Interconnectedness and Community: An Inclusion Dilemma

By Marcus AureliusRelationships & Social Skills2 min readGrade 10.1
Classroom
Intermediate

Quick Stats

Grade Band
Grades 6-8
Reading Level
Level 10.1
Word Count
318 words
Published
Jan 19, 2025

The Dilemma

Violet and Yuri are part of a close-knit group of friends who enjoy playing soccer together after school. Recently, a new student, Alex, joined their school and expressed interest in joining their soccer games. However, some members of the group are hesitant to include Alex, fearing that he might not fit in or disrupt their established dynamics. Yuri, being one of the more influential voices in the group, suggests that they give Alex a chance, emphasizing the importance of being welcoming and inclusive. Violet, who values her friends' opinions, feels torn. She understands Yuri's point and the significance of community, but she also worries about the potential changes Alex might bring to their games. As the group looks to her for a decision, Violet

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

Include Alex in the group.

B

Keep the group unchanged.

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 some people resist including Alex?

  3. 3

    How could including Alex benefit the group?

  4. 4

    How might Marcus Aurelius advise Violet 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

inclusion
community
friendship
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

Interconnectedness 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

Interconnectedness 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