Theory of Knowledge

An Introduction

Language

How reliable is the information?

How reliable are our senses?

Are we being logical? How strong are the arguments / explanations we use?

Are my feelings rational? Can I trust them to tell me the truth?

Perception

Reason

…but…

…but…

…but…

Emotion …but…

How do I know…?

What the map represents is influenced by…spatial orientation and projection

what is placed in the centre

conceptual symbols

the interests of the map-maker

…which affects…

perception,perspective, point of view

weighting, bias, significance

content, cultural values, precision

interpretation

In the curriculum, the same can be said for…Literature (what the author

allows you to see)Human Sciences (what the survey sample allows you to see)History (what the selection of sources allows you to see )Economics (What the statistics allow you to see)

Literature (Eurocentrism)Natural Sciences (Molecular? Genetic?)Mathematics (null hypothesis)The Arts (symbolism)Literature (selection of detail, themes)Arithmetic (a shorthand for words, removes ambiguity)

History (revisionism / Holocaust denial)Economics (how the statistics are interpreted and used)

“The map is not the territory”

(Alfred Korzybski)

“The curriculum is not the world but an interpretation.”

The BIG TOK QUESTION:

What do we know for certain, and how do we know

it?

Activity: On sheet 1, write On sheet 1, write

down four things you down four things you are certain of. Begin are certain of. Begin

each one with “I each one with “I know…”know…”

Now for each one, write down how you

know…

Activity: How do you know?

Human Sciences Natural Sciences

History

The ArtsThe Arts

Mathematics

Ethics

observation

logic

memory

practice

logic

memory

empathy

acquaintance

logic

memory

observation

logic

observation

logic

faith

conscience

logic

memory

empathy

belief

instinct

introspection

The framework for Tok

Mathematics The ArtsNatural Sciences Human SciencesEthics History

Reason EmotionLanguage Perception

Areas of Knowledge

Ways of Knowing

Problems of knowledge

Our knowledge is determined in part by the way we are made – our minds and bodies. Our knowledge, and our ways of

gaining it, change over time. Different cultures, peoples and individuals see, think about and explain the world differently.

TOK is about exploring and solving problems of knowledge in and beyond the curriculum.

Our purpose in TOK is to ask how we know the things we think we know. Our aim is to

uncover and question the means by which we “know.”

TOK & Physics

“Nothing is certain in Physics and everything is decided by

probability”…Right or wrong…?

Why is it that the physical Why is it that the physical universe seems to be amenable universe seems to be amenable to description in mathematical to description in mathematical terms?terms?

What is meant by the scientific What is meant by the scientific method? What is the role of method? What is the role of reasoning in Physics?reasoning in Physics?

Is the scientific method a product unique to western culture, or is it universal?

TOK and Language

In what ways can language be used to mislead?

Is it possible to translate between languages, and express exactly the same thing?

Does the language you speak determine the way that you think?

Can any description ever be objective?

How do we explain things in our different subjects? Do we always explain things in the same way?

ASSESSMENT

11th Grade:•2 mini-essays (500-700 words)•1 long essay (1,000 words)•Other reading and written assignments•Presentations

12th Grade:•Final TOK essay•Final Presentation

•Year-wide deadlines•Progress reports•Attendance•Grades & reports

The TOK Journal

•will be a record of everything you have will be a record of everything you have learnedlearned

•will be a vital source of information for will be a vital source of information for your final essays and presentationsyour final essays and presentations

•will help you make connections between will help you make connections between TOK and your subjectsTOK and your subjects

•will help you organize and reflect on your ideas and experiences

TOK – Tips for Success

•Ask “How do I know…?”, whenever Ask “How do I know…?”, whenever you think you are certain of you think you are certain of somethingsomething•Always look out for good examples of Always look out for good examples of problems of knowledge in your problems of knowledge in your subjectssubjects•Make connections between subjects and Make connections between subjects and the way we produce knowledge in them. the way we produce knowledge in them. How are they different or similar?How are they different or similar?

•Use your journal constantly, to make notes, write down experiences, describe dreams, paste cuttings, draw diagrams….

Acknowledgement

Most of this PPT came from the following site: http://www.ibtok.com/tok_presentation/index.htm