“The Mouse Who Ate the Cheese” Discussion
In this little story, there’s much debate and controversy about a simple knowledge claim: a
mouse ate some cheese that had fallen on the floor during a party. According to the story’s subtitle,
some people in the story believed that the mouse had eaten the cheese, others knew it, and still others
doubted. After you’ve read the story, prepare to discuss it with the class by considering the following:
1. Who is more justified in saying he / she knows the mouse ate the cheese? Why is he / she more
justified than the others who also claim to know?
2. Why is Alice willing to say she believes, but not that he she knows? What is the difference?
3. Who is more justified in saying that the mouse ate the cheese: (a) Adriane and Virginia or (b) Alice?
4. Why does George doubt that the mouse ate the cheese? Are his reasons for doubting valid? What
does his reaction in lines 61-64 suggest about his doubt?
5. The last line says that the mouse knew he had eaten the cheese. Can a mouse know?
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6. Defining knowledge is pretty complex, but the story gives important clues. As you try to define
knowledge, consider the terms truth, knowledge, and belief. To help you sort out the relationships
between these terms, try putting them into the Venn diagram in a way that makes sense. Then write
a definition of knowledge that uses all three terms.
My definition of knowledge:
Complete the following section after class discussion.
7. Philosophical definition of knowledge:
8. Reflection: What did you contribute to this discussion?
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