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Choosing the Right Pleasures: Should Anya go to the sleepover or study?

By Epictetus•School & Academic Life•2 min read•Grade 7.6
Classroom
Intermediate

Overview

A teenager faces a choice between going to a party where there will be peer pressure to drink alcohol or staying home to study for an important exam. Choosing to study represents the pleasure that leads to a better future.

The Choice

Should Anya go to the sleepover or study?

Quick Stats

Grade Band
Grades 6-8
Reading Level
Level 7.6
Word Count
314 words
Published
Jun 7, 2025

The Dilemma

Anya and Valentina were best friends, and they did almost everything together. One Friday afternoon, Valentina invited Anya to a sleepover at her house. Valentina's older brother was going to be away, and they had the house to themselves. Valentina hinted that they might try some things they wouldn't usually do, like watching a movie they weren't allowed to see or trying a sip of her brother's beer. Anya was excited but also felt a bit uneasy about breaking the rules. Meanwhile, Anya had an important math test on Monday for which she needed to study. Her grades were important to her, and she wanted to do well. Anya knew that if she stayed home, she could focus on her studies and be well-prepared for the test. However, she didn't want to disappoint Valentina or miss out on the fun. Anya

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

Go to Valentina's sleepover.

B

Stay home to study.

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 might Anya feel if she chooses to go to the sleepover?

  3. 3

    What could be the consequences of staying home to study?

  4. 4

    How might Epictetus advise Anya 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

peer-pressure
responsibility
self-control
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.
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Lesson Plans

Quick Fire5 min

Choosing the Right Pleasures — 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 the Right Pleasures — 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