1. Theory of Knowledge An Introduction

3. Language How reliable is the information? How reliable are our senses? Are we being logical? How strong are the arguments / explanations we use? Are my feelings rational? Can I trust them to tell me the truth? Perception Reason …but… Emotion …but… How do I know…?

5. What the map represents is influenced by… spatial orientation and projection what is placed in the centre conceptual symbols the interests of the map-maker …which affects… perception, perspective, point of view weighting, bias, significance content, cultural values, precision interpretation In the curriculum, the same can be said for… Literature (what the author allows you to see) Human Sciences (what the survey sample allows you to see) History (what the selection of sources allows you to see ) Economics (What the statistics allow you to see) Literature (Eurocentrism) Natural Sciences (Molecular? Genetic?) Mathematics (null hypothesis) The Arts (symbolism) Literature (selection of detail, themes) Arithmetic (a shorthand for words, removes ambiguity) History (revisionism / Holocaust denial) Economics (how the statistics are interpreted and used)

6. “The map is not the territory” (Alfred Korzybski) “The curriculum is not the world but an interpretation.”

7. The BIG TOK QUESTION: What do we know for certain, and how do we know it?

8. Activity: On sheet 1, write down four things you are certain of. Begin each one with “I know…” Now for each one, write down how you know…

9. Activity: How do you know?

10. Human Sciences Natural Sciences History The Arts Mathematics Ethics observation logic memory practice logic memory empathy acquaintance logic memory observation logic observation logic faith conscience logic memory empathy belief instinct introspection

11. The framework for Tok Mathematics The Arts Natural Sciences Human Sciences Ethics History Reason Emotion Language Perception Areas of Knowledge Ways of Knowing

12. Problems of knowledge  Our knowledge is determined in part by the way we are made – our minds and bodies.  Our knowledge, and our ways of gaining it, change over time.  Different cultures, peoples and individuals see, think about and explain the world differently.

13. TOK is about exploring and solving problems of knowledge in and beyond the curriculum. Our purpose in TOK is to ask how we know the things we think we know. Our aim is to uncover and question the means by which we “know.”

14. TOK & Physics “Nothing is certain in Physics and everything is decided by probability”…Right or wrong…? Why is it that the physical universe seems to be amenable to description in mathematical terms? What is meant by the scientific method? What is the role of reasoning in Physics? Is the scientific method a product unique to western culture, or is it universal?

15. TOK and Language In what ways can language be used to mislead? Is it possible to translate between languages, and express exactly the same thing? Does the language you speak determine the way that you think? Can any description ever be objective? How do we explain things in our different subjects? Do we always explain things in the same way?

16. ASSESSMENT 11 th Grade: 2 mini-essays (500-700 words) 1 long essay (1,000 words) Other reading and written assignments Presentations 12 th Grade: Final TOK essay Final Presentation Year-wide deadlines Progress reports Attendance Grades & reports

17. The TOK Journal will be a record of everything you have learnedwill be a record of everything you have learned will be a vital source of information for your final essays and presentationswill be a vital source of information for your final essays and presentations will help you make connections between TOK and your subjectswill help you make connections between TOK and your subjects will help you organize and reflect on your ideas and experiences

18. TOK – Tips for Success Ask “How do I know…?”, whenever you think you are certain of somethingAsk “How do I know…?”, whenever you think you are certain of something Always look out for good examples of problems of knowledge in your subjectsAlways look out for good examples of problems of knowledge in your subjects Make connections between subjects and the way we produce knowledge in them. How are they different or similar?Make connections between subjects and the way we produce knowledge in them. How are they different or similar? Use your journal constantly, to make notes, write down experiences, describe dreams, paste cuttings, draw diagrams….

19. Acknowledgement  Most of this PPT came from the following site: http://www.ibtok.com/tok_presentation/index.htm