IB Theory of Knowledge
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Theory of Knowledge, colloquially referred to as TOK, is a compulsory course for all students earning the IB diploma. In the course, the aim is to make critical thinkers out of the average IB student, exploring both the Ways of Knowing and the Areas of Knowledge. The idea is to allow candidates to learn how to properly explore questions such as: "Can a machine know as humans know?" through creating structured arguments, and relying on both personal and professional knowledge.
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[edit] The Course
The length of the course varies from school to school, but is generally intended to be a year long course. It is composed of:
- Regular Guided Discussions
- A Class Presentation
- A Final Essay
In some places, your instructor may ask you to prepare a journal to reflect on topics discussed in class, to be submitted at the end of the course
[edit] The Discussions
The guided discussions generally relate to the various Areas of Knowledge and Ways of Knowing, and can be Area specific or inclusive of all Areas. Candidates are expected to actively engage in and participate in discussions, challenging the basis of knowledge. However, some students find the class itself tedious (I know I did), because there is no real right answer. As such, during the plentiful class discussions (TOK is almost exclusively discussion based), the arguments can become erroneous and repetitive. For example, a class spent 5 one-hour classes (the entire week) debating if machines can truly know as humans do. We were split into groups with one side affirmative and the other negative. Our group took the stance that they could not, which we initially believed would be easy to defend. We defined machines as a tool programmed by humans, and as such, were merely a more complex form of a hammer or chisel. The negative side however began talking of A.I., and used the example of the lifesaving ability of a water machine, which saved a childs life. They claimed that the machine knew the child was in danger, and reacted. Thus, the argument went on, and on, and on.
The IBO intends the program to develop critical thinking, and as a result creates questions that are thought provoking. One such question would involve explaining the consequences if the very foundations of knowledge were wrong, as all current knowledge is purportedly based on past knowledge. Often, such discussions span more than one classroom session, as shown above. In addition, team debates can occur. One debate involved the Zenos paradox, with one team defending the claim, and the other challenging it.
[edit] Defining Terms
It is neccesary to provide a definition of any term before it can be properly discussed. This ensures that every person taking part in the discussion is aware of the context in which the term is being used, in order to avoid confusion. For example, if you are making a discussion of language, it is important to know if a person is making an argument about language based on traditional, spoken languages, or if they are talking about all languages in general, including body language and computer programming languages. An argument that may be valid for one definition may not be valid for another.
Definition of terms is especially important in the externally marked TOK essay. As with any externally marked paper, clarity is of utmost importance.
[edit] Areas of Knowledge
- Math
- Human Sciences
- Natural Sciences
- Art
- Ethics
- History
[edit] Ways of Knowing
- Perception
- Reason
- Emotion
- Language
[edit] The Oral Presentation
Each TOK student must prepare an internally moderated (marked) oral presentation lasting 10 to 15 minutes. There are no limits on what you wish to talk about, and thus, the choice is merely interest. We had one person last year create an excellent TOK presentation on fashion. The use of graphical aids is completely optional (your instructor may or may not allow them). Some students may choose to sit and talk for 15 minutes, and others may choose to have a poster or power point to guide them, however the focus should be on the oral component, as these will not be marked.
Whatever topic you choose, be sure to relate it in some way to Areas of Knowledge and Ways of Knowing.
Regular reference to both the Ways of Knowing and the Areas of Knowledge are a must for every aspect of TOK. These "dominions", for lack of a better word, often make or break arguments, with conclusions such as "machines cannot know through emotion" but can "know through perception" being formulated. This allows for some sort of middle ground to be reached.
[edit] The Final Essay
The TOK essay, which is externally moderated, is written on a prescribed title list created by the IBO sometime in May.
When choosing a topic, do not plunge headlong into the first topic you see, but have a look at all of them, and analyze which would be the best to write on, based on the requirements for:
- Definitions
- Note that it is important to define what you plan on talking about. In the machine question (shown below), you must define what you deem a machine to be.
- Ample usage, discussion and exploration of
- Ways of Knowing pertaining to your topic
- Knowledge Issues pertaining to your topic
- Areas of Knowledge pertaining to your topic
When writing the final essay, it is imperative that you very clearly define your argument and the context and definitions of all terms. This will prevent simple misunderstandings that can seriously undermine your argument. To take the example "Can Machines Know", it is important to define "machines". A machine could be defined as "Any piece of technology, future, past, or present that operates by mechanical, non organic means," or a machine could be defined as " A device capable of performing a series of tasks to do work." You can even define machines as "computers," or "Non organic thing with moving parts" The scope of your definition provides the scope of your argument, and very different arguments can be made based on different definitions.
[edit] Word Limit
The essay has a word limit of 1200 to 1600 words.
[edit] Mark Scheme
For your IBO grade the following score breakdown applies:
- Final Essay - 60%
- Presentation - 40%
Both your TOK essay and presentation together form your TOK grade, which, combined with the extended essay can give you up to 3 extra points on your final IB score.
The IBO has a "Diploma Points Matrix", which illustrates the failing conditions, and the requirements to get +3 points on your IB Dipoma. (See Resources)
[edit] Example Questions
The following may be copyright material from the IBO prescribed title list, and thus are intended solely for individual study purposes.
- What is the difference between “I am certain” and “it is certain”?
- Is passionate conviction ever sufficient for justifying knowledge?
- Can a machine know?
- What is the difference between knowing a friend and knowing how to swim?
[edit] Deciding to Take the Course
If you are curious as to the ramifications of the basis that all knowledge is incorrect, and if you enjoy asking questions such as "How do we know what we know?", "What does knowing truly mean?" and enjoy both challenging the very fibers of societal knowledge and thinking yourself into delirium pondering the state of the universe, then TOK is most definitely the course for you.
[edit] Resources
The IBO Bonus Points Matrix (Maximum 3) can be found at http://www.amyscott.com/tok_matrix.htm
