Prudence as Practical Wisdom: Should Violet attend the camp or play in the tournament?

By AristotleRelationships & Social Skills2 min readGrade 7.7
Classroom
Intermediate

Overview

Imagine a teenager deciding how to spend their summer vacation. They can choose to relax all day or take a summer job that teaches them responsibility and earns them money. A prudent choice would involve considering what will benefit them in the long run.

The Choice

Should Violet attend the camp or play in the tournament?

Quick Stats

Grade Band
Grades 6-8
Reading Level
Level 7.7
Word Count
306 words
Published
Jun 7, 2025

The Dilemma

Violet and Diego grew up on the same street and have shared almost every milestone together. Their team is preparing for a big tournament, and Violet has been offered a chance to attend an exclusive soccer camp during the same week as the tournament. The camp promises to improve her skills significantly, which could benefit her in the long run. However, attending the camp means she would miss the tournament, leaving her team without one of their key players. Diego, who is also on the team, encourages Violet to think about her future and the opportunities the camp could provide. On the other hand, Violet feels a strong sense of loyalty to her teammates and doesn't want to let them down. She knows that her decision will impact both her personal growth and her team's chances in the tournament.

Values in Tension

This dilemma explores the tension between two important values:

Loyalty
vs
Responsibility

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

Your Options

A

Attend the soccer camp.

B

Play in the tournament.

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 Violet's decision affect her future?

  3. 3

    What values are important in Violet's dilemma?

  4. 4

    How might Aristotle advise Violet 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?

Did you like this dilemma?

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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

prudence
loyalty
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

Prudence as Practical Wisdom — 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

Prudence as Practical Wisdom — 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