This is a story about an adventure
that Benjamin, a hamster, has one night when he can't sleep and gets up for a snack. Fantastical and
random things happen to him and, although it feels very real, it turns
out to be a dream. This story involves philosophical issues dealing
with reality, dreams, feelings (both physical and mental), risks, and
bravery.
The first set of questions is designed to elicit a discussion regarding
the difference between dreams versus reality. The exploration can involve
identifying the characteristics of reality and dreams and understanding
the various sensations and experiences that differentiate the two.
This theme raises issues of what really is a dream. A dream may be interpreted
as one’s imagination, mental images and/or emotions. A deeper
meaning of why we dream and how we dream is analyzed. Some children
may even believe that there is a certain age that we stop dreaming.
There is a conflict between dreams being real and dreams not being
real. Some children believe our thoughts are real. Therefore dreams may be
considered real because we imagine and/or think them. Others may believe
dreams are not real because for anything to be real it has to have
a verified existence. These questions will thus explore the differences,
if any, between dreams and reality.
The second set of questions is to expand on the idea
of reality. The qualities and defining factors of real things can
be
discussed. Since some dreams feel real the discussion can include an
analysis of the quality of ‘real.’ These questions can lead
to the discussion of standards by which one judges what is actually
existent or not. For instance, questions like, “Are unicorns or
monsters real?” can be posed to understand the characteristics
of reality. This question set can also explore the place that dreams
have within reality. One argument can be, “Since they feel real
and are an experience, they are real,” while another person can
express that, “Dreams are not real because it didn’t happen
in real life.” Such a discussion can potentially lead to an understanding
of reality and existence. Although the difference between “alive”
and “real” is not a concept introduced specifically in
the question set, depending on the direction of the discussion, this
is
a concept that may be debated as well.
The next question set deals with
the idea of ‘feeling.’ This will involve returning to the
idea of feeling something during your dream and whether or not that
feeling is real or not. Also, this question set is designed to spark
discussion on the possible difference of feeling with your heart/mind
(mentally feeling cold) and your body (physically feeling cold). During
a dream one may feel a certain way and continue to feel that way when
he has woken up even when that dream and its situation have ceased.
This may lead to arguments such as “if you mind/heart tells your
body you are feeling cold, then you are feeling cold,” opposed
with, “if your body isn’t physically feeling cold, the despite
what you may think, you are not cold.” This may lead into a discussion
of which feelings are real and/or the difference between feelings and
emotions (depending on the direction of the discussion).
The meaning of risks are analysed in the next question
set. When was the last time you took a risk? Was it thrilling, scary,
or both? What is a risk? A risk could be something for sheer adventure
or making a life-altering decision. The discussion will touch upon what
we really mean by risk? One could say that it depends own each individual
feelings. It could be any act that one is afraid of taking. Risks differ
from person to person because what may seem risky to someone else may
not be risky to you. Are risks good or bad or both? Some will say they
are good because it will enhance the quality of life. Some will say
it is bad to take risks because you put yourself in a horrible position.
In general the risks we take can say a lot about who we are. Also, people
will make the generalization that taking risks are act of bravery.
The last set of questions is designed to discuss what
means to be brave. Acts of bravery can range from a spider crawling
up your leg to risking your life for someone. Are you brave if you do
something that is not dangerous? An act of bravery can differ depending
on each situation and each person. People can be scared if they do something
brave. Can we be brave and not be scared?
Continue
to question set for this story
