John Locke on Should Riley push for a vote or find a new game?

By John LockeRelationships & Social Skills2 min readGrade 5.6
Classroom
Intermediate

Overview

Riley's class is organizing a big picnic. Everyone needs to agree on the games to play.

The Choice

Should Riley push for a vote or find a new game?

Quick Stats

Grade Band
Grades 3-5
Reading Level
Level 5.628432835820899
Word Count
268 words
Published
Mar 23, 2026

The Dilemma

Riley's class is organizing a big picnic. Everyone needs to agree on the games to play. Some want football, and others want a treasure hunt. Riley suggests a vote but notices some friends feel left out because they don't like either game. 'If everyone can't have fun, maybe we should do something else?' Riley wonders. But choosing a new game means starting all over and missing the picnic deadline.

Values in Tension

This dilemma explores the tension between two important values:

Consent
vs
Compassion

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

Your Options

A

Hold a vote and go with the majority.

B

Find a game everyone can enjoy.

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

    Why is it important to consider everyone's opinion?

  2. 2

    What happens if some friends feel left out?

  3. 3

    Is it fair for a few to decide for everyone?

  4. 4

    What are the benefits of holding a vote?

  5. 5

    How would you feel if you couldn't play any game?

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Philosophical Perspective

Insights from John Locke

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

Related Topics

consent
inclusion
Portrait of John Locke, the English Enlightenment philosopher

John Locke1632-1704

John Locke (1632-1704) was a highly influential English philosopher and physician, widely regarded as one of the most important Enlightenment thinkers. Known as the 'Father of Liberalism' and founder of British empiricism, he profoundly impacted Western pol…

Empiricism
Liberalism
Development of Empiricism (Tabula Rasa)
Explore how John Locke informs this dilemma and discover additional ethical puzzles shaped by their ideas.
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