Theory of Knowledge- ALS

7/27/2019 Theory of Knowledge- ALS

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Theory Of Knowledge

TOK

ALS 2009-2010


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IB Hexagon


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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.


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Nature of the Subject

The TOK programme is composed almost entirely ofquestions.

The most central of these questions is How do I, orhow do we, know that a given assertion is true, or agiven judgment is well grounded?

The questions have been grouped into four broadcategories: Knowers and Knowing, Ways of Knowing,

Areas of Knowledge and Linking Questions.


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The TOK Diagram


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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


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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


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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 ofindividual and cultural perspectives


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Knowers and Knowing

Knowers and Knowing

Nature of Knowing

Knowers and Sources of Knowledge

Justification of Knowledge Claims


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Ways of Knowing

Perception

Nature of Perception

Limitations of Perception

Language

Nature of Language

Language and Knowledge

Functions of Language

Language and Culture


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Ways of Knowing

Reason

Nature of Reason

Reason and Knowledge

Strengths and Weaknesses of Reason

Emotion

Nature of Emotion

Emotion and Knowledge


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Areas of Knowledge

Mathematics

Definition of Mathematics

Mathematics and Reality

Mathematics and Knowledge Claims


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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


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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


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Areas of Knowledge

History

Definition of History

History: Methods for Gaining Knowledge

History and Knowledge Claims

History and Values


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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


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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


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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.


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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

Documents

Theory of Knowledge- ALS