The TOK 'knowledge framework'.

Scope

This is concerned with the extent and limitations of our knowledge. 

Examples of knowledge questions relating to scope include the following.​

• What criteria can we use to distinguish between knowledge, belief and opinion?
• ​How do we distinguish claims that are contestable from claims that are not?
• Are there situations where “knowing how” is more important than “knowing that”?​
• How do our interactions with the material world shape our knowledge?
• Can other people know us better than we know ourselves

Perspectives

This is concerned with how viewpoints are influenced by time and place. 

Examples of knowledge questions relating to perspectives include the following.

• How and why does knowledge evolve and change over time? 
• How far is knowledge situated in a social or cultural context?
• Who decides what counts as knowledge within a particular area of knowledge?
• ​How do empathy and imagination help us to understand other perspectives?

Methods and Tools

This is concerned with the ways and means by which we acquire knowledge. (See 11e critical thinking)

Examples of knowledge questions relating to scope include the following.​

• Are intuition, evidence, reasoning, consensus and authority all equally convincing methods of justification?
• Does knowledge always require some kind of rational basis?
• How do our expectations and assumptions have an impact on how we perceive things?
• What are the advantages and disadvantages of requiring that all knowledge is verified by a group?

Ethics

This is concerned with how scope, perspectives and methods might be influenced by what we consider to be right and wrong.

Examples of knowledge questions relating to ethics include the following.

• Should we only pursue knowledge that we believe will benefit humanity and contribute towards a better world? 
• Is it justified for ethical considerations to influence and limit the production of knowledge?
• Under what circumstances, if any, do we have a moral duty to share what we know?
• ​Is there knowledge that a person or society has a responsibility to acquire or not to acquire?

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