Theory of Knowledge for the IB Diploma

by Richard van de Lagemaat

This comprehensive and accessible book is designed for use by students following the Theory of Knowledge course in the International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma Programme. The book is also useful for students following other critical thinking courses. The fundamental question in Theory of Knowledge is How do you know? In exploring this question, the author encourages critical thinking across a range of subject areas and helps students to ask relevant questions, use language with care and precision, support ideas with evidence, argue coherently and make sound judgements.

Genres: Philosophy, School, Nonfiction

480 pages, Paperback

First published January 9, 2006

Reviews

[Ed Callahan · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a very dense, but readable presentation of the Theory of Knowledge curriculum. Along with Sue Bastian's text published by Pearson, I use this van de Lagemaat in my Theory of Knowledge classroom. Each chapter begins with a set of quotes which correspond to the particular chapter's topics, and each chapter closes with a set of linking questions which enable people to extend the chapter's implications to considerations of other aspects of TOK's Ways of Knowing or Areas of Knowledge.

TOK is a very amorphous part of the IB curriculum. Students as well as other IB teachers always ask "What is it?" Now that the International Baccalaureate Organization is mandating greater familiarity with TOK and greater attention to integrating aspects of TOK into every IB class, this would be a helpful text for every IB teacher to have on the shelf. Not everything will be applicable, but material related to the "Ways of Knowing," as well as the individual chapter or chapters on selected "Areas of Knowledge" should be read by IB subject area teachers so that they begin to recognize how TOK brings together all the separate strands of the IB program and attempts to weave them into a seamless garment.

With the changes coming to the TOK curriculum set to go into place in 2015, I will be eager to get my hands on an updated copy of this text and the Bastian text.

[Fatima Al Shamasi · Rating 5 out of 5]

I should have read this in high school.

[Miran Huseynov]

,,

[Nikki Eddy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Yassss

[Rich Farrell · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was my main guide teaching TOK for the first time, and it was invaluable in understanding the concepts and terminology. I used it in class on “Textbook Tuesdays”, which I began hesitantly as a collaborative reading activity; however, it quickly became a routine that students truly appreciated and would ask if on a given Tuesday we didn’t read and discuss a section from a chapter on a focus Area of Knowledge. Listening to students make connections to their own lives and knowledge production became a highlight of my weeks as well and made creating and responding to knowledge questions much better for students.

[Benjamin Hill · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is one of the best books I have ever come in contact with. People should be required to read this book as soon as they are able to read and comprehend all the words within its pages. Socrates said the unexamined life is not worth living, and this book teaches you how to better examine life. That's what knowledge is, the ability to examine life.

[Phoenix Chope · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was the most entertaining textbook I have read and possibly ever will. It was reliable, easy to understand, and overall was a very fascinating subject and book. It is entirely possible I will read it again after I graduate, since it was so good.

[Richard · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed every page. Very though provoking.

[V · Rating 4 out of 5]

Can't say I've read this entire textbook yet, but not far from it. Very thought-provoking. I like that the author presented different theories, but it was a bit irritating that he would 'pick a side' so to speak.

[Tasha · Rating 4 out of 5]

A little professional development.

[Saulė · Rating 5 out of 5]

the best book ever forever

[Kawa Svaha · Rating 4 out of 5]

Read it from cover to cover twice. It contains sufficient examples, and the language is simple -- after all it's a textbook for high school students. Quite engaging.

[Divine · Rating 5 out of 5]

very thought provoking! there were many humorous instances in the book. i learnt very much from reading this.

[Rebecca Thomason · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really wish more high schoolers had access to the content in this book. I didn't have anything of the sort myself until college. It seems like a largely missed opportunity.