Společný středoškolský základ
Obecně se domnívám, že podobné diskuse ve vzdělané populaci by měly vycházet ze slušného a všeobecně akceprovaného středoškolského základu. Takovým mi kurs Theory of Knowledge na IB připadá. V následujídím uvádím oblasti, které jsou tam diskutovány, protože mi připadají jako rozumný přehled oblastí v nichž by si každý měl ujasnit svou pozici (zdroj
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Theory_of_knowledge_(IB_course) ): The TOK course uses a combination, in no particular order ("many entry points and sequences are possible")Ways of knowing: (sense perception, reason, emotion, and language). How do we gain knowledge of the world, and what are the advantages and disadvantages of each way in which we learn of the world and our place in it. Starting in Fall of 2013, the IB curriculum has changed to include four other ways of knowing: intuition, imagination, faith, and memory.Areas of knowledge (mathematics, natural sciences, human sciences, history, the arts and ethics): their distinct natures and methods of gaining knowledge, the types of claim each makes and the issues to consider (e.g. "How do you know that the scientific method is a valid method of gaining knowledge?", "What is the reason for having historical knowledge, and how is it applied in life?").Factors that transcend individual ways of knowing and areas of knowledge:Nature of knowing: what are the differences between information, data, belief, faith, opinion, knowledge and wisdom?Knowledge communities: what is taken for granted in a community? How can we decide which beliefs we ought to check further?Knowers'' sources and applications of knowledge: how do age, education, culture and experience influence selection of sources and formation of knowledge claims? If you know something, or how to do something, do you have a responsibility to use your knowledge?Justifications of knowledge claims: why should claims be assessed critically? Are logic, sensory perception, revelation, faith, memory, consensus, intuition, and self-awareness equally reliable justifications? Use of coherence, correspondence, pragmatism, and consensus as criteria of truth.