by Patrick McDonnell

Questions for Philosophical Discussion
by Courtney Cioffredi
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The meaning of nothing:

"But in a world filled with so many somethings, where could he find nothing?"

1. Why did Frank say "There was nothing on TV"? Wasn't there something on TV?
2. What does it mean when someone says there is nothing to do or nothing to buy at the store?
3. How can we put nothing a box? Can you capture nothing?
4. What is nothing? Is it something?
5. Can you think of nothing or think about nothing? Do you always have to be thinking of something? Is thinking about things that do not exist thinking about nothing?
6. What was inside the box that Mooch gave Earl? How do you know?
7. If you cannot see something, does that mean that nothing is there? What might an  example be?

The meaning of Friendship:

1. Was Mooch being a good friend when he gave Earl nothing?
2. Might there be another gift that Mooch gave Earl? How do you know?
3. Do you think Mooch gave Earl friendship rather than nothing as his gift?
4. Do you have a good friend like Mooch?
5. What makes someone a friend?
6. What makes someone a good friend?
7. Do you have friends who you are friends with for different reasons?
8. What are the reasons you are friends with someone?

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