Human Dignity (CST)
Q: A student is being mocked for their accent in class. Which CST principle is being ignored most?
A: Human dignity — every person is made in God’s image and deserves respect.
Define “common good”
Conditions that help everyone flourish — not just what benefits me.
What does solidarity mean in a classroom?
Standing with others; recognising we depend on each other; choosing actions that build “us”, not just “me”.
Name a right and a matching responsibility in school life.
Right: to feel safe. Responsibility: to speak and act in ways that don’t harm others.
Match the virtue: not snapping at your sibling after a rough day; you pause and respond calmly.
Patience (and temperance can help too).
Q: In a group chat, someone posts an embarrassing photo of a classmate “for laughs”. What’s a dignity-respecting response?
A: Ask for it to be removed, don’t share it, check the person is okay, and choose words/actions that protect their worth.
Your group wants loud music at lunch; others want quiet to reset. What’s a “common good” solution?
Compromise so more people can thrive: a music zone and a quiet zone, or music at set times/volume.
A new student is alone at lunch. Name one solidarity action that doesn’t feel fake.
Sit nearby and start a simple conversation, invite them into a game/group, or introduce them to others.
Someone says, “I can say whatever I want — free speech.” What’s a CST-balanced reply?
Rights come with duties; speech should be truthful, respectful, and not dehumanising.
Match the virtue: choosing not to brag, even when you’re top of the class.
Humility.
Q: A teacher only calls on the “smart kids”, and others stop trying. Link this to human dignity.
A: Dignity includes being valued as a learner; everyone deserves fair chances, support, and high expectations with help.
A few students always trash the area after sport. How is this a common good issue?
Shared spaces should be safe and welcoming; everyone’s wellbeing is affected by a few choices.
Your friend is being excluded from a group assignment because they “don’t do much”. What does solidarity ask for?
Fair inclusion plus support: give a clear role, help them succeed, and don’t treat them as disposable.
A student’s work is copied in a group task. Link this to justice.
It’s unfair and dishonest; justice means giving people what they are due, including credit for their effort.
A friend pressures you to shoplift “because everyone does it”. Which virtue strengthens you to do the right thing?
Courage
Q: You overhear, “They’re so annoying, they don’t belong here.” Give a CST-based correction that isn’t aggressive.
A: “We all belong here. Speak about people with respect. Let’s deal with the issue without putting them down.”
The school introduces a phone policy to reduce distraction and conflict. Connect this to common good without making it “anti-student”.
It supports learning, relationships, and wellbeing across the community, even if it limits some preferences.
A trending app encourages constant scrolling and comparisons. How could solidarity challenge “digital habits”?
Choose modest, shared tech use; limit habits that harm others (or yourself), and use tech in ways that build community.
A class rule is enforced strictly for some students but ignored for others. Which CST idea is being violated?
Justice and fairness; equal dignity means consistent expectations and accountability.
You set a limit on gaming/social media so you can sleep and focus. Which virtue is this?
Temperance (self-control for a greater good).
Someone says, “It’s just online, it doesn’t matter.” Apply CST to challenge that idea.
Online behaviour still affects real people; dignity applies everywhere, including digital spaces.
“If it doesn’t affect me, it’s not my problem.” Give a CST reply.
We’re connected; what harms others harms the community. The common good asks us to look beyond ourselves.
Choose modest, shared tech use; limit habits that harm others (or yourself), and use tech in ways that build community.
Principle: we’re interdependent (one person’s choices affect others, like group chat pile-ons). Virtue: the steady habit of choosing the common good, especially for those left out.
A school campaign raises money, but students argue about where it should go. Give a justice-based decision process.
Use clear criteria: real need, impact, transparency, and giving priority to those most in need.
In a friend group, rumours spread fast. Which virtues guide a better response, and what would you do?
Charity and prudence: don’t pass it on, check facts, protect the person’s dignity, and encourage direct, respectful conversation.