internal assessment Component Weighting Format and syllabus coverage Presentation 33% Examination of a real-life/contemporary situation from a TOK perspective, delivered to the class by an individual or a group. Approximately 10 minutes per student. Students also submit a written presentation planning document which is sent to the IB for moderation. WOK Description Sense perception Dowe directly perceivethe world, or is perception an active process where we supply much of the content of our experiences ourselves? Language Dowe use language to communicate knowledge - or does language actually structure those experiences of the world? Emotion Should emotion be seen as an irrational obstacle to knowledge or a way of making sense of social and cultural experiences? Reason Reason may be closely linked to logic, but are standards of rationality and norms of reasoning grounded in culture? Imagination Can imagination be dismissed as something that is purely subjective, or is it associated with creativity,problem-solving and originality? Faith Is faith irrational and incoherent, or a way of going beyond reason? Intuition Is intuition “knowing withoutthe use of rational processes” or a combination of other WoKs, such as prior experience, heightened sense perception or an active imagination? Memory Is memory a source of knowledge? To whatextent is acquiring new knowledge influenced by our memories of past experiences and events? natural sciences human sciences mathematics history the arts ethics religious knowledge systems indigenous knowledge systems