Unit: Knowledge & Truth

Subject: TOK

Grade: 11
Quarter: 4

Time Required: 2 weeks

Date Updated: June 2008

Objectives:

Students will develop a critical perspective of Platos definition of knowledge.

Students will try and understand which theory of truth they most use in their day
to day living.

Students will further develop their understanding of the difference between belief
and knowledge.

Students will link how each way of knowing contributes to how humans
determine what is true and what is real.

Guiding Questions:

What is Truth?

How do the three theories of Truth differ from one another?

What are the strengths and weaknesses of each theory.

What is relativism, realism, pragmatism, idealism and skepticism?

What are the strengths and weaknesses of Platos definition on knowledge?

Teacher: Mr. Leland

Assessment Tasks:

Double journal (Matrix)

Socratic seminar on realism.

Podcast reviews on Truth photos posted online.

Truth skits (idealism, realism, pragmatism)

Allegory of the Cave posters and presentations.

Multiple Choice test on Chapter 3 Ways of Knowing Textbook.

Resources:

Woolman. Ways of Knowing.

Platos Allegory of the Cave

Movie The Matrix (need permission slip)

http://www.theoryofknowledge.info

Vivek Bammi 2006 Workshop Booklet Articles

Craig Boyce 2001 Workshop Booklet Articles

Teaching/Learning Activities:

Learner Profile Links:

Inquirers - question their definitions of what is real

Knowledgeable Greek philosophical origins (Plato)

Thinkers - making differentiations between reality and truth.

Communicators able to make on the spot contributions in class discussion

Open-minded sensitive to the their bias and the bias of others

Reflective - able to overcome impulse thinking and develop logical perspectives.

Other notes:

This is the last unit of the year and it is meant to return again to the fundamental
definitions of knowledge by exploring the difficult issue of defining and
establishing definitions of truth and reality.

Students will watch and discuss the movie The Matrix

Students will watch and discuss other student video interpretations of the Platos
Allegory of the Cave.
Students will work in groups to produce and present their own Allegory of the
Cave posters.
Students will engage in class discussion on the strengths and weaknesses of each
of the three main theories for establishing truth.