Overview
Fatima's basketball team wants to stop passing the ball to Marco because he misses a lot of shots. The team captain asks Fatima to agree to the plan.
The Choice
Should Fatima go along with excluding a teammate?
Quick Stats
- Grade Band
- Grades 3-5
- Reading Level
- Level 6.043749999999999
- Word Count
- 295 words
- Published
- Mar 23, 2026
The Dilemma
Fatima plays on a neighborhood basketball team. Her teammate Marco has been missing a lot of shots lately, and the team has lost their last two games. The captain, Darius, comes up with a plan: "Let's just stop passing to Marco during games. We'll win more that way." Several teammates agree. Darius asks Fatima what she thinks. Fatima knows Marco has been practicing hard and really wants to contribute to the team.
Values in Tension
This dilemma explores the tension between two important values:
Consider how these values might conflict or complement each other in this situation.
Your Options
Refuse the plan and keep passing to Marco.
Go along with the team's plan to win more games.
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
How would Marco feel if he found out about the plan?
- 2
Is winning more important than including everyone?
- 3
What does it mean to be a real teammate?
- 4
What if Marco were the best player — would the team treat him differently?
- 5
How would Fatima feel if the team stopped passing to her?
Did you like this dilemma?
Philosophical Perspective
Insights from Immanuel Kant
Take a moment to form your own thoughts first, then click to explore philosophical perspectives.