Theory of Knowledge Exhibition

Paula Díaz Rogado, Head of Theory of Knowledge, reports:

Inspired by the BBC’s A History of the World in 100 Objects, the Theory of Knowledge (ToK) Exhibition celebrates knowledge and human ingenuity, while also highlighting the challenges we face—both as communities and as a species—when confronting our own biases.

‘Topics ranged from ‘How does the way we classify/organise knowledge affect what we know?’ to ‘How can we judge when evidence is adequate?’. This helped us give life to our discussions in the classroom. There were many intriguing and compelling objects such as the lyrics of a song, tweets from influential people, even instruments that no one has heard of and much more! I personally enjoyed seeing the creativity people put into their poster and it being visually showcased instead of simply talking about them.’

– Alexa Oburu Nchama, Lower Sixth pupil

All the items on display were carefully selected and curated by the Lower Sixth IB pupils to prompt attendees to reflect on the role and nature of knowledge in our own culture, in the cultures of others, and in the wider world.

‘I enjoyed learning about the artefact in Pitt Rivers museum known as ‘slug on a thorn’ that is meant to cure warts. It seems slugs do have some medicinal abilities – however, the way this artefact was displayed in the ‘sympathetic magic’ section of the museum has led people to underestimate indigenous knowledge.’

– Flo Michaels, Lower Sixth pupil

The ToK Exhibition offered us all the opportunity to become more aware of ourselves as thinkers, encouraging greater familiarity with the complexity of knowledge and the responsibility to act ethically in an increasingly interconnected, yet uncertain, world.

‘The ToK exhibition was an opportunity to observe Theory of Knowledge in the real world in ways that we may not have considered beforehand. I enjoyed interacting with those asking questions about TOK, and the younger children asking if IB was the right course for them. One of the other pupils had chosen to talk about the shrunken heads that used to be on display in the Pitt Rivers museum, which was very interesting as they are currently removed from display for ethical reasons, calling into question if some knowledge is limited to certain communities.’

– Immy Allen, Lower Sixth pupil