Harmony with Others: An Empathy Dilemma

By Marcus AureliusRelationships & Social Skills2 min readGrade 9.4
Classroom
Intermediate

Quick Stats

Grade Band
Grades 6-8
Reading Level
Level 9.4
Word Count
290 words
Published
Jan 19, 2025

The Dilemma

Dana and Min-jun are working on a group project in their 7th-grade science class. The project is due in a week, and they have been assigned to create a presentation on renewable energy. Dana is very passionate about the environment and has already done a lot of research. Min-jun, however, struggles with science and often feels overwhelmed by the amount of information. During a group meeting, Dana notices that Min-jun is unusually quiet and seems lost. Dana could easily finish the project on her own, ensuring a good grade, but she knows that Min-jun won't learn anything if he doesn't participate.

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 Min-jun understand the material.

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 Dana feel if she finishes the project alone?

  3. 3

    What are the benefits of helping Min-jun?

  4. 4

    How might Marcus Aurelius advise Dana 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?

Did you like this dilemma?

Loading poll data...

Philosophical Perspective

Insights from Marcus Aurelius

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

Related Topics

empathy
responsibility
collaboration
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

Harmony with Others — 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

Harmony with Others — 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