ToK prep - lesson 5: knowledge and religion

• Filosofie
• Middelbare school
• havo
• Leerjaar 5

Welcome to

Theory of Knowledge

the prequel

What will we be doing?

les 1	les 2	les 3	les 4	les 5
What is knowledge ?	Reasons to doubt	Reasons to doubt	The power of words	Knowledge & religion (+exhibition)

Knowledge question

What questions do religions attempt to solve that other areas cannot? 

What will we be doing?

• exploring different kinds of questions
• some theory: NOMA or not?
• writing an exhibition card 

What questions do religions answer?

Which of the following questions can science answer?

• Why does lightning occur?
• How old is the universe?
• Where did organisms come from? 
• Why should I be a good person?
• What is the purpose of life?

What questions do religions answer?

Brainstorm on questions religion can answer. 

Can we categorize these questions? 

What questions do religions answer?

Is this a problem for religion?

What questions do religions answer?

Is this a problem for religion?

What questions do religions answer?

Non-overlapping magisteria (NOMA) is a principle formulated by the paleontologist and evolutionary biologist Stephen Jay Gould. It proposes that science and religion operate in separate, distinct domains of teaching authority (magisteria), and therefore, there should be no inherent conflict between them.

According to this framework:

• The Magisterium of Science: Covers the empirical universe—what things are made of (fact) and how the universe functions (theory).
• The Magisterium of Religion: Extends over questions of ultimate meaning, purpose, value, and morality.

There are other perspectives on this issue!

Mini-exhibition

exhibition card

object

Mini-exhibition

• Answer the questions on the form. 
• Than make a first draft. 
• Exchange to check for unclarities. 
• Write the final draft on the exhibition card. 

Theory of Knowledge

the prequel