Choosing Your Response: Anders must choose between advocating for reusable trays or supporting more recycling bins.

By EpictetusCharacter Development2 min readGrade 9.8
Classroom
Intermediate

Overview

Imagine a young athlete who practices hard for a competition but does not win. Instead of feeling defeated, they focus on their effort and the skills they gained, realizing that their true victory lies in their dedication and growth.

The Choice

Anders must choose between advocating for reusable trays or supporting more recycling bins.

Quick Stats

Grade Band
Grades 6-8
Reading Level
Level 9.784355400696864
Word Count
328 words
Published
Mar 23, 2026

The Dilemma

Anders and Eun-Kyung are part of a school environmental club. They’ve been working on a project to reduce waste in the cafeteria. Eun-Kyung suggests a plan to use reusable trays, but it requires convincing the school board, and Anders is nervous about speaking in front of adults. Meanwhile, another club member proposes a simpler solution: just put up more recycling bins. This option is easier but less impactful. Anders feels pressure to choose the easier path to avoid public speaking, yet he knows the reusable trays could make a bigger difference. As the meeting approaches, Anders must decide whether to advocate for Eun-Kyung’s plan or support the simpler recycling bin idea. Anders now faces a choice: (A) speak up for the reusable trays or (B) support the easier recycling bin solution.

Values in Tension

This dilemma explores the tension between two important values:

Responsibility
vs
Autonomy

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

Your Options

A

Advocate for reusable trays

B

Support recycling bins

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 'Choosing Your Response' apply here?

  3. 3

    What are the consequences of each choice?

  4. 4

    How might Epictetus advise Anders here?

  5. 5

    Turn & tell: What would our class consider the proper action here, and why?

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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

responsibility
peer-pressure
environment
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

Choosing Your Response — 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

Choosing Your Response — 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