All Dilemmas

Justice and Human Interaction: Should Nadia prioritize her project or share resources?

By Aristotle•Technology Ethics•2 min read•Grade 9.3
Classroom
Intermediate

Overview

Imagine a group of friends sharing snacks during a break. If one friend takes more than their fair share, it can lead to feelings of unfairness. Understanding justice helps them navigate how to share equally so everyone feels included and happy.

The Choice

Should Nadia prioritize her project or share resources?

Quick Stats

Grade Band
Grades 6-8
Reading Level
Level 9.3
Word Count
302 words
Published
Jun 7, 2025

The Dilemma

Nadia and Marina are part of their school's science club, preparing for an upcoming science fair. The club has been given a limited budget to purchase materials for their projects. Nadia, who is working on a solar-powered car, needs a specific expensive component to complete her project. Meanwhile, Marina, who is building a model of a sustainable city, also requires additional materials to bring her vision to life. The club members have to decide how to allocate the remaining funds fairly. During a meeting, Nadia realizes that if she takes the funds for her component, Marina's project might not be as successful, and vice versa. Both projects are important for their final grade and personal interests. Nadia Something has to give.

Values in Tension

This dilemma explores the tension between two important values:

Fairness
vs
Compassion

Consider how these values might conflict or complement each other in this situation.

Your Options

A

Prioritize her solar car project.

B

Share resources with Marina.

Questions for Reflection

Take a moment to consider these questions. There are no "right" answers – the goal is to explore different perspectives and develop your own reasoning.

  1. 1

    What would you do, and why?

  2. 2

    How does sharing resources impact friendships?

  3. 3

    Why is fairness important in group decisions?

  4. 4

    How might Aristotle advise Nadia in this situation?

  5. 5

    Can you recall a time in your own life when you faced a somewhat similar choice or feeling? What did you do?

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Philosophical Perspective

Insights from Aristotle

Take a moment to form your own thoughts first, then click to explore philosophical perspectives.

Related Topics

fairness
responsibility
collaboration
Marble bust of Aristotle, depicting a bearded man with a thoughtful and serious expression, representing the ancient Greek philosopher.

Aristotle384–322 BCE

Aristotle (384–322 BCE), a student of Plato and founder of the Lyceum, was a Greek philosopher whose vast contributions shaped logic (Organon), ethics (eudaimonia, virtue ethics in Nicomachean Ethics), politics (Politics), metaphysics (substance, four cause…

Peripatetic School
Lyceum
Ancient Greek Philosophy
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Lesson Plans

Quick Fire5 min

Justice and Human Interaction — 5-10 minutes

Learning objectives:

  • -Identify the core ethical tension
  • -Make a quick, reasoned choice

Discussion prompts:

  • 1.Which option did you choose, and why?
  • 2.What would you give up with each choice?
participation
Classroom
Standard15 min

Justice and Human Interaction — 15-20 minutes

Learning objectives:

  • -Identify competing values
  • -Articulate trade-offs

Discussion prompts:

  • 1.What would you lose by choosing each option?
  • 2.Is there a third path?
participation
Classroom