Voluntary Nature of Virtue and Vice: Should Alessia encourage Ishaan to practice or stay silent?

By AristotleSchool & Academic Life2 min readGrade 8.3
Classroom
Intermediate

Overview

Consider a teenager who decides to practice a musical instrument every day. As they persist, they become skilled and confident. Conversely, if they choose to neglect practice, they might struggle and feel frustrated. Their progress or lack thereof is a result of their choices.

The Choice

Should Alessia encourage Ishaan to practice or stay silent?

Quick Stats

Grade Band
Grades 6-8
Reading Level
Level 8.3
Word Count
267 words
Published
Jun 7, 2025

The Dilemma

Alessia and Ishaan are the kind of friends who finish each other's sentences and notice when something is off. Recently, Alessia has noticed that Ishaan has been skipping practice, choosing instead to hang out with friends at the local arcade. Alessia, who has been diligently attending every practice, is starting to feel the pressure of carrying the team. Their coach has announced that the upcoming match is crucial, and everyone needs to be at their best. Alessia knows that if she tells Ishaan to come to practice, it might strain their friendship, but if she ignores it, the team might suffer. Alessia Now they have to decide.

Values in Tension

This dilemma explores the tension between two important values:

Autonomy
vs
Responsibility

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

Your Options

A

Encourage Ishaan to attend practice.

B

Stay silent and let him choose.

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 skipping practice affect Ishaan and the team?

  3. 3

    What are the consequences of staying silent?

  4. 4

    How might Aristotle advise Alessia 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

peer-pressure
responsibility
integrity
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.
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Lesson Plans

Quick Fire5 min

Voluntary Nature of Virtue and Vice — 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

Voluntary Nature of Virtue and Vice — 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