Classes start Tuesday September 8th

Welcome students to the new year, particularly those students who have registered in one of my courses. This blog contains general information about the courses, particularly Theory of Knowledge. I will be sharing reminders and general comments on what students are doing in class. Students should go to the google classroom for details on assignments and due dates. Course outlines for each course can be found in the google classroom and on the appropriate menu at the top of the page on this blog. The first year Theory of Knowledge students will be spending the fall talking about knowledge and the various ways we come to know. Second year students will be primarily focused on their two required assessments: an essay due by Christmas break and a presentation to be completed prior to the end of first semester. Digital Technology students this semester will either be getting an introduction to computer programming using the Python programming language or be learning a variety of digital technology tools that could be used for running a business: office applications, desktop publishing, graphic design, and website creation.

May 2016 Prescribed Titles for the Theory of Knowledge Essay

At the beginning of September the prescribed titles for students completing the IB Diploma in May of 2016 were released.  They are as follows:

1. “In gaining knowledge, each area of knowledge uses a network of ways of knowing.” Discuss this statement with reference to two areas of Knowledge.
2. “Knowledge within a discipline develops according to the principles of natural selection.” How useful is this metaphor?
3. “The knower’s perspective is essential in the pursuit of knowledge.” To what extent do you agree?
4. “Without application in the world, the value of knowledge is greatly diminished.” Consider this claim with respect to two areas of knowledge.
5. To what extent do the concepts that we use shape the conclusions that we reach?
6. “In knowledge there is always a trade-off between accuracy and simplicity.” Evaluate this statement in relation to two areas of knowledge.

Students are advised to read through the titles and pick two that they are interested in and put down some initial thoughts including ways of knowing that you feel are connected and areas of knowledge that are relevant to the prescribed title.  We will be taking these titles up when we meet in October, but I am available to dialog with you on a one to one basis before then.  Just drop me an email and we can set up a time.