Overview
Grace is biking home from practice when she sees an elderly man struggling with dropped groceries on the sidewalk. She is already late for dinner and her parents will worry.
The Choice
Should Grace stop to help a stranger or keep going?
Quick Stats
- Grade Band
- Grades 6-8
- Reading Level
- Level 7.703368585977284
- Word Count
- 333 words
- Published
- Mar 23, 2026
The Dilemma
Grace is biking home from swim practice. She is already fifteen minutes late, and her mom texted asking where she is. As she rounds the corner, she sees an elderly man whose grocery bag has ripped open. Cans are rolling down the sidewalk, and he is slowly bending down to pick them up. No one else is around. Grace knows her parents will be worried if she is even later, and dinner is getting cold. But the man clearly needs help, and it would only take a few minutes.
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
Stop and help the man pick up his groceries.
Keep biking home because her parents are expecting her.
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
What duties does Grace have in this moment?
- 2
Does being late change whether she should help?
- 3
What would happen if everyone biked past people who needed help?
- 4
Can Grace fulfill both duties — helping the man and getting home?
- 5
What makes an action truly good, according to Kant?
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.