Theory of Knowledge

International Baccalaureate

If a man will begin with certainties, he shall end in doubts; but if will be content to begin with doubts, he shall end in certainties.   - Francis Bacon

All men by nature desire knowledge.
- Aristotle

  What do you know? 

How do you know it?

 Of what significance is it?

List of Links!  (or scroll down)

TOK Rationale

Theory of Knowledge is the key element in the educational philosophy of the IB; its purpose is to stimulate critical reflection upon the knowledge and experiences acquired both inside and outside the classroom, to evaluate the bases of knowledge and experiences, and to develop a personal mode of thought based on critical examination of evidence and argument.

-International Baccalaureate Subject Guide 2003 

This course is not intended to pile on more work and knowledge for an IB student.  It is assumed that IB Diploma candidates are already receiving a wealth of knowledge in the other required classes.  Instead, TOK is intended to give students the tools to sort out and deal with that knowledge.  Time needs to be spent on reflection on the knowledge gained, how it was gained and where it fits into the larger sphere of what we know.  This course is unique to the IB program and demonstrates IB’s commitment to the full education of the individual. 

 

SCOPE and SEQUENCE

Knowers and Knowing

                Nature of Knowing

                Knowers and Sources of Knowledge

                Justification of Knowledge claims

 Ways of Knowing

                Perception:   Racial Stereotype presentation

                 Reason - Fallacies

               Language

                Emotion

Areas of Knowledge

                Mathematics

                Natural Sciences

                Human Sciences

                History

                The Arts

Ethics

 Knowledge and Truth

                Human choice in knowledge and belief

                Can we ever reach the end of knowledge?


 

Learn to unlearn. - Benjamin Disraeli

 

TOK LINKS

International Baccalaureate Organization

Guidelines to writing a philosophy paper

Internet Encyclopedia of Philosophy

History of Philosophy

Value of Knowledge: a Miniature Library of Philosophy

Paideia Project On-Line

Matrix and Allegory of the Cave Analysis and Springboard for the Matrix (great!)

Matrix SparkNotes

 

Teacher's Pages

Amy Scott

IBaStudent (different resources collected by an IB Student)

Mr. Dugan

Another page

 

 

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