Should Finn encourage Anika to rest or let her play?

By Mary WollstonecraftCharacter Development2 min readGrade 9.3
Classroom
Intermediate

Quick Stats

Grade Band
Grades 6-8
Reading Level
Level 9.3
Word Count
311 words
Published
Jun 7, 2025

The Dilemma

Finn and Anika, both 12 years old, are best friends who love playing soccer. Their team has made it to the finals, and the big game is tomorrow. Finn is the team captain and has always been known for his dedication and fairness. However, Anika, who is also a key player, has been feeling under the weather. Despite her insistence that she can play, Finn notices that she looks pale and tired. He worries that playing might worsen her condition or affect her performance. Finn cares deeply about Anika's well-being but also knows how much the game means to her and the team. If Anika plays and isn't at her best, it could cost them the championship. Finn Every option has its cost.

Values in Tension

This dilemma explores the tension between two important values:

Responsibility
vs
Loyalty

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

Your Options

A

Encourage Anika to rest.

B

Let Anika play.

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 playing affect Anika's health and the team's performance?

  3. 3

    What does it mean to be a good friend in this situation?

  4. 4

    How might Mary Wollstonecraft advise Finn 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 Mary Wollstonecraft

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

Related Topics

responsibility
friendship
self-control
Portrait of Mary Wollstonecraft by John Opie, circa 1797, showing her in a white dress and black hat, looking thoughtfully to her left.

Mary Wollstonecraft1759-1797

Mary Wollstonecraft (1759-1797) was a pioneering English feminist philosopher and writer. Her seminal work, 'A Vindication of the Rights of Woman' (1792), argued for women's rationality and the necessity of their education for societal progress.

Feminist Philosophy
Enlightenment Philosophy
Liberalism
Explore how Mary Wollstonecraft informs this dilemma and discover additional ethical puzzles shaped by their ideas.
Learn more about Mary Wollstonecraft or continue exploring dilemmas inspired by their philosophy.

Lesson Plans

Quick Fire5 min

Women's Rights and Education — 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

Women's Rights and Education — 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