Now, there are some theories that talk about how we figure out these values. One big idea is called “moral relativism,” which is like saying, “What’s right for you might not be right for me.” It suggests that our values can be different because of where we come from or how we were raised.
Another theory is “ethical objectivism,” which is the opposite. It’s the idea that some values are like the rules of a game—no matter who you are or where you’re from, the rules (or values) are the same for everyone.
When we talk about knowledge issues related to values in TOK, we’re asking questions like, “How do we decide what’s good or bad?” or “Can we ever know for sure if something is right or wrong?” This is tough stuff because everyone has their own set of values, and sometimes they clash.
In short, “values” in TOK are about the big “shoulds” and “shouldn’ts” in our heads that help us figure out how to live and what to believe, and they’re super important when we’re trying to make sense of the world and decide what we think is true or right.
| Values as a TOK concept
Total estimated instruction=8 hrs This Lesson Plan has a comprehensive coverage of 8582 word count on the following content |
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| Content | Coverage |
| 1) The meaning and definition of Values through specific theories | When we zoom in on “values” as a TOK concept, we’re really delving into what’s good or bad, right or wrong.
One big idea is called “moral relativism,” which is like saying, “What’s right for you might not be right for me.” It suggests that our values can be different because of where we come from or how we were raised. |
| 2) Relevant knowledge questions (KQs) on Values as a TOK concept | Scaffolding the idea that to understand how knowledge is influenced by values and learning strategies to broaden our horizons through KQs unpacked within the knowledge framework through RLS, TED talks, and exciting classroom activities followed by critical reflection. When we dig into “values” as a concept in TOK, we’re really asking about the principles and standards that guide our choices and beliefs. So, the knowledge questions (KQs) we might come up with are all about unpacking these guiding stars of our lives. For example, we might ask, “How do personal values shape our understanding of what’s true or important?” or “To what extent do cultural values influence our judgment in ethics or the arts?” Another good one could be, “Can values be universal, or are they always shaped by individual experiences and cultural backgrounds?” These KQs push us to think about where our values come from and how they affect not just our personal lives but the big picture of how societies work and what they teach the next generation about what matters. They help us get to the core of why we might disagree on big issues and what that means for finding common ground. |
| 3) Discussion of a KQ on Values through the knowledge framework-scope, perspectives, methods and tools, ethics | The coverage includes thought-provoking KQs within each of the knowledge framework elements, engaging TED talks, interactive activities, and reflective insights to guide the students’ understanding on how important it is to question knowledge, personally connect with values. When we tackle a knowledge question (KQ) about values, like “How do our values influence the pursuit of knowledge?” we weave it through the TOK knowledge framework to really dig deep.
Scope: We examine what’s included in our study of values and how they play a role across different areas of knowledge. For example, we look at how values determine what’s researched in science or what themes are chosen by artists. Perspectives: We delve into various viewpoints to understand how different people and cultures prioritize different values. It’s like looking through multiple lenses to see how values color our view of the world. Methods and Tools: We explore the tools we use to express and measure values, like surveys in the human sciences or critiques in the arts, and question how these methods might reflect the values they’re supposed to study. Ethics: Here, we’re getting into the meaty questions of right and wrong, asking how our values shape our ethical choices and how these choices reflect back on our values. Discussing a KQ on values across this framework helps us see the full landscape of how values are woven into the fabric of knowledge—how they shape it, limit it, and drive it forward. It’s a journey into understanding the why behind the what of our knowledge. |
| 4) Connecting Values with Optional Themes | Connecting Values as a TOK concept with optional themes through real life situations explained with relevant TED talks. Critical reflection happens through engaging in exciting classroom activities |
| 5) Brewing tea over stimulating discussions on Values in the pursuit of knowledge in TOK | How to involve in engaging discussions to enhance critical thinking, foster interdisciplinary connections, and embody the IB learner profile with open-mindedness and reflective inquiry |
