All Dilemmas

Confucius on Should Emma share her art supplies with Alex?

By Confuciusโ€ขRelationships & Social Skillsโ€ข2 min readโ€ขGrade 6.3
Classroom
Intermediate

Overview

Emma has a new art set she loves, and her friend Alex, who forgot his supplies, asks to borrow it for an important class project.

The Choice

Should Emma share her art supplies with Alex?

Quick Stats

Grade Band
Grades 3-5
Reading Level
Level 6.321006665134455
Word Count
229 words
Published
Mar 24, 2026

The Dilemma

Emma has a new art set she loves, and her friend Alex, who forgot his supplies, asks to borrow it for an important class project. Emma knows he needs it, but she also wants to use it herself during art class. "I really need them for my project," says Alex, looking a bit worried.

Values in Tension

This dilemma explores the tension between two important values:

Benevolence
vs
Friendship

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

Your Options

A

Lend the art set to Alex.

B

Keep the art set for herself.

Questions for Reflection

Take a moment to consider these questions. There are no "right" answers โ€“ the goal is to explore different perspectives and develop your own reasoning.

  1. 1

    How might Alex feel if Emma doesn't share?

  2. 2

    What could happen if Emma shares her supplies?

  3. 3

    How would Emma feel about her choice later?

  4. 4

    What does it mean to be a good friend?

  5. 5

    How important is it to help others in need?

Did you like this dilemma?

Loading poll data...

Philosophical Perspective

Insights from Confucius

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

Related Topics

benevolence
friendship
Portrait of Confucius, depicting a wise, robed figure, often shown with a beard, representing the ancient Chinese sage.

Confucius551-479 BCE

Confucius (Kong Qiu, 551-479 BCE) was a pivotal Chinese thinker and educator from the State of Lu during the Spring and Autumn period. His philosophy, Confucianism, emphasizes personal and governmental morality, correctness of social relationships, justice,โ€ฆ

Confucianism
Ru School
Ren (ไป โ€“ Humaneness, Benevolence)
Explore how Confucius informs this dilemma and discover additional ethical puzzles shaped by their ideas.
Learn more about Confucius or continue exploring dilemmas inspired by their philosophy.
View ProfileMore Dilemmas

Lesson Plans

Quick Fire5 min

Benevolence โ€” 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

Benevolence โ€” 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