It is very hard to say the exact point at which something ceases to be itself. This issue has been long debated in philosophy. Was Harry really the same dog after he changed? The children will have to think about how many properties of Harry can change before he is no longer the same dog.
Did Harry actually change, or is his family just misinterpreting what they are seeing?Īnother important issue in this book comes from the philosophy field of metaphysics and concerns the idea of essential properties. This happens in the story when Harry’s family does not recognize him. We can see something with our own eyes and still be making a false judgment about it. An example of this would be a mirage in a desert or how a straw looks bent in a glass of water. The topic of appearance versus reality also brings up the question of whether we, as humans, can trust appearances. Without prior concrete knowledge, humans automatically make assumptions based on appearance thus it can be difficult to convince people that something may not be as it seems. Apples can also be green and have stems, so this pear could just be an oddly shaped apple. That person could very well assume that the pear was an apple. An example of this would be if a person who had never before seen a pear was told to identify it. Appearance becomes the most important factor in this. Humans have a tendency to judge without full information. In discussing this, the children will be confronted with the issue of how important visual recognition is in identifying objects. Though Harry did not appear to be the same dog, he is. This brings up the issue of appearance versus reality. Harry’s appearance changes in the book, and his family does not recognize him. Read aloud video featuring Betty White Guidelines for Philosophical Discussion
How will Harry convince them that he is still Harry? Harry starts to miss home, but when he returns, his family does not recognize him. Before he knows it, he has changed from a white dog with black spots to a black dog with white spots. When bath time comes around, Harry runs away and has loads of fun getting dirty.
He loves everything except for taking baths. Harry is a happy dog who is white with black spots.
Questions for Philosophical Discussion » Summary Harry the Dirty Dog considers questions about identity and essential properties.
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