Theory of Knowledge

How do we define 'art?'

What do we admit as art and what do we not admit?

What does or can art 'do' in relation to knowledge?

How do artists use reason and intuition as a part of their work?

What is the point of art?

  How do we know what we know, and can we prove it? Should we have to prove it- and if so, under what circumstances or conditions? These questions are the domain of Theory of Knowledge, the required core class for all IB Diploma candidates. Part philosophy, part psychology, and part cultural anthropology, the class will examine issues of knowledge and knowledge claims in all of the subject areas of the IB Diploma Program. Through journals, presentations and papers, students will come to a critical understanding of the claims of knowledge in the world around us. The class will also serve as a forum for monitoring progress in CAS requirements and completion of the Extended Essay.

What does it mean 'to know?'

Who or what qualifies as a 'knower?'

What qualifies as knowledge and how do we decide to accept a claim as 'knowledge?'

What is the difference between belief and knowledge? Is there a difference?

What are the modes or means through which we aquire knowledge?

Should the natural sciences be regarded as more of a method or more of a system of knowledge?

Do the natural sciences make any assumptions that are unprovable by science? If so, what does that imply about natural sciences as an area of knowledge?

What is meant by 'the scientific method"? Is there a single method, or does it vary, and if so, what causes the variation?

How does the social context of scientific work affect the methods and findings of science?

What kinds of explanations do scientists offer, and how do these explanations compare with those offered in other areas of knowledge?

 The Human Sciences

Guiding Questions:

-What do we mean by 'human' or 'social' sciences?

- Are they sciences in the same way that the natural sciences are?

- How do the use of numbers, graphs, statistics and other quantitative instruments affect the way knowledge claims are valued?

-Can human behavior be usefully categorized and classified?

-Is it reasonable to think that human behavior can be studied scientifically?

Mr. Jay Stott
English Department
Fairview High School
303-499-7600 x3339
james.stott@bvsd.org

Fairview IB Office