Ishaan and Bodhi are best friends who love playing video games...

By Frederick Douglass•Technology Ethics•2 min read•Grade 8.3
Classroom
Intermediate

Quick Stats

Grade Band
Grades 6-8
Reading Level
Level 8.3
Word Count
308 words
Published
Jan 1, 2024

The Dilemma

Ishaan and Bodhi have been inseparable since the third grade, always pushing each other to try new things. One weekend, they discover a new game that allows players to create virtual worlds. As they play, they notice an opportunity to join a contest where the winner gets a chance to meet the game developers. Ishaan is excited and wants to build something amazing, but Bodhi suggests using a cheat code they found online to gain an advantage. Ishaan feels torn because using the cheat code could guarantee a win, but it might not be fair to other players who are working hard without shortcuts. Bodhi argues that everyone else might be using cheats too, so why not level the playing field? Ishaan The moment of decision has arrived.

Values in Tension

This dilemma explores the tension between two important values:

Fairness
vs
Autonomy

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

Your Options

A

Use the cheat code.

B

Play fair and avoid cheats.

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 using a cheat affect fairness?

  3. 3

    Why might some people feel pressured to cheat?

  4. 4

    How might Frederick Douglass advise Ishaan 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 Frederick Douglass

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

Related Topics

fairness
peer-pressure
integrity
Portrait of Frederick Douglass, a distinguished African American man with a beard and intense gaze, embodying dignity and intellect.

Frederick Douglassc. 1818-1895

Born into slavery, Frederick Douglass (c. 1818-1895) became a prominent American abolitionist, orator, writer, and statesman. His powerful autobiographies and speeches exposed the horrors of slavery and advocated for emancipation and equal rights for all, i…

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Explore how Frederick Douglass informs this dilemma and discover additional ethical puzzles shaped by their ideas.
Learn more about Frederick Douglass or continue exploring dilemmas inspired by their philosophy.

Lesson Plans

Quick Fire5 min

Ishaan and Bodhi are best friends who love playing video games... — 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

Ishaan and Bodhi are best friends who love playing video games... — 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