Should Lin speak up for Mia or stay silent?

By EpictetusTechnology Ethics2 min readGrade 9.4
Classroom
Intermediate

Quick Stats

Grade Band
Grades 6-8
Reading Level
Level 9.4
Word Count
321 words
Published
Jun 7, 2025

The Dilemma

Lin and Zoë are best friends who love playing soccer. Their team is preparing for a big tournament, and everyone is excited. However, Lin notices that the team captain, Alex, has been sidelining a new player, Mia, because she isn't as skilled yet. Lin knows that Mia has been practicing hard and deserves a chance to play. Meanwhile, Lin's parents have promised a reward if Lin's team wins the tournament, which could help Lin buy a new gaming console. Lin values the reward but also feels uneasy about the unfair treatment of Mia. Lin

Values in Tension

This dilemma explores the tension between two important values:

Fairness
vs
Integrity

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

Your Options

A

Speak up for Mia's inclusion.

B

Stay silent for the team's win.

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

    Why is it important to include everyone in a team?

  3. 3

    How might winning affect Lin's feelings about the decision?

  4. 4

    How might Epictetus advise Lin 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 Epictetus

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

Related Topics

fairness
integrity
peer-pressure
Portrait of Epictetus

Epictetusc. 50-c. 135

Epictetus (c. 50 – c. 135 AD) was a prominent Stoic philosopher who began life as a slave in Phrygia. After gaining freedom, he taught philosophy in Rome and later established a renowned school in Nicopolis. Though he wrote nothing, his teachings, recorded …

Stoicism
The Dichotomy of Control (what is in our power vs. what is not)
Prohairesis (Moral Choice/Volition) and the Correct Use of Impressions
Explore how Epictetus informs this dilemma and discover additional ethical puzzles shaped by their ideas.
Learn more about Epictetus or continue exploring dilemmas inspired by their philosophy.

Lesson Plans

Quick Fire5 min

Stoic Philosophy and Self-Control — 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

Stoic Philosophy and Self-Control — 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