The Nature of Benefaction: Should Carlos help Alessia or focus on himself?

By AristotleRelationships & Social Skills2 min readGrade 9.1
Classroom
Intermediate

Overview

A teacher who spends extra time helping a struggling student often feels a strong bond with that student, as the teacher's efforts reflect their care and commitment to the student's success. In contrast, the student may not fully appreciate the teacher's help right away.

The Choice

Should Carlos help Alessia or focus on himself?

Quick Stats

Grade Band
Grades 6-8
Reading Level
Level 9.1
Word Count
291 words
Published
Jun 7, 2025

The Dilemma

Carlos and Alessia are both in the school's science club, preparing for an upcoming competition. Carlos, who is passionate about science, notices that Alessia is struggling with her project. He decides to help her, spending countless afternoons after school working together to improve her project. As the competition approaches, Alessia's project starts to shine, and she begins to gain confidence. However, Carlos realizes that his own project has suffered due to the time he spent helping Alessia. Now, he faces a dilemma: should he continue to help Alessia, knowing it might affect his own performance, or should he focus on his project to ensure his success in the competition? Carlos It's time to act.

Values in Tension

This dilemma explores the tension between two important values:

Loyalty
vs
Responsibility

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

Your Options

A

Continue helping Alessia.

B

Focus on his own project.

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 helping others affect our relationships?

  3. 3

    Why might Carlos feel more connected to Alessia after helping her?

  4. 4

    How might Aristotle advise Carlos 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

loyalty
responsibility
empathy
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
Explore how Aristotle informs this dilemma and discover additional ethical puzzles shaped by their ideas.
Learn more about Aristotle or continue exploring dilemmas inspired by their philosophy.

Lesson Plans

Quick Fire5 min

The Nature of Benefaction — 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
Standard15 min

The Nature of Benefaction — 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