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Knowledge Questions

Knowledge Questions promote inquiry into the nature of knowledge itself. They are "big picture" questions that don't have easy answers. Here are some examples:

 

  • Is it possible to have a genuine understanding of a culture in which we have not been raised?

  • To what extent do we need art technique training to appreciate art?

  • How does language shape our understanding?

 

Answers to a KQ can be approached from multiple perspectives. Because there is no definitive answer, there is room for evaluation and debate.

Knowledge Questions are not questions about facts or the content of specific disciplines. KQs have open ended answers and cross the boudaries of many disciplines. 

 

For example, the following are not KQs:

 

  • How does supply and demand determine the pricing of crude oil?

  • What were the causes of the Vietnam War?

  • How are images captured and reproduced in film?

 

These may be good questions, but they are specific and narrow and have definite answers (even if they are complex).

 

 

Knowledge Questions are not huge, unanserable metaphysical questions such as 

 

  • Is there a God?

  • Does time have a beginning or ending?

  • What is the meaning of life?

 

These are compelling questions, but are beyond the scope of a class that is only 100 hours in length. Instead we will grapple with more focused questions that are rooted in real world issues and events. TOK provides a framework and language for discussing these difficult and thought-provoking questions.

 

There will never be a "right" or "wrong" answer to a TOK question.

We will learn to develop and explore KQs that come from compelling events or controversies we see in the news or experience in our lives—issues such as

 

  • Is it ethical to use human embryo's in scientific research?

  • Is Internet censorship beneficial to society?

  • Is it possible for artistic images change the world?

 

Our goal is to explore KQs on a deep level using the language and tools we learn in TOK.

 

For the TOK Oral Presentation,  you will develop a KQ, then explore answers to that question using Real LIfe Situations (RLS).

 

 

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