Hedgehog's dilemma

High school (ages 12+)
Philosophy & Big Questions

Name:

Date:

Step 1 · Read the article

Open the article and read it at the level above. Then answer the questions below in your own words.

https://smallwhale.org/articles/hedgehog-s-dilemma

Write what each word means, using the article.

Do not copy the article. Write two things you learned, the way you would explain them to a friend.

Answers below are taken from the article’s stored facts, so they match what the student read.

1. What is the philosophical originator?Arthur Schopenhauer (1788-1860), German philosopher
2. What is the primary text?Parerga and Paralipomena (published 1851)
3. Why do hedgehogs have trouble staying close?Because their quills, which keep them safe, also poke each other when they get too close, so they must keep a little distance.
4. How does this idea help us understand friendships?It reminds us that when we get close to friends, we can feel hurt or hurt them, so we need to find a balance between staying close and keeping some space.

Existentialism: A philosophy emphasizing individual existence, freedom, and choice, often grappling with themes of meaning and isolation.
Reciprocal Relationship: A relationship where feelings, actions, or benefits are exchanged mutually between individuals.
Social Alienation: A state of estrangement or isolation from society, often resulting from a perceived lack of connection or belonging.