What is the conflict between Alberto and the Major? How do Sophie & Hilde participate? Who wins?

Are you referring to the Major's cabin?

In the book "Sophie's World" by Jostein Gaarder, Alberto Knox and Major Albert Knag have a significant philosophical conflict that reflects broader philosophical debates in the history of philosophy.

Alberto Knox represents the philosophical position of Idealism. Idealism is a philosophical perspective that emphasizes the primacy of ideas or mental phenomena over physical reality. According to idealism, the external world, including the physical world, is ultimately a creation or projection of the mind. Alberto believes that reality is, in essence, a construct of human thought and consciousness.

On the other hand, Major Albert Knag represents the philosophical position of Materialism. Materialism is a philosophical perspective that asserts that the physical world, including matter and the natural sciences, is the fundamental reality. Materialists argue that everything, including human thoughts and consciousness, can be ultimately explained in terms of physical processes and natural laws. Major Knag holds the view that the physical world is real and exists independently of human consciousness.

The conflict between Alberto and the Major revolves around this fundamental philosophical disagreement. Alberto, as the mentor to Sophie (the protagonist of the story), introduces her to various philosophical ideas and traditions, including Idealism. He emphasizes the role of human thought and consciousness in shaping and interpreting reality. In contrast, Major Knag represents a more empirical and materialistic perspective, highlighting the importance of the physical world and scientific inquiry.

This conflict serves as a way for the author to explore and illustrate key philosophical concepts and debates throughout the course of the novel. It also underscores the diversity of philosophical thought and the different ways in which philosophers have grappled with questions about the nature of reality, knowledge, and existence throughout history.