Theory of Knowledge¶
Knowledge questions and claims¶
There are two types of knowledge claims:
- First-order claims: claims that are made in areas of knowledge or by individual knowers about the world
- Second-order claims: claims that are made about knowledge justified using TOK, usually involving an examination of the nature of knowledge
Example
- The sky is blue. (first-order)
- Logic is innate. (second-order)
Knowledge questions are questions that examine or engage with knowledge claims, such as by including any of the following phrases:
- How can we know that…
- …knowledge…
- How far is it justified…
Example
Is our knowledge in mathematics more certain than that of science?
Knowledge themes and areas¶
The main areas of knowledge are:
- History
- Human sciences
- Natural sciences
- Mathematics
- Arts
The main themes of knowledge are:
- Knowledge and technology
- Knowledge and language
- Knowledge and politics
- Knowledge and religion
- Knowledge and indigenous studies