Role Play Scenario: “The Forbidden Secret”
Theme: Subjectivism in Ethics Title: “The Forbidden Secret
Background of the Story: A group of four friends Sophia, Ethan, Mia, and Liam
are very close. One day, Sophia discovers that Mia’s boyfriend, Jake, is
secretly seeing another girl. Sophia is now in a dilemma: Should she tell Mia
the truth or stay silent to avoid hurting her feelings? This situation leads to a
heated debate about subjectivism in ethics whether Sophia’s decision should
be based on her personal feelings or on a universal moral standard.
Characters:
1. Sophia (The One Who Knows the Secret) -Struggles with whether to
reveal the truth.
2. Ethan (The Subjectivist) Believes that
Sophia should do what feels right to her, regardless of universal moral
standards. 3. Mia (The Victim) Unaware of her
Boyfriend’s actions.
3. Liam (The Objectivist) Strongly believes that Sophia has a moral duty
to tell Mia the truth, regardless of feelings.
4. Narrator Sets the scene and concludes the act.
Scene 1: The Discovery
(Sophia sees Jake at a café holding hands with
Another girl. She freezes in shock.)
Sophia (whispering to herself) No way that’s Jake. What is he doing with her?
Should I tell Mia? (She rushes home, struggling with her thoughts.)
Scene 2: The Dilemma (The next day at school, Sophia confides in Ethan.)
Sophia
Ethan, I need your advice. I saw Jake with another girl yesterday and it
looked intimate. Should I tell Mia?
Ethan:
Whoa are you sure it was Jake?
Sophia:
Positive. But now I don’t know what to do. If I tell Mia, It’ll break her heart. If I
stay silent, I’m letting her live a lie.
Ethan
Listen, Sophia you should do what feels right to you. If you think telling Mia
will hurt her more, then just keep it to yourself. There’s no clear right or
wrong here it’s about what you think is best.
Sophia: But isn’t it wrong to hide the truth?
Ethan
Not necessarily. Morality isn’t black and white. If you feel like you’re
protecting Mia by staying
Silent, then you’re not doing anything wrong.
People handle situations differently. (Sophia looks more confused than
before)
Scene 3: The Confrontation
(Liam overhears the conversation and steps in.)
Liam
That’s ridiculous! It doesn’t matter how you feel.
The truth is the truth, and Mia has a right to know. Keeping quiet makes you
just as guilty,
Ethan:
Hold on, Liam. That’s just your opinion. Who says telling the truth is always
the right thing? Sophia is trying to protect Mia’s feelings. Isn’t that good in
itself?
Liam
No, It’s not. If everyone just did what felt right, people could justify any
behavior. Cheating, lying, stealing you name it. Morality can’t just be based
on feelings!
Sophia (frustrated) But what if Mia can’t handle the truth? What if it breaks
her?
Liam:
That’s not for you to decide! Truth is truth. She deserves to know, regardless
of the pain.
Ethan:
Or she deserves peace. Sometimes not knowing is kinder than knowing the
truth. Isn’t that still morally acceptable?
(Sophia breaks down, torn between both sides.J
Scene 4: The Moment of Truth
(Mia enters the room, cheerful as ever.)
Mia
Hey guys! What’s up? Why do you all look so tense?
(Sophia freezes, staring at Mia, heart pounding) Sophia (glaring at Liam)
Liam, nol
Mia-
What’s going on, guys?
Ethan:
Sophia, you don’t have to say anything if you don’t want to.
Liam
But she should. It’s the right thing to do. (Tears well up in Sophia’s eyes. The
internal conflict of subjectivism vs. objective morality reaches its peak.)
Scene 5: The Reflection (Narrator)
Narrator
And there it was a clear clash of ethical perspectives. Ethan, who believed
morality is subjective, insisted that Sophia follow her feelings. Liam, who
believed in objective morality, argued that Sophia had a duty to tell the
truth. Sophia was iht in the middle, a living example of how subjectivism can
cloud moral judgment. But the question remains-Is morality truly subjective,
or does truth always outweigh feelings?
(End of Act)
Discussion Points:
1. Was Ethan right in saying morality is based on personal feelings and
outcomes?
2. Did Liam have a stronger argument for objective morality, pite the
emotional consequences?
3. If you were Sophia, would you tell Mia the truth or keep it hidden?
Why?
4. Can protecting someone’s feelings ever be morally justified, or does
truth always prevail?
5. What are the long-term effects of subjective morality in society?
