ToK

Theory of Knowledge

Mrs. Doğançay om E-1

Aims and Objectives of ToK (from the IB Subject Guide)

Aims

The aims of the TOK course are to:

  • Develop a fascination with the richness of knowledge as a human endeavor, and an understanding of the empowerment that follows from reflecting upon it
  • Develop an awareness of how knowledge is constructed, critically examined, evaluated and renewed, by communities and individuals.
  • Encourage students to reflect on their experiences as learners, in everyday life and in the Diploma Programme, and to make connections between academic disciplines and between thoughts, feelings and actions.
  • Encourage an interest in the diversity of ways of thinking and ways of living of individuals and communities, and an awareness of personal and ideological assumptions, including participants’ own
  • Encourage consideration of the responsibilities originating form the relationship between knowledge, the community and the individual as citizen of the world.

Objectives

Having followed the TOK course, students should be able to:

  1. Analyse critically knowledge claims, their underlying assumptions and their implications
  2. Generate questions, explanations, conjectures, hypotheses, alternative ideas and possible solutions in response to knowledge issues concerning areas of knowledge , ways of knowing and students own experience as learners
  3. demonstrate an understanding of different perspectives on knowledge issues
  4. draw links and make effective comparisons between different approaches to knowledge issues that derive from areas of knowledge, ways of knowing, theoretical positions and cultural values
  5. demonstrate an ability to give a personal, self-aware response to knowledge issue
  6. formulate and communicate ideas clearly with due regard for accuracy and academic honesty.

The aim of TOK is to engage students (through questioning and reflection) on the bases of knowledge. That is, how do we know what we know, and what does that mean?! One of the “sub-aims” of this class is to occasionally confuse and unsettle you a little bit, but to have a little fun along the way!

Central Question:How do we know that a given assertion is true, or a given judgment is well grounded?

Knowledge Claims:What are the assertions or judgments we project as truth?

Problems of knowledge:Possible uncertainties, biases in approach to knowledge, limitations of knowledge, methods of verification, justification appropriate to different areas of knowledge.

Areas of Knowledge:Includes the 6 areas you have taken classes in through the IB Program.

Natural Sciences, Human Sciences, History, the Arts, Ethics, Mathematics.

Ways of Knowing:Emotion, Reason, Language, Perception

Linking Questions:Questions used to make connections between the elements of the TOK Diagram (that is, questions that “link” us from Areas of Knowledge to Ways of Knowing). These questions focus on ten (10) areas: belief, certainty, culture, evidence, explanation, interpretation, intuition, technology, truth, and values. They are not limited to and should not be equated to interdisciplinary connections.

Thinking Skills:We will try to enhance our ability to identify problems of knowledge, to analyze and evaluate claims and counter-claims, to draw interdisciplinary links, and to be aware of differing underlying values. For example: How do we use “Language” to understand (know) our “interpretation” of a problem in “Ethics”.

Socratic Dialogue:We will employ the Socratic Dialogue to discuss material introduced in the class (inner/outer circle discussion & assessment). Participation is very important!

Required Materials:

  • Notebook (for storing articles, handouts, etc.) with clean paper for journals, etc.
  • Theory of Knowledge textbook: Alchin, Nicholas. (2006) Theory of knowledge. (Second ed.) London: Hodder Murray

Marks:

Final averages will be based on the following overall percentages:

% cutoff / letter grade / % cutoff / letter grade
97% / A+ / 77% / C+
94% / A / 74% / C
90% / A- / 70% / C-
87% / B+ / 67% / D+
84% / B / 64% / D
80% / B- / 60% / D-

Less than 60% = F

Category Weights:

Participation/Contribution to Class / 35%
Journal (& other classwork) / 30%
ToK Practice Oral Presentation / 15%
ToK Practice Essay / 10%
Extended Essay (rough draft) / 10%