The Little Engine That Could by Watty Piper

In other words, they think like those around them, and as such, their values may be different from yours. The world is full of people with different ideas about what is right and what is wrong, and what culture they grew up in changes how they think about things. Relativism comes in many flavors, but the one that fits best with The Little Engine That Could is cultural relativism. The philosophical ideas brought up are moral relativism and moral absolutism. This story is a helpful reminder of the importance of perspective and optimism. Finally, a little blue engine comes along and helps. Three train engines decide to not help, each for their own reasons. What makes them have these opinions, and are they always entitled to them? In The Little Engine That Could, a train carrying toys and treats for good boys and girls breaks down. Have you ever heard the phrase “When in Rome, do as the Romans do?” Has anyone ever said that what was right for you wasn’t right for them? We live in a world where people have a wide multitude of opinions, political, social, and moral. Read aloud video by Dan Santat (the illustrator!) Guidelines for Philosophical Discussion “I think I can, I think I can,” says the Little Blue Engine as it starts up the mountain, a seemingly impossible task. Every train engine, big and small, passes it by until the littlest engine agrees to help. Questions for Philosophical Discussion » Summary This classic story explores such diverse topics as relativism and perseverance, among others.Ī train breaks down, which might cause the toys it is carrying to not get over the mountain in time for the boys and girls.

The Little Engine That Could by Watty Piper