THEORY OF KNOWLEDGE

The IB Learner will inquire into different ways of knowing – such as through sense perception or reasoning – and will  examine these through different areas of knowledge, such as history, ethics, or human science, to name a few. 

TOK is composed of questions, examined through open-ended dialogue. The most central question is 'How do we know?', while other questions examine evidence and allow the learner to judge the validity of sources. It encourages learners to be critical thinkers when reviewing different models and how specific theory can be applied.

Through discussions of these and other questions, our students gain greater awareness of their personal and ideological assumptions. They also develop an appreciation for the diversity and richness of cultural perspectives.

TOK makes students aware of the interpretative nature of knowledge, including personal ideological biases – whether these biases are retained, revised, or rejected. It offers students the opportunity to reflect critically on diverse ways of knowing and on areas of knowledge. Students also consider the role and nature of knowledge in their own culture and in other cultures around the world.

TOK helps students become more aware of themselves as thinkers, encouraging them to become acquainted with the complexity of knowledge. TOK also helps them recognise how to act responsibly in an increasingly interconnected but uncertain world, allowing them to apply their knowledge with greater awareness and credibility.