Authenticity in Character: An Authenticity Dilemma

By Marcus AureliusCharacter Development2 min readGrade 11.1
Classroom
Intermediate

Quick Stats

Grade Band
Grades 6-8
Reading Level
Level 11.1
Word Count
348 words
Published
Jan 19, 2025

The Dilemma

Liliana and Kofi are both members of their school's environmental club. They've been working on a project to reduce plastic waste in their community. Liliana is passionate about the cause and often shares her ideas with the group. Kofi, on the other hand, is more reserved but always supports the initiatives. One day, the club is tasked with presenting their project to the school board. Liliana is chosen to lead the presentation because of her enthusiasm and leadership skills. However, she notices that Kofi has been working tirelessly behind the scenes, coming up with innovative ideas that have significantly contributed to their project's success. As the presentation day approaches, Liliana considers whether to highlight Kofi's contributions during her speech. She knows that acknowledging Kofi could inspire him to be more involved and appreciated, but she's also aware that she might not get as much recognition for her leadership if she shares the spotlight. Liliana No one else can make this call.

Values in Tension

This dilemma explores the tension between two important values:

Loyalty
vs
Honesty

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

Your Options

A

Highlight Kofi's contributions.

B

Focus on her own leadership role.

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

    Why might it be important to acknowledge others' contributions?

  3. 3

    How could Liliana's decision affect her friendship with Kofi?

  4. 4

    How might Marcus Aurelius advise Liliana 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?

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Philosophical Perspective

Insights from Marcus Aurelius

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

Related Topics

authenticity
friendship
recognition
Marble bust of Marcus Aurelius, Roman Emperor and Stoic philosopher, featuring curly hair and beard, looking slightly to his left.

Marcus Aurelius Antoninus121-180

Marcus Aurelius (121-180 CE) was a Roman Emperor and a leading Stoic philosopher. His reign was marked by military conflict and plague, yet he is renowned for his Meditations, a personal journal reflecting on Stoic principles of virtue, duty, and resilience.

Stoicism
Practical application of Stoic philosophy to daily life and leadership
Emphasis on reason, virtue, and duty to the common good (cosmopolis)
Explore how Marcus Aurelius Antoninus informs this dilemma and discover additional ethical puzzles shaped by their ideas.
Learn more about Marcus Aurelius Antoninus or continue exploring dilemmas inspired by their philosophy.

Lesson Plans

Quick Fire5 min

Authenticity in Character — 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

Authenticity in Character — 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