TOK Summary Activity

The Theory of Knowledge course is not intended to deepen extensively the knowledge of students in new areas. For example, as we learn about the four Ways of Knowing in the center of the TOK diagram, the student is not expected to become a scientist, a psychologist, a linguist or a logician. But by investigating the Ways of Knowing, and by comparing and contrasting the Areas of Knowledge as we go forward , the course can create a sharper awareness of how knowledge is gained and how these ways of gaining knowledge have different assumptions, methods, conditions, expectations, and conclusions.

So the focus of TOK is not on extensive new content, but on raising a new awareness of knowledge issues. This term refers to the issues that intersect and interact in claims of knowledge and the methods of arriving at these claims. Phrased in questions, some of these issues can be: In arriving at this knowledge, what have we assumed regarding our sensory perception, emotion, language, or reasoning? How are we using our senses, our emotions, our language, or reason? What method was used to gain this knowledge? What are the limits of this knowledge? What responsibility do we have because we have this knowledge?

As we move forward in the course, this focus on knowledge issues must remain sharp.

ACTIVITY

IB Mission Statement

The International Baccalaureate aims to develop inquiring, knowledgeable and caring young people who help to create a better and more peaceful world through intercultural understanding and respect.

To this end the organization works with schools, governments and international organizations to develop challenging programmes of international education and rigorous assessment.

These programmes encourage students across the world to become active, compassionate and lifelong learners who understand that other people, with their differences, can also be right.

Question:
Earlier in the semester we reflected on the IB Mission Statement, and in the intervening weeks we have examined four Ways of Knowing: Sensory Perception, Emotion, Language, and Reason. Please reread the Mission Statement and reflect on how these four Ways on Knowing are present there.

Please post your answer of 600 words minimum on the blog by 21 December, 2010.