Theory of Knowledge

All students who are studying for the International Baccalaureate will study the Theory of Knowledge (TOK) course for the award of the IB Diploma.

What is TOK?   In a nutshell, it is a course designed to encourage IB students to reflect critically upon their knowledge and experience gained in and out of school and upon the knowledge and experience of other people.   Students will be asked to consider the nature of Logic;  how the use of language can change moral, political and aesthetic judgements;  how different systems of knowledge work (e.g. maths, science, social science and history);  and the difference between value judgements and judgements made using evidence.

The fundamental aim of T.O.K. is to encourage students to probe the reasoning behind what they learn by analysing ideas and arguments, thus making them aware of the value of the knowledge which they gain through their studies.

The aims of the T.O.K. programme are to lead students to:

• Engage in reflection on and the questioning of the bases of knowledge and experience

• Be aware of subjective and ideological biases;

• Develop a personal mode of thought based on critical examination of evidence and argument;

• Formulate rational arguments

Theory of Knowledge is a fundamental part of the IB Diploma, offering an all-embracing base from which group specific studies follow.

Study of Theory of Knowledge provides IB Diploma candidates with a unified approach to learning which crosses subject specific boundaries, and encourages internationalism.

In short T.O.K. encourages students to develop inquiring minds and to make judgements based upon sound and thorough reasoning.