Sophie’s World by Jostein Gaarder Essay Example
Sophie’s World by Jostein Gaarder Essay Example

Sophie’s World by Jostein Gaarder Essay Example

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  • Pages: 3 (588 words)
  • Published: May 7, 2017
  • Type: Book Review
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As a requirement for our Introduction to Philosophy class, I just finish reading 95 percent of the book “Sophie’s World” by Jostein Gaarder. Indeed, this book is phenomenal because of its huge success and as a literary breakthrough in the world of Philosophy. Also it combines the teaching and appreciation of Philosophy with a simple but mind boggling narrative. Anyone who reads the book will have a quick overview of Philosophy from its beginning up to its great thinkers. And at the end of the story, its reader will discover that the story itself is built on the foundation of a big philosophical question.

The story started when Sophie Amundsen, a fourteen year old Norwegian encountered odd philosophical question in her mail box as she approach her 15th birthday. Not only is she interested in learning about histo

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ry, she is also curious about the person behind the letters she is receiving. Meanwhile, the story becomes more complicated when she received a postcard that was addressed to a girl named Hilde. That postcard was from Hilde’s father who wishes her daughter a happy birthday.

Later on, the character behind her strange philosophical letters was revealed.His name is Alberto Knox, the philosopher who introduces her to great philosopher such as Democritus, Aristotle and Plato. The story started to have a twist when their discussion went to the philosophy of Berkeley that suggests that our lives are under the mind of God. Then Knox revealed the big revelation that their lives are just created by Sophie’s father.

The gist of the story is that, Sophie and Knox are just characters of a book that is being read by Hilde

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entitled “Sophie’s World”. When the story ended, both Sophie and Knox disappeared.Aside from the fact that the story gives us an overview of philosophy, it also tackles the question of our existence. In the story, although Sophie is just a character in her own story, she seemed so real.

Even Hilde believed in her existence. And some people might think that our lives are just like Sophie’s. There is a greater mind that controls our lives. Thus, the book opens the idea of destiny which is a topic of debate since time immemorial.

Also, what makes the book remarkable is the effort of its author to make its reader ponder about our existence.In my opinion, the book is really good but the characters are confusing at first. The problem is that some readers might discontinue reading the book. I also like the way the author narrated the story.

He was able to narrate the history of Philosophy in an interesting way. It also makes the story more interesting and easier to digest with the analogies to the life of the girl. Aside from that, the author was able to convey his main point in a simple way. That is why it is easy for me to understand the books as well as other beginners like me.

On the other hand, I discovered that Aristotle is my favorite philosopher because most of his works are relevant today. I also didn’t like the idea that most of our philosophers had a terrible view of women. As a woman like me, I think modern philosophers must change their views towards women. As a whole, the book helped me appreciate

the discipline of philosophy.

I also believe that most of are philosopher (classic and modern) have a point and combining their ideas will give as an ideal worldview.

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