The Value of True Friendship: Should Kofi confront Zoë about the app or not?

By AristotleRelationships & Social Skills2 min readGrade 8.4
Classroom
Intermediate

Overview

Imagine two students who help each other with homework not just to get good grades, but because they genuinely care about each other's learning and growth. Their friendship grows stronger as they support each other, even when school gets tough.

The Choice

Should Kofi confront Zoë about the app or not?

Quick Stats

Grade Band
Grades 6-8
Reading Level
Level 8.4
Word Count
315 words
Published
Jun 7, 2025

The Dilemma

Kofi and Zoë have been best friends since kindergarten, always supporting each other through thick and thin. Recently, Zoë has been struggling with math, and Kofi has been helping her after school. One day, Kofi discovers that Zoë has been secretly using a math app to complete her homework without really understanding the material. Kofi knows that Zoë is under a lot of pressure to maintain her grades for the upcoming science camp, which she is really excited about. However, Kofi also believes that true friendship means helping Zoë learn and grow, not just helping her get good grades. Kofi The moment of decision has arrived.

Values in Tension

This dilemma explores the tension between two important values:

Loyalty
vs
Truth

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

Your Options

A

Confront Zoë about the app.

B

Ignore Zoë's use of the app.

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 help friends learn rather than just succeed?

  3. 3

    How might Zoë feel if she knew Kofi was aware of her app use?

  4. 4

    How might Aristotle advise Kofi 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

friendship
integrity
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.
Learn more about Aristotle or continue exploring dilemmas inspired by their philosophy.

Lesson Plans

Quick Fire5 min

The Value of True 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

The Value of True 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