Mary Wollstonecraft on Should Lucy let Ben decide or build the castle?

By Mary WollstonecraftTechnology Ethics2 min readGrade 5.7
Classroom
Intermediate

Overview

Lucy and Ben are building a tower with blocks in their classroom. There are only enough blocks for one tall tower.

The Choice

Should Lucy let Ben decide or build the castle?

Quick Stats

Grade Band
Grades K-2
Reading Level
Level 5.710824894514772
Word Count
237 words
Published
Mar 23, 2026

The Dilemma

Lucy and Ben are building a tower with blocks in their classroom. There are only enough blocks for one tall tower. Lucy wants it to be a castle, while Ben wants a spaceship. Lucy says, "I had a turn last time, so it's only fair Ben decides." Ben replies, "But your castle idea is really good!"

Values in Tension

This dilemma explores the tension between two important values:

Fairness
vs
Equality

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

Your Options

A

Let Ben decide and build a spaceship

B

Build the castle Lucy imagined

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

    Why is it important for both to have a turn?

  2. 2

    How would Lucy feel if Ben chooses?

  3. 3

    How would Ben feel if he doesn't choose?

  4. 4

    What would you do if you were Lucy?

  5. 5

    Can they find a way to combine both ideas?

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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

fairness
equality
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

The Principle of Fairness — 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