Connection to Community: A Collaboration Dilemma

By Marcus AureliusRelationships & Social Skills2 min readGrade 9.8
Classroom
Intermediate

Quick Stats

Grade Band
Grades 6-8
Reading Level
Level 9.8
Word Count
292 words
Published
Jan 19, 2025

The Dilemma

Jae and Emily were assigned to work on a science project together. They were excited but soon realized they had different ideas about how to proceed. Emily wanted to focus on building a model, while Jae thought a detailed report would be more impressive. As they discussed, Jae noticed that Emily seemed less enthusiastic and a bit disconnected from the project. Jae remembered that Emily had mentioned feeling left out in group activities before. Jae thought about the importance of working together and how they could both contribute their strengths to the project. Jae The moment of decision has arrived.

Values in Tension

This dilemma explores the tension between two important values:

Compassion
vs
Community

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

Your Options

A

Insist on doing the report.

B

Combine ideas for inclusion.

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 can Jae ensure both he and Emily contribute equally?

  3. 3

    Why might Emily feel disconnected from the project?

  4. 4

    How might Marcus Aurelius advise Jae 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 Marcus Aurelius

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

Related Topics

collaboration
inclusion
community
Marble bust of Marcus Aurelius, Roman Emperor and Stoic philosopher, featuring curly hair and beard, looking slightly to his left.

Marcus Aurelius Antoninus121-180

Marcus Aurelius (121-180 CE) was a Roman Emperor and a leading Stoic philosopher. His reign was marked by military conflict and plague, yet he is renowned for his Meditations, a personal journal reflecting on Stoic principles of virtue, duty, and resilience.

Stoicism
Practical application of Stoic philosophy to daily life and leadership
Emphasis on reason, virtue, and duty to the common good (cosmopolis)
Explore how Marcus Aurelius Antoninus informs this dilemma and discover additional ethical puzzles shaped by their ideas.
Learn more about Marcus Aurelius Antoninus or continue exploring dilemmas inspired by their philosophy.

Lesson Plans

Quick Fire5 min

Connection to Community — 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

Connection to Community — 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