Proportionality in Friendship: Should Kai accept Hawa's help or finish alone?

By AristotleTechnology Ethics2 min readGrade 8.3
Classroom
Intermediate

Overview

In a group project, one student might do most of the work while another contributes little. If the hardworking student feels unappreciated, it could lead to conflict, emphasizing the importance of recognizing and valuing each other's efforts to maintain harmony in the group.

The Choice

Should Kai accept Hawa's help or finish alone?

Quick Stats

Grade Band
Grades 6-8
Reading Level
Level 8.3
Word Count
303 words
Published
Jun 7, 2025

The Dilemma

Kai and Hawa bonded over a school project two years ago and haven't stopped talking since. Kai is very passionate about science and has been putting in a lot of effort, researching and working late into the night. Hawa, on the other hand, has been busy with her dance practices and has contributed less to the project. As the project deadline approaches, Kai feels the pressure of completing the project alone. During a lunch break, Hawa notices Kai looking stressed and offers to help with the final presentation. Kai appreciates the gesture but feels conflicted. Should Kai accept Hawa's help, knowing she hasn't contributed much so far, or should Kai finish the project alone to ensure it's done well? Kai Every option has its cost.

Values in Tension

This dilemma explores the tension between two important values:

Fairness
vs
Loyalty

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

Your Options

A

Accept Hawa's help for the presentation.

B

Finish the project 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

    What would you do, and why?

  2. 2

    How does sharing work affect friendship?

  3. 3

    What makes a friendship feel balanced?

  4. 4

    How might Aristotle advise Kai 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 Aristotle

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

Related Topics

fairness
friendship
responsibility
Marble bust of Aristotle, depicting a bearded man with a thoughtful and serious expression, representing the ancient Greek philosopher.

Aristotle384–322 BCE

Aristotle (384–322 BCE), a student of Plato and founder of the Lyceum, was a Greek philosopher whose vast contributions shaped logic (Organon), ethics (eudaimonia, virtue ethics in Nicomachean Ethics), politics (Politics), metaphysics (substance, four cause…

Peripatetic School
Lyceum
Ancient Greek Philosophy
Explore how Aristotle informs this dilemma and discover additional ethical puzzles shaped by their ideas.
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Lesson Plans

Quick Fire5 min

Proportionality in Friendship — 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

Proportionality in Friendship — 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