All Dilemmas

Friendship Can Be Based on Pleasure or Utility: Should Sofia confront Sekou or continue doing most of the work?

By Aristotle•Relationships & Social Skills•2 min read•Grade 8.5
Classroom
Intermediate

Overview

Think of a group project where some classmates only work together because they want a good grade. Once the project is over, they may not stay in touch or continue their friendship because it was based on the benefit of getting a good mark, not on genuine care.

The Choice

Should Sofia confront Sekou or continue doing most of the work?

Quick Stats

Grade Band
Grades 6-8
Reading Level
Level 8.5
Word Count
302 words
Published
Jun 7, 2025

The Dilemma

Sofia and Sekou are working on a science project together. Sofia is excited because Sekou is known for being really good at science and she thinks working with him will ensure a great grade. As they work, Sofia realizes that Sekou is more interested in playing video games than contributing to the project. She starts doing most of the work while Sekou occasionally helps out, but mostly when it’s convenient for him. As the project deadline approaches, Sofia feels the pressure of carrying the load but also enjoys the fun moments they share. However, she begins to question whether their friendship is genuine or just based on the utility of getting a good grade. Sofia What should they do?

Values in Tension

This dilemma explores the tension between two important values:

Fairness
vs
Loyalty

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

Your Options

A

Confront Sekou about the workload.

B

Continue doing most of the work.

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 do you think Sofia feels about her friendship with Sekou?

  3. 3

    What are the benefits and drawbacks of confronting Sekou?

  4. 4

    How might Aristotle advise Sofia 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

friendship
responsibility
communication
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

Friendship Can Be Based on Pleasure or Utility — 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

Friendship Can Be Based on Pleasure or Utility — 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