Theory of Knowledge

Theory of Knowledge (TOK), an interdisciplinary course intended to stimulate critical reflection on knowledge and experience gained inside and outside the classroom. It is a course of study unique to the IBO and mandatory for every Diploma student; it adds coherence to the programme. TOK involves at least 100 hours of teaching time spanning the programme’s two  years.
In TOK, students are encouraged to reflect on all aspects of their Diploma Programme work. They will participate in informed discussions about the nature and purposes, strengths and limitations of particular knowledge systems.  For example, students are encouraged to reflect on the nature of poetic truth in literature and to contrast such truth with that obtained in other systems of knowledge – the historical fact, the scientific fact, a mathematical proof, and so on. They also examine the grounds for the moral, political and aesthetic judgments that individuals must make in their daily lives. Emphasis is placed on the role of language and thought and on the development of the student’s critical thinking skills.  Students are helped to consider how they know what they know (different ways of “knowing”) and to develop habits of reflection which they bring to each subject, resulting in a deeper intellectual experience. As befits an international programme, the TOK course explores various cultural traditions and encourages students to think about the strengths and limitations of different ways of knowing.   Whilst not another name for philosophy, TOK aims to encourage a philosophical cast of mind and to promote clarity of thought and good judgment.   Assessment of performance in TOK Each student is required to submit one essay between 1,200 and 1,600 words, from a list of 10 titles prescribed by the IBO each year. In addition, the student makes a 10-minute presentation to the class and writes a self-evaluation report that includes a concise description of the presentation and answers to questions provided by the IBO.

 

 

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