Importance of Justice and Kindness: Should Noor invite Alex to join their project?

By Marcus AureliusRelationships & Social Skills2 min readGrade 8.3
Classroom
Intermediate

Overview

A child sees a new student sitting alone at lunch. By inviting them to join their group, they practice kindness and help build a sense of community in their school.

The Choice

Should Noor invite Alex to join their project?

Quick Stats

Grade Band
Grades 6-8
Reading Level
Level 8.3
Word Count
287 words
Published
Jun 6, 2025

The Dilemma

Noor and Talia, both 12 years old, were excited about the upcoming science fair. They had been working on a project together, but recently, a new student, Alex, joined their class. Alex seemed shy and often sat alone during lunch. One day, while discussing their project, Talia suggested they invite Alex to join their group, thinking it might help Alex feel more included. Noor was hesitant, worried that adding a new member might disrupt their progress or lead to disagreements. However, she also felt a sense of responsibility to be kind and fair to Alex, who seemed to be struggling to make friends. Noor The next move is up to them.

Values in Tension

This dilemma explores the tension between two important values:

Compassion
vs
Community

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

Your Options

A

Invite Alex to join them.

B

Keep the project team as is.

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

    How might inviting Alex change the group dynamics?

  3. 3

    What are the benefits and drawbacks of including Alex?

  4. 4

    How might Marcus Aurelius advise Noor 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

inclusion
community
kindness
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

Importance of Justice and Kindness — 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

Importance of Justice and Kindness — 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