Knowledge and the Knower 

+ Five Optional Themes

March 27th, 2026

Here we go with part three of our eight-part series where Sofia and I are breaking down the Eight Essential Elements of the Theory of Knowledge course for all IB teachers.

We are co-authoring each part to help all of us better understand what Theory of Knowledge actually is. 

But more importantly, so that you can feel informed about how to integrate Theory of Knowledge into our classrooms, an explicit expectation of the IB. 

If you have missed the earlier parts of the series, you can read them here.

This series is based on our upcoming Theory of Knowledge New Teacher Workshop coming up July 23rd and 24th via Zoom. Thank you to those of you who have already signed up, and if you would like to join us for that workshop, we would love to host you.

Okay, this week, we are going to take a look at the Five Themes.

The Five Themes

This aspect of the TOK curriculum is essential to the Internal Assessment component of the course: The TOK Exhibition. It is very important to know that this assessment has nothing to do with Areas of Knowledge (which we will cover in Part 4). 

Will or can students make connections with their academic studies and what is going on in their lives at school? Absolutely! But..there is no expectation, requirement nor recommendation that TOK students (in their first year) cover the TOK areas of knowledge. That comes later, in the Essay. 

What are these optional themes? And how/why are they relevant at all? 

In simple terms, these are “topics” or “issues” that are pertinent to knowledge. It is what surrounds us as knowers, what is present in our world and facilitates connections to knowledge – beyond culture, geographical locations or even concept of time. You’ll see these are the big umbrellas that cross and trespass the areas of knowledge. 

People and material things, whether it is your grandmother's wedding ring or the “Diamond Sutra” which could be considered the earliest dated complete printed book, have a particular relationship with the TOK Optional Themes. TOK teachers are prescribed to cover the core theme: Knowledge and the Knower (because there is no knowledge without a knower) and 2 other optional themes. This will provide students a good scope on how to discuss knowledge for their assessment. 

So, let’s take a look: 

Knowledge and The Knower - The Core Theme

This is the core theme that every student must explore and examine. To be clear, we are all knowers – regardless of cultural background, age, upbringing, academic studies or even personal values and beliefs. As humans we are constituted by a mind and a body, which registers and learns in relation to the world. Is there knowledge without a knower? No! Is there a knower with no knowledge? No! This obvious clarification is important, so students don’t have the misconception that “objects have knowledge”. Books, artefacts, evidence, theories are not knowledge – there is a distinction between data and information. What is done with that can/could become knowledge. So in TOK, IB students must investigate and examine who they are as knowers, to then identify what and how they know as well as their relationship with knowledge (why). 

Knowledge and Technology (Optional Theme)

Once the core theme is established, off we go to the optional themes! This optional theme focuses on issues relating to the impact of technology on knowledge and knowers. The guide suggests the following to explore: how technology helps and hinders our pursuit of knowledge. Technology can or could shape knowledge creation/production, technology might play a key role in sharing and exchanging knowledge, and/or technology even affects the nature of knowledge itself. This optional theme is incredibly relevant today – no matter the subject of study. 

Knowledge and Language (Optional Theme)

Language and communication/expression, as well as language and any of the twelve TOK concepts enables very interesting discussion. Language is an essential part of our lives. Now, language is not just what is written or spoken. Dive into this theme embracing the multiple possibilities and features of language. This theme encourages students to reflect on the role of language and what, how and why knowledge is shared with others. Language plays a key role in what is accumulated, assimilated and passed down to future generations. Language allows scrutiny, debate, analysis of knowledge – for it to be confirmed or refuted. 

Knowledge and Politics (Optional Theme)

Decisions, ideologies and dynamics in the world can be discussed within this theme. How knowledge is constructed, used, disseminated and applied might have a direct relationship with power and responsibility. This theme encourages students to reflect and consider where their ideologies, values and influences of their political beliefs/positions come from. Or, students might engage in the examination of the politics of knowledge – manipulation and oppression of knowers and knowledge. This could include discussions on persuasion, misinformation and propaganda: where facts and knowledge could be systematically distorted for political gain. 

Knowledge and Religion (Optional Theme)

Religion is, or can be, very significant to some people. The impact of religion in how the world is understood must be considered when discussing knowledge. This theme provides students to think carefully, critically and respectfully about the relationship of knowledge and religion. Students are encouraged to consider how religion might dictate values, practices, conviction and assumptions. This theme calls on the important attributes of the IB learner profile, for example, open-mindedness, being reflective, principled, caring and reflective. 

Knowledge and Indigenous Societies (Optional Theme)

The TOK guide says it best: “In recent years there has been increasing global awareness of the historic and ongoing injustices that many groups of indigenous peoples have faced, and of how threats to indigenous can lead to a loss of traditional knowledge and cultural diversity.”  Students may examine the concept of indigenous societies and what that means or can hold discussions on members of particular communities or societies that share similar outlooks and values. It is important though that all discussions are specific and not general, as well as focused on knowledge. 

The Take Away...

So how does all of this connect back to your classroom? 

While these Five Themes may not always be something you directly teach or integrate into your lessons, simply understanding what they are and how they structure the TOK course is an important step in building your own awareness of what is happening in TOK. 

Over time, this awareness creates natural moments where you can make small connections, whether you are discussing technology, language, religion, or indigenous societies, and begin linking your subject to the TOK classroom in simple, meaningful ways.

And as always, if you are going to be teaching Theory of Knowledge next year, or may do so in the future, consider joining us for the Theory of Knowledge New Teacher Workshop on July 23rd and 24th via Zoom. We would genuinely love to have you with us. You can find enrollment information here.

In two weeks, we will shift our attention to the Five Areas of Knowledge and explore how they shape classroom conversations and student thinking.

Have a great weekend

Brad and Sofia



Opportunities to Empower IB Teachers and Students... 

If your school would like a tailored training on the updated Extended Essay guidelines, we’d love to help—onsite at your campus or live online—just send me an email at [email protected] and we’ll work together to make it happen. 

Effectively Supervising the New Extended Essay - April 28th, 2026 - A special Asia–Pacific time zone session of this workshop for educators across the region.  This focused and practical workshop is designed to help teachers confidently navigate the updated Extended Essay framework for the Class of 2027. Together, we’ll explore what’s changed, what’s stayed the same, and how to effectively guide students through both the Subject-Focused and Interdisciplinary pathways.  Spots are still available.

Theory of Knowledge New Teacher Workshop - July 23rd & 24th, 2026 - Designed for teachers new to Theory of Knowledge, this two-day training co-taught by Brad Cartwright and Sofía Elizalde offers a clear, practical roadmap for teaching TOK with confidence. Together, we will explore the core components of the IB Diploma Programme, the purpose and structure of the TOK course, key assessment criteria, the TOK Exhibition, the TOK Essay, and classroom strategies that support thoughtful discussion, meaningful reflection, and strong student writing. An Early Bird Discount is available--use coupon code EARLYBIRDTOK at checkout. 

IB Economics New Teacher Training - July 25th & 26th, 2026 - Designed specifically for teachers new to IB Economics, this two-day teacher training program will give you a practical roadmap to begin your IB Economics teaching career feeling confident, prepared, and calm.




Brad Cartwright

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