The Ethical Adventure of Sofia and Her Friends
Once upon a time, at a school filled with inquisitive first-year high school students, Sofia and her three best mates: Lucas, Ana, and Pedro. They were renowned for diving into heated discussions about everything from sport to the latest tech trends. Sofia was the charismatic leader of the group, always ready for a fresh intellectual challenge. Lucas, the calmest, enjoyed observing and posing deep questions. Ana, the tech enthusiast, was rarely without her smartphone in hand, while Pedro, the thinker of the group, was an avid reader who enjoyed dissecting complex theories. But that day, their Philosophy teacher, Helena, had planned a lesson that promised to be particularly captivating.
As they entered the classroom, Helena welcomed them with a smile and an exciting challenge: 'Today, you will be explorers of ethics. We have three ancient sages who need your help.' She referred to Aristotle, Kant, and Mill, the past's philosophical legends. 'You will join them in solving modern ethical dilemmas, utilising the technology you adore so much.' The students' eyes sparked with excitement. Animated murmurs filled the room as the students formed groups, eager to embark on their mission.
Divided into teams, each group's task was to select a current ethical dilemma and apply the philosophical theories of these great thinkers to tackle the issue. Sofia and her mates chose to look at the impact of social media on privacy. They devised a fictional Instagram profile for a digital influencer named 'EcoHero,' who was grappling with a dilemma involving the use of his followers' personal data. The idea stemmed from Ana's recent experience discovering just how much personal information was being shared without people's consent. Sofia's team toiled away, employing images, videos, and text to weave a narrative where 'EcoHero's' choices were informed by the ethical principles of Aristotle, Kant, and Mill.
Each post on 'EcoHero's' Instagram elucidated a facet of the dilemma. The first photo showcased 'EcoHero' anxiously pondering the data he shared and its repercussions on his followers. It captured a colourful image of 'EcoHero' seated in front of a laptop, visibly concerned. Lucas articulated that, according to Aristotle, virtue is about striking a balance between oversharing and being overly reserved. They then shared a quote from Aristotle concerning the significance of moderation, paired with an illustration crafted by Ana. Her vibrant artwork showcased balance as a scale delicately balanced between two Greek columns.
In the next video, Ana channelled 'EcoHero,' arguing with himself about data privacy. The scene opened with a close-up of Ana's troubled expression, followed by a wider shot depicting her scrutinising an extensive list of data. Pedro introduced Kant's theories concerning duty and morality to their discourse. In the video, 'EcoHero' declared, 'We must treat others' personal information as an end in itself, not simply a means to our own benefit,' reflecting Kant's teachings. They integrated dynamic subtitles to underscore crucial ethical aspects and animated the screen with visuals depicting Kantian concepts.
The final post was a text wherein 'EcoHero' reached his conclusion, shaped by Mill's utilitarian principles, weighing the repercussions of his actions to enhance his followers' well-being. They crafted a comic sequence where 'EcoHero' deliberated different possibilities, illustrating the advantages and disadvantages of each choice. Ultimately, 'EcoHero' resolved to be transparent regarding data utilisation and to seek his followers' consent, believing it was the most ethical approach. The narrative was supported by inspiring quotes from Mill, which Pedro found especially compelling.
Once their posts were complete, each group unveiled their Instagram profiles, prompting the class to engage in a lively discussion about the dilemmas presented. The classroom turned into a vibrant debate venue, with students raising queries and counterarguments. Helena artfully guided the discussion, motivating students to think critically and express their ideas articulately. They transitioned into a 360° feedback session where they provided praise and suggestions for enhancements. The environment was infused with camaraderie, fostering collective learning.
At the lesson's conclusion, Sofia felt as if she had embarked on a genuine ethical journey, where digital tools breathed life into the learning experience. She and her friends were immersed in an adventure that not only solidified their understanding of ethics but also showcased how these principles could be practised in the real world. The tale of Sofia and her friends was no mere classroom activity; it represented a modern and engaging exercise that made philosophical principles relevant and impactful. As they made their way down the corridor, already debating the next significant dilemma to tackle, Sofia realised that day would resonate not only in her notebook but also in her worldview.
