"I think. Therefore, I am. I am dangerous. I am challenged. I investigate. I think. I re-think. IB!
Theory of Knowledge
Theory of Knowledge (TOK) is a course about critical thinking and inquiring into the process of knowing, rather than about learning a specific body of knowledge. It provides an opportunity for students to reflect on the nature of knowledge, to make connections between areas of knowledge and to become aware of their own perspectives and those of the various groups whose knowledge they share.
It is a Core element of the IB, and the overall aim of TOK is to encourage students to formulate answers to the rhetorical question, “how do I know what I know?” in a variety of contexts, and to see the value of that question.
Throughout this course, students will develop an enduring fascination with the richness of knowledge, and to:
The course is assessed through a 1600-word essay and a 10- to 20-minute Oral Presentation.
(Adapted from the IBO Subject Brief for TOK; first assessments 2015-2021. Click HERE for full course description.)
It is a Core element of the IB, and the overall aim of TOK is to encourage students to formulate answers to the rhetorical question, “how do I know what I know?” in a variety of contexts, and to see the value of that question.
Throughout this course, students will develop an enduring fascination with the richness of knowledge, and to:
- make connections between a critical approach to the construction of knowledge, the academic disciplines and the wider world;
- develop an awareness of how individuals and communities construct knowledge and how this is critically examined;
- develop an interest in the diversity and richness of cultural perspectives and an awareness of personal and ideological assumptions;
- critically reflect on their own beliefs and assumptions, leading to more thoughtful, responsible and purposeful lives; and
- understand that knowledge brings responsibility which leads to commitment and action.
The course is assessed through a 1600-word essay and a 10- to 20-minute Oral Presentation.
(Adapted from the IBO Subject Brief for TOK; first assessments 2015-2021. Click HERE for full course description.)
TOK Essay Prescribed Titles 2019
1. “The quality of knowledge is best measured by how many people accept it.” Discuss this claim with reference to two areas of knowledge.
2. “The production of knowledge is always a collaborative task and never solely a product of the individual.” Discuss this statement with reference to two areas of knowledge.
3. Do good explanations have to be true?
4. “Disinterestedness is essential in the pursuit of knowledge.” Discuss this claim with reference to two areas of knowledge.
5. “The production of knowledge requires accepting conclusions that go beyond the evidence for them.” Discuss this claim.
6. “One way to assure the health of a discipline is to nurture contrasting perspectives.” Discuss this claim.
2. “The production of knowledge is always a collaborative task and never solely a product of the individual.” Discuss this statement with reference to two areas of knowledge.
3. Do good explanations have to be true?
4. “Disinterestedness is essential in the pursuit of knowledge.” Discuss this claim with reference to two areas of knowledge.
5. “The production of knowledge requires accepting conclusions that go beyond the evidence for them.” Discuss this claim.
6. “One way to assure the health of a discipline is to nurture contrasting perspectives.” Discuss this claim.
Supplemental Texts
Throughout the year we will also explore the following supplemental texts to further boost our understanding of literature:
- Theory of Knowledge for the IB Diploma 2nd Edition by Richard van de Lagemaat
- Various short stories, poetry and novels by various authors*
- The Holy Bible, King James Version (I have included the Bible to our reading list because Western literature commonly draws upon allusions from the Bible that are not familiar to everyone. We will NOT be reading the bible in terms of faith, but rather in terms of analyzing literature.)
*Excerpts will be provided
TOK Oral Presentation Helpfuls
TOK Oral Presentation Rubric
Presentation Planning Document Sample
Presentation Planning Document (TK/PPD)
TOK Presentation Tips
Real Life Situations for TOK Presentations
A Near-perfect Presentation Example
Presentation Planning Document Sample
Presentation Planning Document (TK/PPD)
TOK Presentation Tips
Real Life Situations for TOK Presentations
A Near-perfect Presentation Example
Useful Tips for the TOK Essay
The following are the most common points that IB examiners have made over the past year about TOK essays:
- Avoid hypothetical examples like "Suppose this..." or "What if..." or "Let's say". Instead, when supporting your thesis with RLSs, make sure that they are real.
- Make sure that your essay is focused throughout and your examples and points are explicitly connected to answering the prompt. Be sure to end every example or point with an explicit TOK connection.
- Make sure that you include counter-claims and refutes in your essay. This shows you have mingled your subjectivity with some objective viewpoints. Give examples of different peoples' perspectives who did or would disagree with your thesis. Then, in a refute, support your thesis even stronger as your response to them.
TOK Essay Work Schedule
What's DueChoose/Submit Prescribed Title
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DeadlineLast Friday in September
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TOK Oral Presentation Work Schedule
What's DuePresentation Planning Document
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DeadlineNovember 27
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