Core: Knowledge and the Knower
The core theme, Knowledge and the Knower, forms the backbone of the TOK course. It focuses on the relationship between the individual knower and the knowledge they acquire, emphasizing personal perspectives, cognitive biases, and ethical responsibilities.
Optional: Connecting Knowledge to Real-World Contexts
The optional themes allow students to explore knowledge through specific societal and cultural lenses, making TOK more relatable and engaging. These include:
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Knowledge and Technology: How advancements shape the creation and distribution of knowledge.
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Knowledge and Politics: The relationship between knowledge, power, and governance.
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Knowledge and Indigenous Societies: How traditional knowledge systems contribute to global understanding.
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Knowledge and Language: The role of language in constructing and communicating knowledge.
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Knowledge and Religion: The interplay between faith, spirituality, and knowledge systems.
How Themes Shape Knowledge Questions in the Exhibition and Essay
Themes are not just abstract ideas—they are tools to frame and analyze knowledge questions effectively.
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In the TOK Exhibition
Themes provide the context for justifying object selection and linking objects to the IA prompt.
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Example: A student exploring Knowledge and Indigenous Societies might choose an artifact like a tribal mask to analyze how cultural heritage conveys knowledge about identity and values.
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In the TOK Essay
Themes allow you to connect abstract prescribed titles to concrete contexts and examples. They provide the framework for comparing perspectives across AOKs.
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Example: A title on evidence might draw on Knowledge and Technology to explore biases in AI-driven decisions, while Knowledge and Language could reveal how linguistic framing shapes evidence interpretation.