Social Connection and Community: Should Obi finish the project alone or help Rohan?

By Marcus AureliusRelationships & Social Skills2 min readGrade 8.1
Classroom
Intermediate

Overview

Think of a group project where one student decides to isolate themselves from the team. They realize that their lack of cooperation not only affects the group’s success but also makes them feel lonely and disconnected from their classmates.

The Choice

Should Obi finish the project alone or help Rohan?

Quick Stats

Grade Band
Grades 6-8
Reading Level
Level 8.1
Word Count
289 words
Published
Jun 6, 2025

The Dilemma

Obi and Rohan are classmates working on a group project about ancient civilizations. Obi is excited about the topic and has lots of ideas to contribute. However, Rohan, who is usually very involved, has been distant and unresponsive to group messages. Obi learns from another friend that Rohan is dealing with some personal issues at home, which might be affecting his participation. The project deadline is approaching, and Obi feels the pressure to complete the work. He knows he can finish it on his own, but he also understands the importance of teamwork and wants to support Rohan. Obi What should they do?

Values in Tension

This dilemma explores the tension between two important values:

Compassion
vs
Responsibility

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

Your Options

A

Finish the project alone.

B

Help Rohan and work together.

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 Obi's choice affect his friendship with Rohan?

  3. 3

    What are the benefits of working together as a team?

  4. 4

    How might Marcus Aurelius advise Obi 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
empathy
responsibility
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

Social Connection and 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

Social Connection and 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