Theory of Knowledge (ToK)
The Theory of Knowledge course (ToK) helps you to make sense of what you learn.
At its core are questions like: What counts as knowledge? How does it grow? What are its limits? Who owns knowledge? What is the value of knowledge? What are the implications of having or not having knowledge?
Theory of Knowledge allows you to:
- Understand that every way of establishing knowledge has its uses and limitations and that there is no set method that works in every case or in every subject.
- Have the ability to reason critically.
- Understand that Areas of Knowledge, the Arts, History, Human Sciences, Natural Sciences, Mathematics and Ethics are not entirely independent of each other.
- Understand the ways in which area of knowledge are evident in everyday life, not just in your academic life, but everywhere, all around you all of the time.
- Understand the ways in which personal views, beliefs, and judgements influence knowledge claims.
- Have the skills necessary to formulate and communicate your ideas clearly, both orally and in writing.
Theory of Knowledge is assessed by one external assessment, which is an essay on a prescribed title (1,200 to 1,400 words) and an internal assessment. (A presentation lasting approximately 10 minutes.)
"Tell a man there are 300 billion stars in the universe and he'll believe you. Tell him a bench has wet paint on it and he'll have to touch to be sure." Anon.
