TOK Glossary

Knowledge:

In TOK, knowledge is understood as a collection of well-supported beliefs and justifications. It involves a dynamic process of understanding that is shaped by different contexts and perspectives. Knowledge is not just about having information, but about having a justified belief that is accepted as true within a certain framework.

External Assessment (EA):

The IB has two types of assessments: external and internal. External assessments are submitted to and evaluated by the IB. In TOK, the external assessment is the TOK essay. The titles for this essay are released by the IB in September of the senior year. The essay is written during the first semester of the senior year, scored out of 10 points, and accounts for 2/3 of the overall TOK grade.

Interdisciplinary:

An approach that integrates insights and methods from different areas of knowledge to address complex questions or problems. TOK encourages an interdisciplinary perspective to understand the interconnectedness of knowledge.

Internal Assessment (IA):

The IB has two types of assessments: external and internal. Internal assessments are evaluated by teachers at the school and are moderated by the IB. In TOK, the internal assessment is the TOK exhibition. This assessment requires students to create an exhibition that explores how TOK concepts manifest in the real world. The exhibition is completed during the junior year, scored out of 10 points, and accounts for 1/3 of the overall TOK grade.

Knowledge Claim:

A statement that asserts something to be true or believed to be true within a certain context. In TOK, knowledge claims are analyzed to understand their basis, justification, and implications. These claims can be personal (about an individual's own beliefs) or shared (accepted by a group or society).

Knowledge Framework:

A structure used in TOK to analyze and compare different areas of knowledge. It consists of four components: scope, perspectives, methods and tools, and ethics. The knowledge framework helps to understand the characteristics and methodologies of different areas of knowledge, facilitating a deeper exploration of how knowledge is constructed and understood in each area. These work in tandem with the 12 TOK concepts (see below).

Scope refers to the extent and boundaries of an area of knowledge, including its subject matter, concepts, and the types of questions it addresses. Understanding the scope helps to clarify what is included and what is excluded in a particular area of knowledge.

Perspectives are the various viewpoints from which knowledge can be approached and understood. Perspectives are shaped by cultural, historical, and personal contexts and influence how knowledge is interpreted and valued.

Methods and Tools are the specific techniques and instruments used to acquire, construct, and validate knowledge within different areas of knowledge. This includes the methodologies and practices that are accepted within particular disciplines.

Ethics are the principles that govern the conduct of individuals and organizations. In TOK, ethics examines the implications and responsibilities that come with the acquisition, application, and dissemination of knowledge.

Knowledge Issue:

A fundamental question or problem concerning the nature, acquisition, and application of knowledge. Knowledge issues are central to the exploration in TOK, prompting inquiry into how we know what we know and the validity of our knowledge claims.

Knowledge Implication:

The possible effects, outcomes, or consequences that result from a particular knowledge claim or action. In TOK, considering the implications of knowledge involves examining how knowledge influences and shapes beliefs, actions, and ethical decisions in various contexts.

Knowledge Question:

An open-ended question that explores the nature of knowledge itself, often focusing on how knowledge is acquired, justified, or applied. Knowledge questions are central to TOK discussions and essays, prompting critical reflection and deeper understanding.

Real-Life Situations (RLS):

Contexts or scenarios drawn from the real world that are used to illustrate and explore knowledge questions. RLS help to ground abstract concepts in concrete examples, making the exploration of knowledge more relatable and practical.

12 TOK Concepts:

The 12 concepts have particular prominence within, and thread throughout, the TOK course. Exploration of the relationship between knowledge and these concepts can help students to deepen their understanding, as well as facilitating the transfer of their learning to different contexts.

Although the definitions for each of these concepts is deeply nuanced and can be adapted for varying contexts, students should start with these most basic definitions:

Certainty refers to a state of being sure and confident that something is true without any doubt.
Culture encompasses the beliefs, customs, arts, and behaviors of a particular society or group of people.
Evidence consists of information or facts that help to prove or disprove a claim or belief.
Explanation is a detailed account that makes something clear or understandable by describing how or why it happens.
Interpretation is the act of explaining the meaning of something, often based on one's own perspective or understanding.
Justification is the reasoning and evidence provided to show that a belief or action is valid or acceptable.
Objectivity means being impartial and unbiased, relying on facts rather than personal feelings or opinions.
Perspective is a particular way of looking at or thinking about something, influenced by one's experiences and beliefs.
Power is the ability to influence or control the behavior of people or the course of events.
Responsibility is the duty to take care of something or someone and to be accountable for one's actions.
Truth is the quality or state of being in accordance with fact or reality.
Value refers to the importance, worth, or usefulness of something, often based on personal or societal beliefs.

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