Awareness of Personal Weaknesses: Should Obi pass to Lin or take the shot himself?

By AristotleSchool & Academic Life2 min readGrade 7.0
Classroom
Intermediate

Overview

A child who loves sweets might find it hard to resist candy at a party. By recognizing their weakness, they can decide to eat a little less or choose healthier snacks instead to avoid feeling sick later.

The Choice

Should Obi pass to Lin or take the shot himself?

Quick Stats

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

The Dilemma

Obi and Lin have been inseparable since the third grade, always pushing each other to try new things. Obi is known for his incredible speed and agility, but he often gets too competitive, sometimes forgetting to pass the ball to his teammates. During a crucial match, Obi finds himself with the ball, sprinting towards the goal. Lin is open and in a better position to score, but Obi feels the urge to take the shot himself, driven by the thrill of scoring a goal. He knows that his tendency to hog the ball has cost his team points in the past, and Lin has reminded him about teamwork. Obi The moment of decision has arrived.

Values in Tension

This dilemma explores the tension between two important values:

Self-Knowledge
vs
Fairness

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

Your Options

A

Pass to Lin for a better chance.

B

Take the shot himself.

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 knowing his weakness help Obi decide?

  3. 3

    Why might Obi feel torn between choices?

  4. 4

    How might Aristotle advise Obi 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

self-awareness
teamwork
competition
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

Awareness of Personal Weaknesses — 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

Awareness of Personal Weaknesses — 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