A Sneetch Is a Sneetch and Other Philosophical Discoveries: Finding Wisdom in Children's Literature by Thomas E. Wartenberg


A Sneetch Is a Sneetch and Other Philosophical Discoveries: Finding Wisdom in Children's Literature
Title : A Sneetch Is a Sneetch and Other Philosophical Discoveries: Finding Wisdom in Children's Literature
Author :
Rating :
ISBN : 1299241395
ISBN-10 : 9781299241398
Format Type : ebook
Number of Pages : 176
Publication : First published February 21, 2013

Taking Picture Books Seriously: What can we learn about philosophy through children's books?This warm and charming volume casts a spell on adult readers as it unveils the surprisingly profound philosophical wisdom contained in children's picture books, from Dr Seuss's "Sneetches" to William Steig's "Shrek!." With a light touch and good humor, Wartenberg discusses the philosophical ideas in these classic stories, and provides parents with a practical starting point for discussing philosophical issues with their children. Accessible and multi-layered, it answers questions like, Is it okay for adults to deceive kids? What's the difference between saying the Mona Lisa is a great painting and vanilla is your favorite flavor? Each chapter includes illustrations commissioned especially for this book.

A Sneetch Is a Sneetch and Other Philosophical Discoveries: Finding Wisdom in Children's Literature Reviews

  • Julian

    This is the best practical introduction to western philosophy I have ever read, using the framework of children's books to summarise the major schools of thoughts. It helps that, having an 8 year old daughter who loves her bedtime stories, I am familiar with most of the books referred to in Wartenberg's masterpiece.
    The suggestions at the end of each chapter are very helpful in helping us introduce these concepts even to young children, and more importantly, to encourage their curious questioning and thinking about these topics.
    I particularly enjoyed the summaries of the major philosophers and ideas, ranging from metaphysics, to logic and it's fallacies, then to environmental and social ethics, and even existentialism and continental philosophy to round it all off.
    Definite five stars from me, and I am going to read the author's other offerings.

  • Roger

    Finally! A book that delves deeper into picture books, with great ideas for discussions with your kids!