Critique of Authority: Should Yara support Alex or advocate collaboration?

By Mary WollstonecraftFairness & Justice2 min readGrade 10.6
Classroom
Intermediate

Overview

Consider a group project where one student dominates the discussion, and others feel pressured to agree. If the group learns to question authority and share ideas equally, they can create a better project together, highlighting the value of collaboration over blind obedience.

The Choice

Should Yara support Alex or advocate collaboration?

Quick Stats

Grade Band
Grades 6-8
Reading Level
Level 10.6
Word Count
309 words
Published
Jun 7, 2025

The Dilemma

Yara and Finn are working on a group project for their history class. Their group leader, Alex, is known for being very opinionated and often insists on his ideas without considering others. During a meeting, Alex proposes a plan that Yara feels isn't the best approach. She believes that their project could be more creative and inclusive if everyone shared their ideas. However, Yara notices that Finn and the others seem hesitant to speak up, possibly due to Alex's dominating presence. Yara is torn between going along with Alex's plan, which seems easier and avoids conflict, or encouraging the group to voice their opinions, which might lead to a better project but could also cause tension. Yara The decision isn't easy.

Values in Tension

This dilemma explores the tension between two important values:

Autonomy
vs
Compassion

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

Your Options

A

Support Alex's plan for harmony.

B

Advocate for a collaborative approach.

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 Finn and others feel hesitant to speak up?

  3. 3

    What are the potential benefits of a collaborative approach?

  4. 4

    How might Mary Wollstonecraft advise Yara 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?

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Philosophical Perspective

Insights from Mary Wollstonecraft

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

Related Topics

authority
collaboration
peer-pressure
Portrait of Mary Wollstonecraft by John Opie, circa 1797, showing her in a white dress and black hat, looking thoughtfully to her left.

Mary Wollstonecraft1759-1797

Mary Wollstonecraft (1759-1797) was a pioneering English feminist philosopher and writer. Her seminal work, 'A Vindication of the Rights of Woman' (1792), argued for women's rationality and the necessity of their education for societal progress.

Feminist Philosophy
Enlightenment Philosophy
Liberalism
Explore how Mary Wollstonecraft informs this dilemma and discover additional ethical puzzles shaped by their ideas.
Learn more about Mary Wollstonecraft or continue exploring dilemmas inspired by their philosophy.

Lesson Plans

Quick Fire5 min

Critique of Authority — 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

Critique of Authority — 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