TOK Terminology
What is a “Knowledge Claim” in TOK?
What is a statement that asserts something to be true, often used as the starting point for TOK discussions.
Name 4 Ways of Knowing.
What is Sense Perception, Reason, Emotion, Language (or Faith, Intuition, Imagination, Memory).
Define ethics in the context of TOK.
What is ethics is the branch of knowledge dealing with moral principles and how we determine right from wrong.
How can art be a form of knowledge?
What is art can express truths, perspectives, and emotions that can't be conveyed through words alone.
How has the internet changed the way we acquire knowledge?
What is it has increased access to information but also created challenges like misinformation and overload.
Define “Knowledge Question” and give an example.
What is an open-ended question about knowledge itself. Example: "To what extent can we trust our senses?"
How does emotion influence decision-making in acquiring knowledge?
What is emotion can guide or bias reasoning, shaping how we interpret and prioritize knowledge.
What is the difference between moral relativism and moral absolutism?
What is moral relativism holds that ethics depend on culture or context; moral absolutism believes in universal moral principles.
What role does emotion play in understanding art?
What is emotion allows us to connect with and interpret the meaning of artworks, making it a key part of knowledge in the arts.
What is the impact of AI on the reliability of knowledge?
What is AI can generate vast amounts of data, but it may also create biases or spread false information if not carefully monitored.
What is a “Paradigm Shift” and how does it relate to knowledge?
What is a fundamental change in approach or assumptions in a field, showing how knowledge can evolve.
Compare and contrast faith and intuition as Ways of Knowing.
What is faith relies on belief without empirical evidence, often tied to religion. Intuition is an immediate understanding without rational thought, often subconscious.
Is it ever ethical to lie?
What is it depends on context—some perspectives argue lying is unethical, while others justify it based on outcomes or intentions.
Can artistic knowledge be shared, or is it purely personal?
What is both—artists share their work with the public, but interpretation often remains personal and subjective.
How do social media algorithms affect what we know?
What is algorithms filter information based on preferences, potentially creating echo chambers and limiting exposure to diverse viewpoints.
Explain the difference between “Personal Knowledge” and “Shared Knowledge.”
What is personal knowledge is gained through individual experiences; shared knowledge is collectively built and passed on by groups or cultures
In what ways can memory be both reliable and unreliable in knowing something?
What is memory allows us to retain knowledge over time, but it can be distorted or selective, making it unreliable.
How do cultural norms influence our ethical beliefs?
What is different societies teach varying moral values, which shape what individuals believe is right or wrong.
How can cultural background shape our interpretation of art?
What is cultural context influences how we perceive symbols, themes, and styles in art.
Can technology create biases in knowledge production?
What is yes—technology reflects the values and biases of its creators, which can influence what knowledge is prioritized or ignored.
How does the concept of “Justified True Belief” relate to defining knowledge?
What is a traditional philosophical definition of knowledge: for something to count as knowledge, it must be justified, true, and believed.
How do multiple Ways of Knowing interact in the scientific method?
What is scientists use sense perception for observation, reason for forming hypotheses, language to communicate results, and sometimes imagination and intuition to develop theories.
Can we ever claim to have objective knowledge in ethics? Why or why not?
What is its debatable—some argue ethics is subjective and culturally shaped, while others believe in universal ethical truths.
In what ways does art challenge the traditional definition of knowledge?
What is art isn't always factual or logical but can convey deep understanding and insight through creative expression.
To what extent does technology shape our understanding of truth?
What is technology influences how truth is constructed, shared, and perceived, making it a powerful force in shaping what we consider to be "true."