All Dilemmas

The Role of Reason in Decision-Making: Should Marco skip practice for the arcade or attend?

By Aristotle•School & Academic Life•2 min read•Grade 7.8
Classroom
Intermediate

Overview

A teenager faces peer pressure to skip school but remembers their long-term goal of getting good grades. They decide to stay focused on their studies instead of giving in to the momentary excitement of skipping class.

The Choice

Should Marco skip practice for the arcade or attend?

Quick Stats

Grade Band
Grades 6-8
Reading Level
Level 7.8
Word Count
306 words
Published
Jun 7, 2025

The Dilemma

Marco and Mila met on the first day of middle school and quickly became each other's most trusted confidants. One day, Mila suggests skipping their soccer practice to go to a new arcade that just opened. Marco knows that their coach, Mr. Thompson, expects them to be at practice, and missing it could affect their chances of being in the starting lineup for the upcoming match. Mila argues that they deserve a break and insists that one missed practice won't hurt. Marco feels the excitement bubbling up at the thought of playing the latest games, but he also remembers how much he wants to improve his skills and contribute to the team. He knows that giving in to the momentary thrill might not be the best choice for his long-term goals. Marco

Values in Tension

This dilemma explores the tension between two important values:

Autonomy
vs
Responsibility

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

Your Options

A

Skip practice for the arcade.

B

Attend soccer practice.

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 Marco's choice reflect his values?

  3. 3

    What are the potential consequences of each option?

  4. 4

    How might Aristotle advise Marco 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

peer-pressure
responsibility
decision-making
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
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Lesson Plans

Quick Fire5 min

The Role of Reason in Decision-Making — 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
Classroom
Standard15 min

The Role of Reason in Decision-Making — 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
Classroom