SOPHIE'S WORLD
A Novel about the History of Philosophy
by Jostein Gaarder
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INTRODUCTION
Sophie's World is, above all, a book about questions. To further your discussion of the book, below you will find questions to ponder.
ABOUT JOSTEIN GAARDER
Jostein Gaarder, born in 1952 in Norway, taught philosophy for many years before becoming a novelist. He lives with his family in Oslo.
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DISCUSSION QUESTIONS
- Is Sophie a special and unusual person, or does anyone have the capability to become a good philosopher?
- Did the conclusion of the book satisfy you? Why or why not?
- When Sophie first begins her correspondence course, she becomes disinterested in everyday activities, like playing badminton with Joanna after school. Is it possible to be a philosopher while continuing to enjoy life fully—or does the quest for knowledge mean that we must give up at least some of our "animal instincts"?
- What do philosophy, religion, and science have in common? What distinguishes them from each other? Is philosophy incompatible with religion?
- What sorts of circumstances and feelings contributed to the Romantic movement? Do you think our society is moving toward a more Romantic view of the world, or a less Romantic view?
- Was Marx a Marxist? Was Jesus a Christian? More to the point, do you believe that ideologies, when they become popularized, also become perverted? If so, why?
- What guides our conscience: reason or emotion? Is there such a thing as pure altruism?
- Do you like Alberto? Why or why not?
- What is the danger of habit, according to Alberto?
- Some argue that a free economy is good because it allows for a sort of natural selection process that strengthens the species. Do you agree? If you were in charge, what limits, if any, would you place on a free economy?
- Which thinkers or ideas have shaped your life the most?
- When you think about current events and the world situation at present, can you identify any areas in which conflicting philosophies are at the root of the problem?
- Is man "condemned to be free"? What is meant by this phrase?
- Where does the world come from?
- Who are you?
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