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 “Knowledge Questions”. The programme entails the application of this central question to many different, yet interrelated, topics.
The Knowledge Framework 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 contemporary life. These questions are examined through the Knowledge Framework. This consists of four parts: Scope, Perspectives, Methods and Tools, and Ethics. This framework allows comparison and contrast across the five Areas of Knowledge. These five Areas of Knowledge are: History, Natural Sciences, Human Sciences, the Arts and Mathematics.
There are also themes. The core theme is Knowledge and the Knower, and the two optional themes are Knowledge and Technology and Knowledge and Language. These themes provide lens through which to consider Knowledge Questions and their impact on our global citizenship.
These lines of enquiry are explored in TOK lessons and applied in each of the subjects students study in the IB Diploma.
Assessment Students are assessed on an essay (Year 13) of a maximum of 1600 words, that is written as coursework and externally assessed (2/3rds weighting), and an exhibition (Year 12), that is internally assessed and externally moderated (1/3rd weighting).