Talia and Mila are part of a school project group tasked with creating a presentation on local history...

By Frederick Douglass•Community & Civic Responsibility•2 min read•Grade 9.3
Classroom
Intermediate

Quick Stats

Grade Band
Grades 6-8
Reading Level
Level 9.3
Word Count
316 words
Published
Jan 1, 2024

The Dilemma

Talia and Mila are part of a school project group tasked with creating a presentation on local history. Each member has a specific role, but Talia, who is responsible for the final presentation, notices Mila struggling with her research. Mila is hesitant to ask for help because she doesn't want to seem incapable. Talia knows that if they don't work together, the project might not meet their expectations. She also realizes that helping Mila might mean sacrificing some of her own free time. Talia Now they have to decide.

Values in Tension

This dilemma explores the tension between two important values:

Community
vs
Loyalty

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

Your Options

A

Help Mila with her research.

B

Focus on her own tasks.

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 helping others strengthen a community?

  3. 3

    What are the potential benefits and drawbacks of Talia helping Mila?

  4. 4

    How might Frederick Douglass advise Talia 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 Frederick Douglass

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

Related Topics

collaboration
community
friendship
Portrait of Frederick Douglass, a distinguished African American man with a beard and intense gaze, embodying dignity and intellect.

Frederick Douglassc. 1818-1895

Born into slavery, Frederick Douglass (c. 1818-1895) became a prominent American abolitionist, orator, writer, and statesman. His powerful autobiographies and speeches exposed the horrors of slavery and advocated for emancipation and equal rights for all, i…

Abolitionism
American Philosophy
Civil Rights Advocacy
Explore how Frederick Douglass informs this dilemma and discover additional ethical puzzles shaped by their ideas.
Learn more about Frederick Douglass or continue exploring dilemmas inspired by their philosophy.

Lesson Plans

Quick Fire5 min

Talia and Mila are part of a school project group tasked with creating a presentation on local history... — 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