Challenge 1090

Esse est percipi

1. In Robin Helweg-Larsen’s An Observation:

   1. George Berkeley’s philosophy of Idealism is based upon the principle: “To be is to be perceived.” How does the theory of Quantum Physics support the principle of perception? Or does it?
   2. The poem concludes by listing a number of supernatural beings whose reality is implicitly denied as long as they have not been perceived. How does “God” differ — by definition — from the others in the list?
   3. By whom or what must something be perceived in order to exist? And how does a perception take place?

2. In Gary Clifton’s Jes’ Don’t Eat All Them ’Maters: DuPree appears to resurrect from death twice. What preconceptions cause the misperception?

3. In C. E. Powell’s The Copenhagen Interpretation:

   1. At what point in the story does it become apparent that Matthew no longer exists in Danny’s life? What may have happened to Matthew?
   2. What is the dramatic function of the TV series Unsolved Mysteries? The disappearance of Zoe and Ellie?
   3. If Danny cannot find Matthew, will she cease to exist?

4. In Amita Basu’s Mirror: Katharyn perceives she doesn’t understand her Uncle’s coprophylia and his insistence that they perform a strange ritual. What might the ritual signify?

5. In Jeffrey Greene’s The Dog Park: Why does the woman return? For whom is the gunshot intended that Ron hears at the end? Why might Ron be content not to perceive the details of the action?

6. In Matias Travieso-Diaz’s A Restaging of Nutcracker: How are the different versions of Nutcracker perceived by the theatre audiences and the nation’s Leader? How does the story illustrate the difference between perception and interpretation?

7. In Richard Ong’s The Beasts Within,” where are the “beasts,” exactly?

Responses welcome!

Copyright © May 5, 2025 by Bewildering Stories
What is a Bewildering Stories Challenge?