An examination of Hegelian and Spinozian philosophy and their relationships with their International Baccalaureate subject, Theory of Knowledge

English One concern for teachers of the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme is how to balance academic study with a need for the development of the imagination. This article examines the subject at the heart of the IB Diploma, Theory of Knowledge, and looks at the contrasting philosophies of Spinoza and Hegel and their relationship with this area. Through such an investigation, one may understand how the balance between academic study and the expansion of the imagination may be achieved to the benefit of the student and teacher alike. © 2005, Sage Publications. All rights reserved.