> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://guide.fariaedu.com/tok/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://guide.fariaedu.com/tok/purpose-of-tok.md).

# Purpose of TOK

Although **Theory of Knowledge (TOK)** is commonly referred to as a **‘critical thinking’ course**, TOK is much more than that. It’s certainly true that one of its key aims is to get you to **question the sources of knowledge** that we use from the Internet to the opinions of your teachers and from your course textbooks to the assertions of experts and academics. 

![](/files/-MajXymig1fFkdYLl1UX)

TOK is also a course that encourages you to: 

* be **creative** and original
* **increase your awareness** that there are many (very) different ways to investigate and understand the world
* hone your ability to **communicate** your ideas and opinions
* **engage with issues and controversies** raging throughout the contemporary world

{% hint style="warning" %}
All of this means that you’re set for what can be a **rocky ride**! 
{% endhint %}

As you **debate the legitimacy of different perspectives and points of view**, as you **assess the validity of arguments and counterarguments**, as you **consider the methods by which you acquire knowledge** in your different Diploma Programme (DP) subjects, you will clash with your classmates and lock horns with your teachers.

But, in the process, you’re going to **develop and advance your own understanding of the world**, and learn a great deal about yourself. And you’ll learn the truth of Maria Mitchell’s assertion,

{% hint style="info" %}
"We have a hunger of the mind which asks for knowledge of all around us, and the more we gain, the more is our desire; the more we see, the more we are capable of seeing."
{% endhint %}