Ethical dilemmas for classrooms, book clubs and teams
These 14 everyday ethical dilemmas are designed for groups. Read one aloud, then ask everyone to vote with a show of hands. Count the votes, then start the discussion with the minority view: ask the people in the smaller group why they chose it. That one move keeps the conversation curious instead of competitive. Each dilemma has two defensible answers and no trick, so it works for teens aged 13 and up, classrooms, book clubs and team meetings. Aim for five minutes per question, and stop when the talk is still going.
You find a real mistake in work you already delivered. Almost certainly, no one will ever notice.
In a friendly match, the referee — your friend — gives you a point you know was out.
Family game night. You alone spot your friend's kid slipping extra bills from the bank.
You see your neighbor's teenager pocket a chocolate bar at the kiosk. You know the family well.
A staff member is being openly rude to a customer who clearly does not deserve it. You are next in line.
In a quiet shop you knock over and chip a cheap vase. Nobody saw.
You find a library book you kept for a year. The fine is large.
A coat is tagged 9 instead of 90. The cashier did not notice.
A student discount code reaches you. You left school years ago.
Praised for an idea, you remember it came from a chat with a friend.
A friend wants you as a reference for a job you are sure they are not ready for.
Everyone rounds their timesheet up. You worked 7 hours, not 8.
A dispute between two friends needs your account. The truth favors the one you like less.
Your team wins an award, but you know one quiet person did most of the work.
There is no scoring and no correct answer, and nobody has to defend a vote. If people want to explore their own style afterwards, the free 13-dilemma test shows which traits each person leans on, as a prompt for reflection rather than a verdict.
More collections
- Moral dilemmas about friendship
- Relationship dilemmas: what would you do?
- Moral dilemmas about money
- Workplace dilemmas: what would you do?
- Family dilemmas: what would you do?
- Ethical dilemmas about honesty and integrity
- Parenting dilemmas: what would you do?
- Career dilemmas: what would you do?
