Mary Wollstonecraft on Should Lily let Max help her build the tower?

By Mary WollstonecraftFairness & Justice2 min readGrade 5.5
Classroom
Intermediate

Overview

Lily is playing with blocks in the classroom. She wants to build a tall tower all by herself.

The Choice

Should Lily let Max help her build the tower?

Quick Stats

Grade Band
Grades K-2
Reading Level
Level 5.521478696741855
Word Count
210 words
Published
Mar 23, 2026

The Dilemma

Lily is playing with blocks in the classroom. She wants to build a tall tower all by herself. Her friend Max comes over and asks, "Can I help you, Lily?" Lily likes building alone, but Max looks sad because he doesn't have anyone to play with.

Values in Tension

This dilemma explores the tension between two important values:

Independence
vs
Equality

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

Your Options

A

Share the building with Max.

B

Continue building alone.

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

    How might Lily feel if she shares the building?

  2. 2

    What could happen if Max gets to help?

  3. 3

    How could Max feel if he doesn't get to play?

  4. 4

    Why might Lily want to build by herself?

  5. 5

    What is important about sharing playtime?

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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

independence
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 Value of Independence — 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?
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