Should Mateo switch to dance or stick to music?

By Mary WollstonecraftSchool & Academic Life2 min readGrade 9.6
Classroom
Intermediate

Quick Stats

Grade Band
Grades 6-8
Reading Level
Level 9.6
Word Count
289 words
Published
Jun 7, 2025

The Dilemma

Mateo and Tala are excited about the upcoming school talent show. Mateo loves playing the guitar, and Tala is a talented singer. They decide to perform together. However, as they start practicing, Mateo notices that most of their classmates are forming dance groups, which seem to be the trend this year. Mateo feels a growing pressure to switch to a dance performance, thinking it might be more popular and win them more applause. Tala, on the other hand, is passionate about their music performance and believes they should stick to their original plan. She argues that their unique act could stand out. Mateo What should they do?

Values in Tension

This dilemma explores the tension between two important values:

Autonomy
vs
Loyalty

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

Your Options

A

Switch to a dance performance.

B

Stick to the music performance.

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 do you think Mateo feels pressured to change?

  3. 3

    How might sticking to their plan affect Mateo and Tala's friendship?

  4. 4

    How might Mary Wollstonecraft advise Mateo 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?

Did you like this dilemma?

Loading poll data...

Philosophical Perspective

Insights from Mary Wollstonecraft

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

Related Topics

peer-pressure
authenticity
friendship
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