Focus<\/strong>: Can religious knowledge be evaluated without shared definitions, agreed-upon evidence, or universal standards of truth?<\/em> Learning objectives:<\/p>
Suggested length: 1 hour<\/p>\n
Critical Thinking Concepts<\/th> TOK Concepts<\/th> Reflection Questions<\/th><\/tr><\/thead> Confronting Biases and Assumptions:<\/strong> Recognize how cultural or religious background shapes assumptions about what “counts” as religion, religious truth, or valid belief systems.
Exploring Contexts and Expert Opinions:<\/strong> Explore how definitions of religion have been historically influenced and evaluate whose perspectives are considered authoritative in defining religion.
Extrapolation and Reapplication of Principles:<\/strong> Critically assess how definitions, labels, and categories can obscure complex realities.<\/td>Evidence<\/strong>: How do different cultures use different kinds of evidence to support religious beliefs, and should religious claims be tested using scientific evidence?
Truth<\/strong>: How can we understand the difference between truth based on scientific evidence and truth based on personal belief or faith?
Certainty<\/strong>: Should knowledge always require certainty?<\/td>What role does culture play in shaping what we accept as religious knowledge?
Can something be “true” for one community and not another? Is that still knowledge?
What kinds of evidence do different cultures use to justify religious beliefs?
Do you think religious claims should be tested with empirical evidence? Why or why not?
If a belief is meaningful to someone but cannot be proven, is it still valid knowledge?<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>