John Locke on Should Jenny join the student-led committee?

By John LockePersonal Values & Beliefs2 min readGrade 9.4
Classroom
Intermediate

Overview

Jenny's school is considering starting a student-led committee to suggest changes to school rules. However, joining the committee means Jenny will have less time for her favorite art club.

The Choice

Should Jenny join the student-led committee?

Quick Stats

Grade Band
Grades 6-8
Reading Level
Level 9.42486363636364
Word Count
275 words
Published
Mar 23, 2026

The Dilemma

Jenny's school is considering starting a student-led committee to suggest changes to school rules. However, joining the committee means Jenny will have less time for her favorite art club. Her friend Mia says, "Jenny, if we join, we might actually change things we don't like!" But Jenny is unsure if giving up her art club time is worth it.

Values in Tension

This dilemma explores the tension between two important values:

Community
vs
Loyalty

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

Your Options

A

Join the student-led committee.

B

Stay in the art club instead.

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 are the benefits of joining the committee?

  2. 2

    How might leaving the art club affect Jenny?

  3. 3

    What would you do in Jenny's situation?

  4. 4

    How important is it to be involved in decisions at school?

  5. 5

    Is it possible to balance both activities effectively?

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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

participation
personal sacrifice
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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