Knowledge Framework Template
Directions: A TOK knowledge Framework is a graphic organizer that will help you to distinguish the Areas of
Knowledge and compare and contrast how we gain and use knowledge within each of the AOKs. You will be
responsible for compiling the information into your graphic organizer. Use the questions below to help guide
you. In addition to researching support materials, you are encouraged to speak to your subject teachers—they
are the experts in their fields. AOK: Arts, Mathematics, Natural Sciences, Human Sciences, History.
- In pairs (with someone aligned with your interested AOK), complete the Framework Template below
for only TWO AOK of your choice (what you like!)
Area of Knowledge: Arts
Scope The arts consist of creation, interpretation and
● What is the area of knowledge about? appreciation of visual manners such as; visual arts,
● What practical problems can be solved music, literature, film, theater and dance. It explores
through applying this knowledge? human creativity and the communication of
● What are the current open questions in this meanings.
area—important questions that are Mental health therapy in a clinical setting aids in
currently unanswered? healing emotional states as well as mental health.
● What makes this area of knowledge Can AI create art, and if so is it actually original?
important? This area of knowledge is highly important because it
encourages critical and analytical thinking as well as
provides an insight into human experiences.
Perspectives Through historical developments, what gets
● What is the significance of key historical classified as art has expanded as well as how
developments within this area of different eras of art movement have influenced the
social perspectives.
knowledge?
With art, different cultural groups express their
● What does this area of knowledge identify human experiences and communicate vulnerable
about knowledge that is rooted in particular feelings with their community. For example
social and cultural groups? indigenous art has carried traditions and
● Is this type of knowledge less or more open environmental knowledge for centuries.
to interpretation than others? Why/ why Of the AOK’s, Art is more if not the most open to
not? interpretation, since different people will view an
object through their own experiences.
● Is an understanding of the perspective of
Yes, the understanding of different interpretations is
other knowers essential in the pursuit of essential since art is often a reflection of how the
this knowledge creative mind views the world. Without the shared
perspective, there is the risk of misinterpreting
meaning behind art.
Methods and Tools Some methods used in this AOK are; creative
● What are the methods or procedures used process, interpretation and analysis, critique and
in this area ? discourse and performance and exhibition.
With Arts some limitations present could be;
● What are some limitations of the methods
subjectivity, cultural or personal bias, validation
and tools used? issues or even copyright issues.
● What are the unique advantages of the Being the most “open” AOK some unique
methods and tools used? advantages are; free speech, multiple perspectives,
● What are the assumptions underlying these emotional resonance and innovation.
methods? An assumption could be that emotions or feelings
● What counts as a fact in this area of are the only gained asset from this area of
knowledge? knowledge. Meaning that emotional responses are
central to ideals.
● What is seen to constitute ‘good evidence’
When it comes to art, the “facts” are going to be
in this area of knowledge? more conceptual and based on interpretation, like;
biographical or historical contexts.
Some examples of “good evidence” when it comes
to the arts could be; textual analysis, critical reviews,
contexts (historical or cultural), comparative analysis
and even the artists or creators own statement or
process.
Ethics Yes, it should be subject to ethical constraints. The
● Should the pursuit of knowledge in this area arts are more often than not a challenge to societal
of knowledge be subject to ethical norms. One must take into account cultural
appropriation, harmful representations and consent
constraints? Why/why not?
or privacy as ethical constraints.
● What responsibilities rest on the knower as The “knower”, in this case the artist, must engage in
a result of their knowledge in this area of an honest manner, consider any possible social
knowledge? impacts related to the acquired knowledge, and
● Do established values in this AOK change in understand the contexts surrounding their AOK.
the face of new knowledge? They carry the responsibility to contribute to a more
cultural dialogue.
Yes, values in this AOK are challenged and expected
to evolve into new perspectives and social
understanding. A great example is how AI has
challenged many artists in traditional notions. The
arts are especially responsive to new and evolved
knowledge concepts.
Concept: History
Scope History looks at the events of the past,
human activities and societies. Its final
goal is to help us realize how the past
affects the present and can potentially
shape the future. Practically, historical
knowledge helps us understand current
conflict, inform political decisions, shape
public policy, and preserve cultural
memory. Despite the usefulness, history
is asked fundamental questions: Can we
ever truly know what happened in the
past? How do biases or incomplete
records affect the historical
interpretations? History matters because
it provides knowledge of human activity
and societal evolution to enable us to
learn from our errors and build a better
future.
Perspective History is always rewritten as historias
reinterpret the past from new vantage
points and emerging evidence. For
example, history was once viewed as a
compilation of objective facts but is now
known to be subjective in nature, based
on the historian’s point of view. Historical
records have a tendency to reflect
dominant cultural populations, sometimes
excluding minority viewpoints to the
margins. Such cultural embedment
makes historical knowledge particularly
vulnerable to diverse interpretation. Being
exposed to a range of perspectives is
essential, as it enriches our historical
understanding, underlying the complexity
of events and reducing the risk of the
oversimplification or misrepresentation.
Methods and Tools Historians rely heavily on primary
sources, documents, artifacts,
eyewitnesses, testimony and secondary
sources, interpreting them with a view to
constructing accounts of the past. This is
an activity requiring close analysis, critical
thinking and contextual sensitivity.
However, historians are constrained by
the possibility that historical evidence is
fragmentary, biased or contradictory, so
that the definitive conclusions could
remain elusive. Despite this, historical
methods provide rigorous means of
deciphering complex events in a
meaningful way. Historians operate on the
assumption that, though careful analysis,
one can achieve substantial knowledge of
past realities. Historical facts usually
comprise documented dates, events, and
widely accepted accounts supported by
trustworthy evidence in the form of
verified documents and archeological
data.
Ethics Ethics in history involves honest
presentation of facts, not doing any
manipulation and respecting the integrity
of historical individuals. Historians have
the responsibility of not unfairly imposing
modern values on historical events and
recognizing their duty to represent diverse
perspectives accurately, especially those
that were previously underrepresented or
silenced. Ethical responsibility also
includes the acknowledgement of biases
and limitations in historical research.
Historical ethics continuously evolve as
modern values evolve, this leads to
reexamination of historical events and
interpretations.