All Dilemmas

Choosing Our Responses: Clara must choose between focusing on the project or supporting Chen.

By Epictetus•Relationships & Social Skills•2 min read•Grade 8.7
Classroom
Intermediate

Overview

When facing a challenge, like a tough math test, instead of feeling overwhelmed, you decide to see it as an opportunity to learn and improve, focusing on your effort rather than the pressure.

The Choice

Clara must choose between focusing on the project or supporting Chen.

Quick Stats

Grade Band
Grades 6-8
Reading Level
Level 8.739731137216907
Word Count
359 words
Published
Mar 23, 2026

The Dilemma

Clara and Chen are working on a group project for their science class. Clara is excited because she loves science, but Chen seems distracted and uninterested. Clara notices that Chen is spending more time on his phone than on the project. She learns that Chen is worried about a personal issue at home, which is affecting his focus. Clara feels torn between wanting to help Chen and ensuring their project is completed on time. If she chooses to help Chen, they might not finish the project well, affecting their grades. However, if she focuses solely on the project, she might miss an opportunity to support her friend. Clara now faces a choice: (A) focus on completing the project to the best of her ability, or (B) take time to support Chen with his personal issue.

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

Focus on completing the project

B

Support Chen with his personal issue

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 'Choosing Our Responses' apply here?

  3. 3

    What are the possible consequences of each choice?

  4. 4

    How might Epictetus advise Clara here?

  5. 5

    Turn & tell: What would our class consider the proper action here, and why?

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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

loyalty
responsibility
friendship
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.
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Lesson Plans

Quick Fire5 min

Choosing Our Responses — 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
Classroom
Standard15 min

Choosing Our Responses — 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
Classroom