Theory of Knowledge

Coordinator: Ms. Brigette Van Dorsselaer

The aims of the Theory of Knowledge (TOK) programme are to engage students in reflection on
and in the questioning of, the bases of knowledge, so that they are able:

• To develop an understanding of why critically examining knowledge claims is important
• To develop a critical capacity to evaluate beliefs and knowledge claims
• To make interdisciplinary connections
• To become aware of the interpretative nature of knowledge including personal and
ideological biases
• To consider that knowledge may place responsibilities on the knower
• To understand the strengths and limitations of individual and cultural perspectives
• To develop a concern for rigour in formulating knowledge claims, and intellectual honesty
Principles

The TOK programme is central to the educational philosophy of the International Baccalaureate
Diploma Programme. It challenges students and their teachers to reflect critically on diverse ways
of knowing and areas of knowledge, and to consider the role that 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 recognise the need to act responsibly in an increasingly
interconnected world.

As a thoughtful and purposeful enquiry into different ways of knowing, and into different kinds of
knowledge, the TOK programme is composed almost entirely of questions. The most central of
these questions is, “How do I, or how do we, know that a given assertion is true, or a given
judgement is well grounded?” Assertions or judgements of this sort are termed “knowledge
claims”, while the difficulties that arise in addressing these questions are the broad areas known
as “problems of knowledge”. The programme entails the application of this central question to
many different, yet interrelated, topics.
 

Ways of Knowing

Questions are the very essence of TOK, both ageless questions on which thinkers have been
reflecting for centuries and new ones, often challenging accepted belief, which are posed by 21st Century
contemporary life. These questions centre on the following Ways of Knowing and will certainly
involve some of the following lines of enquiry:

• Knowers and Sources of Knowledge
How is knowledge gained? What are the sources? And to what extent might
these vary according to age, education or cultural background?
• Perception
In what ways does the biological constitution of a living organism determine,
influence or limit its perception?
• Language
Is it possible to think without language? How does language extend, direct, or
even limit thinking?
• Emotion
Can there be a ‘correct’ or ‘appropriate’ emotional response?
• Reason
o Does knowledge always require some kind of rational basis?
These lines of enquiry are applied in each of the subjects studied as well as in ToK lessons.
 

Assessment

Students are assessed on an essay of 1200-1600 words, that is written as coursework and
externally assessed (2/3rds weighting), and an oral presentation, that is internally assessed and
externally moderated (1/3rdweighting).