Theory of knowledge (TOK) explores the very essence of knowledge itself and how individuals know what we claim to know. Part of the IB Diploma Programme ‘core’ that all students undertake, TOK is a fundamental part of the educational approach of the DP – considering what constitutes knowledge, how it is developed, the limits of what we can know and how that differs across cultures, all whilst honing students’ own skills of critical reflection.
TOK equips students with the capacity to unpick personal standpoints and biases, examine the ideologies of others and appreciate how knowledge is fundamentally interpretive and contextual. More broadly the course supports the open-minded thinking championed by the IBDP, providing a framework and thinking skills that support students in their study of other subjects. The course encourages academic and personal growth – students become more self-aware about what they do and do not know and appreciate what influences their thinking. It goes further, getting students to consider different methods of thinking in different disciplines and the central role of values and ethics in how the think and question the world around us.
