Let's talk about a specific quest in Dying Light 2: Stay Human. It's called "Tell the Chemist What His Son Did." The quest presents players with a tough moral choice. How do we approach this with students?
Understanding the Quest
The quest involves Anderson, the chemist. He is desperately seeking information about his son, Lucas. Players discover that Lucas was involved in unethical experiments. These experiments involved the use of infected. He was working on a cure, but at what cost?
The player is presented with two main options. Tell Anderson the truth about Lucas's actions. Or, lie to him and protect his perception of his son. Each choice has consequences. Let's break down these consequences for discussion purposes.
Ethical Dilemmas in "Tell the Chemist"
This quest highlights several important ethical dilemmas. The first is the tension between truth and compassion. Is it always right to tell the truth, even if it causes pain? Some might argue that sparing Anderson the truth is the kinder option. Others might believe that he deserves to know the truth, regardless of the emotional cost. Consider prompting the students to discuss both positions.
Another ethical dilemma is the justification of means. Lucas was trying to find a cure. However, his methods involved unethical experimentation. Can good intentions justify immoral actions? Discuss with students whether the potential benefits of a cure outweigh the harm caused by Lucas's experiments. Explore different perspectives on this complex issue.
The quest also touches on the responsibility of scientists. Scientists have a responsibility to conduct research ethically. Lucas's actions violate this responsibility. How should scientists be held accountable for their actions? What safeguards can be put in place to prevent unethical research? Encourage students to think critically about the ethical considerations in scientific research.
Tips for Educators
Here are some tips for discussing this quest in the classroom. First, provide context about the game and the quest. Explain the basic plot of Dying Light 2 and the character of Anderson. This will help students understand the moral choices involved in the quest. Use video clips to show gameplay of the quest.
Second, facilitate a class discussion about the ethical dilemmas. Present the two main options (tell the truth or lie) and ask students to argue for each side. Encourage them to consider the perspectives of different characters. For example, Anderson, Lucas, and the player character (Aiden). Guide them to analyze consequences to characters of their actions.
Third, consider using role-playing activities. Assign students roles as different characters and have them debate the best course of action. This can help them empathize with different perspectives. Students will become actively involved in the discussion and the moral dilemma at the centre of the quest.
Fourth, connect the quest to real-world ethical issues. Discuss examples of ethical dilemmas in history or current events. For instance, the Tuskegee Syphilis Study or debates about genetic engineering. This will help students see the relevance of the quest to their own lives.
Addressing Common Misconceptions
Some students might think there is a "right" or "wrong" answer in this quest. Emphasize that there is no easy answer. The goal is to encourage critical thinking and ethical reasoning. Highlight that it depends on specific ethical and moral standing points of the players.
Another misconception is that the consequences of the choice are purely superficial. Explain that the choice can have lasting effects on the game's story and the player's relationships with other characters. Encourage students to investigate and compare the different outcomes, discussing the nuances of the long-term impacts.
Some students may be unfamiliar with the concept of consequentialism or deontology. Briefly explain these ethical frameworks. Discuss how each framework might apply to this quest. Briefly describe that consequentialism is about the consequences of our actions. Deontology is about following moral rules.
Making the Concept Engaging
To make the discussion more engaging, use multimedia resources. Show video clips of the quest and its consequences. Use images to illustrate the characters and the game world. Interactive elements make this more engaging.
Invite students to share their own experiences with difficult moral choices. Ask them to reflect on how they made their decisions. What factors did they consider? This personal connection can make the discussion more meaningful and relevant.
Use a debate format to explore different perspectives. Divide the class into teams. Assign them to argue for different sides of the issue. This can create a lively and engaging discussion. Students can prepare their statements ahead and be assessed on their arguments.
Consider using a writing activity. Ask students to write a short story or essay. It focuses on the quest and the ethical dilemmas it presents. This can help them process their thoughts and feelings about the quest in a creative way.
Encourage students to create their own moral dilemmas related to the game's world. This empowers them to apply ethical principles to novel situations and develop their critical thinking abilities further. This increases their engagement and investment in ethical consideration.
Conclusion
The "Tell the Chemist What His Son Did" quest in Dying Light 2 provides a rich opportunity for ethical discussions in the classroom. By understanding the quest, addressing misconceptions, and using engaging teaching strategies, educators can help students develop critical thinking skills and explore complex moral issues. This helps connect the virtual world to real-world ethical considerations.
