TOK syllabus
How many areas of knowledge are there?
Five
What are the 3 commonly used tests of truth?
1. Correspondence test
2. Coherence test
3. Pragmatic test
Keisya is running for OSIS president. In her campaign speech she says, "My opponent does not deserve to win. She is a smoker and she cheated on her boyfriend last year."
This is an AD HOMINEM argument - it does not address the issue under discussion, but only attacks the person making a claim.
The following knowledge question is related to what WoK:
"How are metaphors used in the construction of knowledge?"
True or false? All TOK essays should connect to AOKs.
TRUE - all essays must be discussed / explored in light of TWO areas of knowledge (not more, not less)
How many ways of knowing are there? (In the current syllabus)
Four (technically the syllabus does not teach this anymore! But the current IB position is that there are four ways of knowing)
Which test of truth is being in this point of view?
"The Bible is true because...there have been many times where my prayers end up getting answered and many times God has pulled me through tough times..."
the PRAGMATIC test (the idea that "the idea works in my life" so it must be true)
Matthew's mom is worried when he skips class one day. She says that since he skipped one class, he'll start skipping more often. Then he'll drop out, never graduate or go to college, have no job and live at home for the rest of his life.
This is a SLIPPERY SLOPE argument (just because one of these happens does not necessarily mean the others will happen too)
The following knowledge question is related to which AoK:
"Is it possible to have knowledge of the past?"
history
Highest scoring essays have supported arguments, examination of counterclaims, real life examples ad a sustained focus on what?
knowledge questions (these are usually contained within the prescribed title)
What are the area of knowledge?
mathematics, natural science, human science, the arts, history
Whether or not the argument here is strong or weak, what sort of test is the person attempting to apply: "The Bible is not true because...based on scientific belief, life that formed on earth in the form of single-celled organisms. It took billions of years, it didn't take a couple of days, like in the verses."
The COHERENCE test (this person interprets the Bible as being in conflict with other beliefs they hold)
JOE: "Capital punishment is a necessary part of our justice system and should always be legal."
SUSAN: "So you're saying that murder should be legal and it's ok to go around killing people just because we think they deserve it?!?!"
Susan is attacking a STRAW MAN (an exaggerated or weakened form of the real argument) - in order to avoid addressing the reasoning and support for her opponent's ideas.
The following knowledge question is related to which AoK:
"Can works of literature change the way we interpret the world?"
The ARTS
What is the single "driving" (most important) question for the TOK exhibition?
Does the exhibition successfully show how TOK manifests in the world around us?
What are the ways of knowing?
emotion, language, perception, reason
Your friend calls you from Japan and tells you that he can come to your house (in Surabaya) in 30 minutes.
Prove that he can't.
You know how long it takes by plane. There is no faster way to travel. His promise does not pass the "coherence" test (it does not fit with other truths we know). If you wait 30 minutes, it will not pass the "pragmatic test" either (it will not come true).
Rosie's friend is trying to raise money for her university's library. In her address to the board of trustees, she says, "We must raise tuition to cover the cost of new books. Otherwise the library will be forced to close."
This is an EITHER-OR fallacy - there are other options for providing funding for the library besides the two given here (e.g. donations, changing the budget, finding volunteers, etc.)
The following knowledge question is related to which AoK:
"How is an axiomatic system of knowledge different from other systems of knowledge?"
mathematics
Name 3 of the 5 optional themes in TOK
1. Knowledge and technology
2. Knowledge and language
3. Knowledge and politics
4. Knowledge and religion
5. Knowledge and indigenous societies
How is the TOK final score determined at the end of the IB program? (& at what percentages)
Essay = 67%
Exhibition = 33%
Using any of the three tests of truth, justify the following claim:
*MY TEACHER EXISTS*
PRAGMATIC TEST: My tasks get scored so someone is teaching the class
CORRESPONDENCE TEST: I saw him/her at school last week.
COHERENCE TEST: I have no reason to doubt my friends; they also tell me that they see the teacher.
Give an example of circular reasoning.
Flat earther says: "IF the earth was round, we would have pictures."
Friend: "Here is a picture from space."
Flat earther: "That must be a fake because the earth is not a sphere."
Which of the 4 ways of knowing is generally considered the most reliable? ( emotion / perception / language / reason )
REASON
Here are 11 out of the 12 key concepts in TOK: (1) evidence, (2) certainty, (3) truth, (4) interpretation, (5) power, (6) __________, (7) explanation, (8) objectivity, (9) perspective, (10) culture, (11) values, (12) responsibility. What is #6?
justification