| 6) How Values can be used in discussing AOKs in TOK essay | Explanation of Values in different AOKs through RLS relevant to knowledge claims, hence challenging students to think critically, analyze knowledge claims, and communicate their ideas effectively. Students get to engage with open ended argumentative knowledge questions, explore the nature of knowledge, and develop essential transferable skills like research, analytical, communication, and reflective skills that are valuable for academic and personal growth.When discussing Areas of Knowledge (AOKs) in a TOK essay, values play a crucial role as they often underpin the methodologies, interpretations, and applications within each AOK. For example, in the Natural Sciences, values influence what areas are researched and how ethical dilemmas are approached. In the Arts, values affect the creation and critique of artwork, guiding what is celebrated as aesthetically significant or culturally meaningful. In History, the values of a society can shape the historical narrative, influencing which events are recorded and how they are interpreted. Thus, when writing a TOK essay, one could argue that values are not just peripheral influences but are central to the construction and dissemination of knowledge in each AOK. They provide the ethical framework from which knowledge is approached, assessed, and utilized, reflecting the multifaceted relationship between what we know and why we consider it important. |
| 7) How Values can be used to justify the inclusion for an object in TOK exhibition | How the TOK concept Values helps in justifying each object’s place in TOK exhibition, enriching the exploration with clarity and purpose |
Meaning of Values:
- Now, there are some brainy theories about values. One is called “ethical relativism,” which is a fancy way of saying that what’s right for one person or culture might not be right for another. It’s like how some people love pineapple on pizza and others just don’t—except for serious things like what we think is fair or just.
- Another idea is “moral absolutism.” This one goes, “Hey, some things are just right or wrong, no matter where you are or what you believe.” Think of it like the rules of a sport—no matter who’s playing, the rules are the rules.
- When we talk about “knowledge issues” in relation to values, we’re really digging into questions like, “How do our personal values color what we believe or what facts we pay attention to?” or “Can we actually know something for sure if our values are always peeking through?” These are tough nuts to crack because everyone’s values can be super different, and sometimes they bump into each other.
- So in TOK, when we bring up values, we’re trying to get to the heart of why people might see the same fact in different ways and what that means when we’re all trying to figure out the truth together. It’s about understanding that our values are a big part of not just who we are, but also how we know what we know.
Knowledge Questions:
A relevant knowledge question that encapsulates the essence of the impact of values across various domains and their inherent subjectivity might be:
“To what extent do values shape our understanding and judgment across different areas of knowledge, and how can recognizing diverse value systems enhance our global understanding?”
This knowledge question invites a deep exploration into the ways values influence not just the interpretation of knowledge but also the formulation of judgments in different fields, from ethics in scientific advancements to interpretations in the arts and history. It encourages a discussion on the significance of embracing a variety of value systems to achieve a more comprehensive and empathetic worldview, which is crucial in our increasingly interconnected global society.
The TOK concept of values raises several knowledge issues, which are essentially questions about how our understanding of the world might be shaped by what we hold important. Here are some knowledge issues related to values, along with real-life examples, their implications, and relevant TED Talks:
- Knowledge Issue: Can values be objective, or are they inherently subjective?
- Real-Life Example: Debates on capital punishment vary globally. Some see it as justice served, while others view it as inhumane, showing how values can differ drastically.
- Implications: This suggests that values can lead to fundamentally different laws and moral standards, making universal agreement challenging.
- TED Talk: “What makes us feel good about our work?” by Dan Ariely.
Ariely explores motivation and how our values influence our perception of work and its rewards.
- Knowledge Issue: How do cultural values influence scientific research and its application?
- Real-Life Example: Consider how stem cell research is embraced in some cultures due to its potential benefits, while others reject it on ethical grounds, showing how values can drive scientific exploration and its acceptance.
- Implications: This divergence can lead to uneven scientific progress and varying health care standards across the world.
- TED Talk: “The ethical dilemma of designer babies” by Paul Knoepfler.
Knoepfler discusses the moral complexities of gene editing, a subject deeply entwined with cultural values.
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