Avoiding Quarrels and Contentions: Should Olivia insist on her idea or compromise?

By EpictetusRelationships & Social Skills2 min readGrade 10.1
Classroom
Intermediate

Overview

During a group project, two students might disagree on how to approach their task. Instead of arguing, they could listen to each other's ideas and find a solution together, promoting teamwork and understanding.

The Choice

Should Olivia insist on her idea or compromise?

Quick Stats

Grade Band
Grades 6-8
Reading Level
Level 10.1
Word Count
266 words
Published
Jun 7, 2025

The Dilemma

Olivia and Laksh are working on a science project together. They have different ideas on how to present their findings. Olivia wants to create a detailed poster, while Laksh suggests making a short video. Both believe their approach will best convey their research. As they discuss, the conversation becomes heated, with each insisting on their idea. Olivia feels frustrated but remembers a lesson from her philosophy class about the importance of understanding over arguing. She pauses and considers whether to continue pushing her idea or to listen more to Laksh's perspective. Olivia The choice is theirs to make.

Values in Tension

This dilemma explores the tension between two important values:

Honesty
vs
Compassion

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

Your Options

A

Insist on her poster idea.

B

Combine both ideas for the project.

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 can listening to others help in a disagreement?

  3. 3

    What are the benefits of combining different ideas?

  4. 4

    How might Epictetus advise Olivia 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 Epictetus

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

Related Topics

communication
collaboration
conflict-resolution
Portrait of Epictetus

Epictetusc. 50-c. 135

Epictetus (c. 50 – c. 135 AD) was a prominent Stoic philosopher who began life as a slave in Phrygia. After gaining freedom, he taught philosophy in Rome and later established a renowned school in Nicopolis. Though he wrote nothing, his teachings, recorded …

Stoicism
The Dichotomy of Control (what is in our power vs. what is not)
Prohairesis (Moral Choice/Volition) and the Correct Use of Impressions
Explore how Epictetus informs this dilemma and discover additional ethical puzzles shaped by their ideas.
Learn more about Epictetus or continue exploring dilemmas inspired by their philosophy.

Lesson Plans

Quick Fire5 min

Avoiding Quarrels and Contentions — 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

Avoiding Quarrels and Contentions — 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