Adherence to Ethical Precepts: Should Chloe use pre-made presentations or not?

By EpictetusCharacter Development2 min readGrade 8.0
Classroom
Intermediate

Overview

Think about a school where students are expected to follow rules like respecting others and being honest. If a student chooses to ignore these rules, they not only hurt others but also risk their own standing in the community.

The Choice

Should Chloe use pre-made presentations or not?

Quick Stats

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

The Dilemma

Chloe and Ren were working on a group project for their history class, tasked with creating a presentation about ancient civilizations. They were both excited and wanted to impress their teacher, Mr. Thompson. During their research, Chloe stumbled upon a website that offered pre-made presentations for a small fee. It was tempting because it would save them a lot of time and effort, and the presentations looked professional. However, Chloe remembered the school's honor code, which emphasized honesty and originality in students' work. She knew that using the pre-made presentation would be against the rules, but the pressure to perform well was strong, especially since Ren was counting on her. Ren, unaware of Chloe's discovery, suggested they could finish faster if they found a shortcut. Chloe Every option has its cost.

Values in Tension

This dilemma explores the tension between two important values:

Honesty
vs
Autonomy

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

Your Options

A

Use pre-made presentations.

B

Create their own presentation.

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

    What are the potential consequences of using the pre-made presentation?

  3. 3

    How might Chloe feel if she chooses to stick to the honor code?

  4. 4

    How might Epictetus advise Chloe 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

honesty
peer-pressure
integrity
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

Adherence to Ethical Precepts — 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

Adherence to Ethical Precepts — 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