Judging What is Within Our Control: Should Laksh do all the work or encourage Wei?

By Marcus AureliusTechnology Ethics2 min readGrade 7.9
Classroom
Intermediate

Overview

Consider a student who doesn’t get the grade they hoped for on a test. Instead of feeling upset about the result, they focus on what they can do to improve next time, like studying differently or asking for help.

The Choice

Should Laksh do all the work or encourage Wei?

Quick Stats

Grade Band
Grades 6-8
Reading Level
Level 7.9
Word Count
305 words
Published
Jun 6, 2025

The Dilemma

Laksh and Wei are both in the same class and have been assigned a group project. Laksh is excited about the project and wants to do well, but Wei seems more interested in playing video games and is not contributing much. As the deadline approaches, Laksh feels the pressure to complete the project on his own to ensure a good grade for both of them. However, Laksh also values fairness and believes that both should contribute equally. During a conversation, Wei admits that he finds the project boring and difficult, and that's why he's been avoiding it. Laksh

Values in Tension

This dilemma explores the tension between two important values:

Fairness
vs
Responsibility

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

Your Options

A

Do all the work himself.

B

Encourage Wei to participate.

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 might Wei find the project boring?

  3. 3

    What are the consequences of doing all the work alone?

  4. 4

    How might Marcus Aurelius advise Laksh 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

fairness
responsibility
peer-pressure
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

Judging What is Within Our Control — 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

Judging What is Within Our Control — 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