Should Tom use the glitch or play fairly?

By Mary WollstonecraftCharacter Development2 min readGrade 9.0
Classroom
Intermediate

Quick Stats

Grade Band
Grades 6-8
Reading Level
Level 9
Word Count
308 words
Published
Jun 7, 2025

The Dilemma

Tom and Kofi grew up on the same street and have shared almost every milestone together. They both enjoy playing video games and often compete to see who can get the highest scores. One day, Tom discovers a glitch in a popular game that allows him to earn extra points easily. Excited, he shares the discovery with Kofi, who suggests they use it to climb the leaderboard quickly. However, Tom feels uneasy about exploiting the glitch, knowing it gives them an unfair advantage over other players who are playing the game honestly. Kofi argues that everyone else would do the same if they knew about it, and it’s just a part of gaming.

Values in Tension

This dilemma explores the tension between two important values:

Integrity
vs
Autonomy

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

Your Options

A

Use the glitch for advantage.

B

Play fairly without the glitch.

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 Tom feel uneasy about using the glitch?

  3. 3

    How could using the glitch affect Tom and Kofi's friendship?

  4. 4

    How might Mary Wollstonecraft advise Tom 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

integrity
peer-pressure
fairness
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