The Value of Self-Reliance: Should Rohan wait for materials or use recycled ones?

By John LockeCharacter Development2 min readGrade 9.3
Classroom
Intermediate

Overview

Imagine a group of friends who want to play a game but realize they don't have any toys. Instead of waiting for someone to bring something, they decide to use their surroundings to create a fun game together, learning to rely on their own ideas and teamwork.

The Choice

Should Rohan wait for materials or use recycled ones?

Quick Stats

Grade Band
Grades 6-8
Reading Level
Level 9.3
Word Count
320 words
Published
Jun 7, 2025

The Dilemma

Rohan and Valentina were part of a group project in their science class, tasked with creating a model of a sustainable city. The group quickly realized they didn't have enough materials to build the model as planned. Valentina suggested they wait for the teacher to provide more supplies, but Rohan thought they could use what they had around them. He noticed some cardboard boxes, old newspapers, and plastic bottles in the recycling bin. Rohan proposed they use these materials creatively to build their city model. Valentina was unsure, worried that their project might not look as polished as others. However, Rohan believed that using their creativity and resourcefulness could make their project unique and demonstrate their ability to solve problems independently. As the group debated, Rohan Something has to give.

Values in Tension

This dilemma explores the tension between two important values:

Creativity
vs
Integrity

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

Your Options

A

Wait for more materials.

B

Use recycled materials creatively.

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 use creativity in problem-solving?

  3. 3

    How can using recycled materials be beneficial?

  4. 4

    How might John Locke advise Rohan 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 John Locke

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

Related Topics

creativity
problem-solving
decision-making
Portrait of John Locke, the English Enlightenment philosopher

John Locke1632-1704

John Locke (1632-1704) was a highly influential English philosopher and physician, widely regarded as one of the most important Enlightenment thinkers. Known as the 'Father of Liberalism' and founder of British empiricism, he profoundly impacted Western pol…

Empiricism
Liberalism
Development of Empiricism (Tabula Rasa)
Explore how John Locke informs this dilemma and discover additional ethical puzzles shaped by their ideas.
Learn more about John Locke or continue exploring dilemmas inspired by their philosophy.

Lesson Plans

Quick Fire5 min

The Value of Self-Reliance — 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

The Value of Self-Reliance — 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