Theory of Knowledge (TOK)
In Theory of Knowledge (TOK) we use our common sense, experience, reasoning abilities and emotional intelligence to answer such questions as:Q: How can we arrive at truth in everyday life and in our academic subjects?
Q: How is our learning in one subject enriched by our learning in another?
Q: What is the difference between opinion, faith, theory and fact?
Q: Are mathematical, scientific, historical and artistic knowledge different in quality?
Q: How can we understand the origins of a dispute?
Q: It used to be said, “Knowledge is Power”. Where and how is knowledge found in the Information Age?
The issues that can be addressed are limitless, but the consistent approach is to make connections between academic subjects and between subjects and everyday life.
In the Theory of knowledge course we will:
1. Discuss what it is to know something (a scientific theory, a period of history, a friend, how to ride a bike)
2.Experience how we attain knowledge (senses, reason, emotion, language)
3. Consider the influential contexts in which we perceive the world (in a culture, under a set of assumptions)
4.Question and evaluate the status of the knowledge acquired in mathematics, science, geography, and history.
5.Examine how systems of morality are created and maintained.
Assessment
Students are assessed by
1. A 1500 word essay from a selection of titles published in advance
2. Their creation and performance, in groups, a short presentation which examines knowledge issues.
The course gives lots of scope for students to explore ideas about their learning with the aim of enriching the appreciation of all subjects.
