The York School 2024/25 Year in Review - Theory of Knowledge (TOK): Exploring reasons for seeking knowledge

TOK is a core DP course that gives students an opportunity to reflect on the nature of knowledge, and on how we know what we claim to know. Students inquire into different ways of knowing and different kinds of knowledge by asking philosophical questions. The course aims to make students aware of the interpretive nature of knowledge, including personal ideological biases. TOK prompts students to become more acquainted with the complexity of knowledge. Analyzing challenging philosophical texts to uncover layers of meaning and find specific evidence to support their interpretations helps students develop the critical thinking skills that are essential for success in university.

The course is assessed through an exhibition and a 1,600 word essay. For the exhibition, students explore a philosophical prompt by finding the connections between three disparate objects.
Jude S. ‘26 chose the prompt, “Why do we seek knowledge?” She approached the question through three statements: we seek knowledge for the purpose of satisfying curiosity; we seek knowledge for the purpose of fulfillment; and we seek knowledge for the purpose of self-development. Jude’s three objects were the painting Pandora by John William Waterhouse (to represent the curious nature of humans), Plato’s Allegory of the Cave from Book Seven of the Republic (to represent emerging from ignorance to lead a fulfilling life), and Socrates’ quote, “The unexamined life is not worth living” (to represent
the need for self-development.)
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