What is Theory of Knowledge (ToK)?

What is Theory of Knowledge (ToK)?

A key part of learning at the International School of Florence.

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Wed 15 Jan 2025 11:30 AM

At the International School of Florence, the International Baccalaureate (IB) Theory of Knowledge (ToK) course helps students grow into thoughtful, curious, and open-minded learners. ToK is not like a typical school subject. Instead, it focuses on how we know what we know and encourages students to think deeply about knowledge itself. Grade 12 Ginevra C. describes how ToK becomes a way of thinking – “I’ve learned the skills to think unconventionally, which allows you to think not only analytically but to include your perspective to broaden your understanding.”

Learning to Think Critically

ISF TOK
Ph. David Glauso

ToK helps students develop critical thinking skills by asking important questions like How do I know this is true? And Whose voice is missing here? Students learn to examine the sources of information, identify biases, and question assumptions. Teachers from different subjects also join lessons to share their expertise, helping students explore knowledge in math, science, and the arts. This can be challenging, but it’s also exciting. Students learn to feel more comfortable with difficult questions and complex answers, important skills in today’s complicated world.

A Focus on Respect and Perspective

A consideration of the word Respect, from the Latin Respectus, meaning “regard” with the sense of “looking back,” provides valuable insight into the ToK approach. This is essentially what students must do when they engage with ToK—they reflect on their own beliefs and opinions and explore other points of view to deepen their understanding. Students learn to examine why they hold certain opinions, considering the cultural background, personal history, and political influences that shape their views. Through thoughtful discussions and debates, they practice agreeing and disagreeing respectfully. This process helps them cultivate mutual respect and fosters meaningful dialogue, essential for a global community. Visiting alumnae Matis (2023), currently studying International Business and Fashion Merchandising in the USA, reflected on her ISF education and how a ToK approach helped her “to think outside of the box”. Her experience in interdisciplinary studies gave her a global perspective, leading her to confidently tackle the challenges of her international studies.

Making Connections Across Subjects

One special feature of ToK is how it connects knowledge from different subjects. Students explore the ways knowledge in science, art, ethics, and other areas is similar—and also how it is different. For example, they
might ask, “Can some ideas only be explained through art?” or “What makes science a unique way of knowing?” This helps students understand how different subjects work together to create a bigger picture of knowledge. Grade 12 student Emily Z. has applied her ToK skills to reflect on and develop her artwork (see
photo) and explore issues about personal identity.

Preparing for the Real World

ISF TOK
Ph. David Glauso

In a world full of information, not all of it true, ToK teaches students how to tell reliable sources from unreliable ones. They practice asking thoughtful questions and looking deeply into issues. These are skills they will use at university and in their future careers.

A Core Part of the IB Program

ToK is connected to other important parts of the IB Diploma, like the Extended Essay (EE) and Creativity, Activity, and Service (CAS). ToK’s main goal is to help students think for themselves and develop their moral compass. Tok teacher Paul Mathews describes the significance of Ethics in ToK and teaches students to recognise the complexities of personal values when forming their opinions and considering the views of others. He has a message for families of IB students – “It is perfectly normal for students to find ToK challenging, as it is a new way of thinking, at a time when they seek certainty, and in Tok nothing is certain.”

A Skill for Life

One of the most important lessons from ToK is that learning never stops. Students often say that their first year of university feels like an extension of ToK! The course helps them move from being passive learners to mindful and active participants who can contribute meaningfully to the world. At the International School of Florence, we believe that ToK gives students the tools they need to succeed in school, at university, and in life.

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