The tension between imagination and logic are key to an understanding of the epistemological issues raised by the book. Monica cannot actually play with the moon, but the myth of its presence allows for her imagination to run free. However, they continue to endorse these myths to their children. This is similar to the idea behind the Tooth Fairy or Santa Claus adults know the truth. Maybe the lie is a way of pretending more than simply a form of deception. Still, the moon eventually shrinks and returns to the sky. It proposes what may be considered a dangerous or illogical notion, ‘ask, and you shall receive.’ Monica is given the moon by her father. It is important to explore the different interpretations and implications of this book. With imagination, many things are possible. An understanding of reality as well as of imagination are equally important for knowledge. However, it may also be pointing out that there are different ways to see and understand the world. If we have not seen a ladder reach the moon, or the moon in the hands of a playful child, it must not be real. The story may be refusing objective knowledge, that is, the idea that we can only know what has been seen and proven. However, her father (whether pretending or actually doing so in the book) grants her wish and gathers the moon. Monica wishes for something impractical it is impossible to take hold of the moon. There are two forms of reasoning present, logical vs. The story deals with questions of reasoning and epistemology. As the moon gets smaller, Monica is eventually able to play with it, and she is overjoyed.Īnimated read aloud video by Illuminated Films Guidelines for Philosophical Discussion He grabs a very long ladder and places it atop a very high mountain and reaches the moon. She asks her father to get the moon for her.

Hoping to play with the moon, she stretches her arms out, but try as she might she is unable to grab the moon. Monica peers out her window and is greeted by the moon, which to her seems close by. Questions for Philosophical Discussion » Summary Papa, Please Get the Moon for Me encourages a discussion about reasoning, epistemology, and the conflict of imagination and reality.

Papa get the moon for me