Pardonable vs. Unpardonable Actions: Should Cassian trip Ruby intentionally or play fairly?

By AristotleTechnology Ethics2 min readGrade 9.9
Classroom
Intermediate

Overview

Imagine a student who accidentally spills juice on a friend's homework while reaching for a snack. This mistake is seen as forgivable. However, if a student purposely tears up another's project out of jealousy, that action is viewed as unpardonable. This illustrates how intentions matter in our actions.

The Choice

Should Cassian trip Ruby intentionally or play fairly?

Quick Stats

Grade Band
Grades 6-8
Reading Level
Level 9.9
Word Count
293 words
Published
Jun 7, 2025

The Dilemma

Cassian and Ruby have known each other long enough to know exactly which buttons not to push. One day, they are practicing at the park when Cassian accidentally trips Ruby, causing her to fall and hurt her knee. Cassian feels terrible, knowing it was an accident, and apologizes immediately. Ruby, though in pain, understands and forgives Cassian, recognizing it was unintentional. Later, during a school soccer match, Cassian is frustrated when Ruby scores a goal against his team. In a moment of anger, he considers tripping Ruby on purpose to prevent her from scoring again. However, he hesitates, realizing that acting out of jealousy would be unfair and hurtful. Cassian Every option has its cost.

Values in Tension

This dilemma explores the tension between two important values:

Fairness
vs
Compassion

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

Your Options

A

Trip Ruby intentionally.

B

Play fairly and respect Ruby.

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 is it important to consider intentions behind actions?

  3. 3

    How do emotions influence our decisions?

  4. 4

    How might Aristotle advise Cassian 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
self-control
empathy
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

Pardonable vs. Unpardonable Actions — 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

Pardonable vs. Unpardonable Actions — 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