Blog 1: Problem of Knowledge

Take those three terms begin free associating them as three connected ideas.
Respond with a Problem of Knowledge.

1. Violence
2. Culture
3. Belief

Week 1: Theory of Knowledge Introduction

1.15.14 Week 1: Theory of Knowledge Introduction

Week 1: Overview and Assignments

I enjoy seeing such thoughtful students in the morning.  Your questions from the winter assignment, and the subsequent conversation on the importance and organization of knowledge issues is enlightening.  Make sure you commit to memory the TOK learner profile.  Begin to use it as a lens when considering other disciplines.

Week 1 Outline:

1. We discussed the separation of the “knower” from “knowledge”, and the supremacy of the “knower” in relation to fact/reality.
2. There is differences in how we use concept and language of questions.  Know the differences.  Make sure judge the scope of your question, whether in formal presentations or informal dialogue. You always want your questions open-ended, inviting, and constructive.  This is important in the formulation of “Problems of Knowledge”.
3. When asking any question (or answering any question), always remember the "TAO" of TOK (Types, Application, Origins) to better assess the responses.
4. Introduced the “Knowledge Prism” (Rationality, Observation, Truth Tests, and the Knower).
5. Lightly touched on Plato’s “Justified True Belief” theory.  More of these in Week 2

Week 1 Assignments:

1. Submit Winter Assignment via Managebac.
2. Complete 1 page of Cornell notes from lecture (front) and team reading (one team section from TOK p. 1-41) If you do not have your textbooks yet, make sure to go back and complete this during week 

Next up in Week 2: Truth Tests, Logic, and Epistemology!