We're Still In Her World (9.15.11)

*This post was copied from my original blog on Google Docs*

A question concerning the topic of imagination was asked today, and Riley responded by saying that without imagination, it’s hard to be even human. He related the question to thought he often has about adults losing their sense of imagination as they grow older but kids having great imaginations. Elaine added that imagination can allow you to experience things you can’t actually experience (or can you?). Emma said that imagination can take a mind of its own. In fact, Sophie and Alberto still “existed” although Albert ceased writing about them. In this sense, imagination will always continue. Jordan mentioned that imagination could actually be more real than reality itself. Imagination is expandable and has no limits. Alex added that imagination is not as unreal as we think it is. As a matter of fact, imagination lives with us -- it’s parallel to our world.
Many of my classmates had thoughts about what they believed were annoying parts of “Sophie’s World.” Kevin said that Sophie’s reactions were pretty unbelievable -- it’s strange that she was more intrigued than scared by a stranger suspiciously contacting her. Her reactions are uncommon, especially in today’s world. It was mentioned that it was weird how Sophie was even interested in learning about philosophy in the first place -- had it been her, she would not have even considered it. Karen was confused by “the idea chicken” mentioned in the story, and had to keep re-reading the passage it was explained in. The idea of it was hard to grasp, which annoyed her.
Jordan said that philosophers say such bizarre things, and for this, they are remembered. Their thoughts were considered so outlandish, especially during the times when they had lived.
Jordan later continued, saying that the world is a perception of facts. Everyone has their own definition of a world -- no two people are exactly alike, so no two people’s perceptions of the world are exactly the same. Additionally, you create your own world essentially by choosing what you believe. Alex then realized that the title “Sophie’s World” refers to her perception of the world -- it really is “her world.” However, the world is just as it appears to us.