Examining Metaphysics and Epistemology Through Children’s Literature
Whether you realized it or not, you were exposed to philosophical ideas from the time you were a young child. Some of
the most popular books in children’s literature deal with complex issues of metaphysics and epistemology in very
introductory, basic ways. For this partner project, you will be asked to analyze a piece of children’s literature and
analyze its broad philosophical themes.
First, choose one of the listed books. You are welcome to choose a book you loved when you were small or a book that is
new to you. (If there is a book you would like to review that is not on the list, you can bring it to me to be discussed.
Not all children’s books have broad philosophical themes, but if the one you choose does, I will approve it!)
Create a presentation to the class for a meeting of the “Philosophical Parents’ Club.” Follow the template below for your
presentation. You may use Powerpoint or Google Slides as your platform.
Slide One – Title Slide with Images, Book’ Author, Your Partner’s and Your Name, and the Philosophical Concept You will
Highlight (Metaphysics or Epistemology)
Slide Two – Answer the following questions based on whether you’ve chosen Metaphysics or Epistemology. Be sure to make your
slide visually appealing with an image, correct grammar, and accurate spelling.
Metaphysics - How does your book introduce children to the idea of dreams vs. reality OR the nature of things?
OR
Epistemology - How does your book introduce children to the idea of knowledge / what is real?
Slide Three – Answer the following questions based on whether you’ve chosen Metaphysics or Epistemology. Be sure to make
your slide visually appealing with an image, correct grammar, and accurate spelling.
Metaphysics - How do the themes of your book match DeCartes dream theory? Or does it reject the theory? Explain.
OR
Epistemology - How do the themes of your book match a philosopher? (Choose any one of them to compare/contrast)
Slide Four - Answer the following question. Be sure to make your slide visually appealing with an image, correct grammar, and
accurate spelling.
What is the philosophical message(s) that children should take away from this book?
Slide Five - Answer the following question. Be sure to make your slide visually appealing with an image, correct grammar, and
accurate spelling.
Would you want your future child to read this book? What is your critique of the work? (both positive and negative)
Books Dealing with Metaphysics
Books Dealing with Epistemology
Benjamin's Dreadful Dream by Alan Baker
Horton Hears a Who by Dr. Seuss
Spork by Kyo Maclear
Shrek by William Steig
So Few of Me by Peter H. Reynolds
Morris the Moose by B. Wiseman
Where the Wild Things Are by Maurice Sendak
I Know the Moon by Stephen Axel Anderson
Sylvester and the Magic Pepple by William Steig
Knufflebunny Too by Mo Williams
"The Dream" from Frog and Toad Together by Arnold Lobel
What About Me? By Ed Young
Gus Is a Tree by Claire Babin
Papa, Please Get the Moon for Me by Eric Carle
The True Story of the Three Little Pigs by Jon Scieszka
Green Eggs and Ham by Dr. Seuss
The Wolves in the Walls by Neil Gaiman
Gotta Go! Gotta Go! By Sam Swope
Scoring Guide for Philosophy in Children’s Literature Project….
Title Slide
Title is grammatically correct, includes all requirements, and is visually stimulating
_________ of 10 points
Comments:
Slide 2
Question is answered with support and elaboration from the text. The slide visually appealing with
an image, correct grammar, and accurate spelling.
_________ of 15 points
Comments:
Slide 3
Question is answered with support and elaboration from the text. The slide visually appealing with
an image, correct grammar, and accurate spelling.
_________ of 15 points
Comments:
Slide 4
Question is answered with support and elaboration from the text. The slide visually appealing with
an image, correct grammar, and accurate spelling.
_________ of 15 points
Comments:
Slide 5
Question is answered with support and elaboration from the text. The slide visually appealing with
an image, correct grammar, and accurate spelling.
_________ of 15 points
Comments:
OVERALL GRADE
______________ of 75 points