However, philosophers find it important to get as close to the truth as possible. Independent of any interpretation, what is the cat like? Is there any way to find out? Is it important to know what the cat is really like? Many philosophers believe that there is not a good way of determining the objective truth. The questions allow students to consider their own identities and how perception influences others and their own sense of self.Įach animal sees the cat differently, but it seems there should be a way the cat is. This section questions what should be included in our identities and how one’s sense of self may be biased or inaccurate.

We take in information about ourselves and use it to form an understanding of our identities. Is the cat’s perception of itself more accurate than the other animals’ perception of the cat? How does knowing about the way others perceive a person change their identity or sense of self? Perception and the errors of perception are also relevant to one’s sense of self. Near the end of the book, the cat looks at its own reflection in the water, and sees itself differently than all of the other animals saw it. For example, you may hear someone say “I hate cats” when they really say “I have cats.” How might our errors in perception impact how we see the world? How should we interpret the world if we are prone to perceptual errors? These ideas introduce students to further questions about how one’s position in the world impacts the way they see things and also allows children to consider other points of view. Sometimes perceptions are correct, but sometimes they are incorrect. We use our senses to take in information and perceive the world. From the mouse’s perspective, the cat looks large and dangerous. For example, from the young child’s point of view, the cat looks soft and kind. Depending on which animal is viewing the cat, the image of the cat in the book is very different. Throughout the story, the cat is seen from the perspective of many animals. Read aloud video by simicrane Guidelines for Philosophical Discussion Eventually, the cat even sees its own reflection.

Each animal, and the child, has a different image of the cat depending on their point of view. Questions for Philosophical Discussion » Summary A cat walks through the world and is seen through the eyes of many other animals.Īs a cat walks through the world, many others see it, such as a young child, a mouse, and a bird.

They all saw a cat book