Should Priya join in or stand up for Alex?

By Mary WollstonecraftSchool & Academic Life2 min readGrade 9.0
Classroom
Intermediate

Quick Stats

Grade Band
Grades 6-8
Reading Level
Level 9
Word Count
280 words
Published
Jun 7, 2025

The Dilemma

Priya and Hannah became close after being paired together for a competition neither of them wanted to enter. One day during recess, they notice a group of students teasing a new student named Alex for wearing glasses. Hannah laughs along with the crowd, but Priya feels uncomfortable. She remembers how it felt when she was new at the school and how difficult it was to make friends. Priya knows that standing up for Alex might mean going against her friends and risking her own social standing. However, she also feels a strong urge to support Alex and show kindness.

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

Join in with the crowd.

B

Stand up for Alex.

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 do you think Priya feels uncomfortable?

  3. 3

    What are the possible outcomes of Priya's choices?

  4. 4

    How might Mary Wollstonecraft advise Priya 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 Mary Wollstonecraft

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

Related Topics

peer-pressure
standing-up-for-others
empathy
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

Women's Rights and Education — 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

Women's Rights and Education — 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