If you're a high school student who enjoys moral reasoning, critical thinking, and really grappling with life's big questions, then research-based competitions can be a great way to strengthen your college applications. There are a number of prestigious competitions that allow students to participate in writing philosophical essays, debating ethical dilemmas, and conducting university-level research. Here are 10 notable research-based competitions for teenagers interested in ethics and philosophy:
1. The National High School Ethics Bowl
The National High School Ethics Bowl (NHSEB), is perhaps one of the best-known competitions for high school students interested in ethical reasoning and civil dialogue. Students work in teams to research and discuss real cases of ethical inquiry and then reason respectfully and collaboratively with opposing teams in a tournament format. Rather than competing, students are encouraged to progress in their thinking and share reasonable arguments about differing viewpoints at the final table. The competition emphasizes constructive thinking and critical thinking, as well as matters related to empathy and articulating different sides of complex moral issues. Winning regionally qualifies participants for the national championship at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.
2. The International Philosophy Olympiad
High school students worldwide are invited to submit philosophical essays on complex topics for the International Philosophy Olympiad (IPO). After competing in a national competition such as the U.S. Philosophy Olympiad, the majority of students are eligible to enroll in IPO. Essays are graded according to their originality and structure, comprehension of philosophical ideas and texts, and coherence. They can be submitted in English, French, German, or Spanish. Teenagers are asked to investigate and contrast the contributions of prominent philosophers and philosophical theories, and students are expected to think critically about philosophical texts as part of the competition. Every finalist has the chance to visit and interact with students from other nations, creating a multicultural experience.
3. The St. Andrews Prize for the Environment (Youth Competition)
Although it typically emphasizes environmental solutions, the youth component of the St. Andrews Prize allows teenagers to present ethical and sustainable solutions to environmental problems. High school students explore environmental issues with ethical, philosophical and sustainable intersections, for example, climate justice and environmental equity. Their proposals have often investigated moral matters such as the rights of future generations or the ethics of conservation. This aspect makes the competition a perfect opportunity for students who want to combine ethics with real impact. Winning projects are often acknowledged by institutes of learning and environmental groups.
4. The American Philosophical Association High School Essay Contest
This essay contest is run by the American Philosophical Association (APA), and it's for high school students. If you are a high school student, and you are interested in philosophy, you can submit an original essay to respond to any philosophical question involving topics like "What does it mean to live a good life?" or "Can we ever really know anything?" You need to write clearly, reason well, and engage some philosophical works/thoughts. Winners of the contest have their essays published on the APA's website, so if you win, you'll have something rather significant for your college applications. This contest gets students thinking about and engaging philosophically in an academic capacity.
5. The Philosophy Slam
The Philosophy Slam is a truly unique national competition designed to inspire high school students to think deeply about big questions. Each year, the contest asks students a central question, a few examples include “What is the meaning of life?” or “Is knowledge or imagination more important?” Students can answer this question via a variety of formats, including essays, poetry, artwork and videos, making it easy for creatively minded and artistic high schoolers to participate. Students are also encouraged to engage in philosophical work and reasoning to defend their perspectives. Finalists are invited to a live national championship in which they defend their views before a panel of judges.
6. The John Locke Institute Essay Competition
The John Locke Institute Essay Competition is not only about philosophy; however, there is a philosophy and ethics category for students. Open to high school students from anywhere in the world, the competition challenges high school students to write researched-based essays written to philosophic prompts including "Can there be objective moral truths?" and "Is free will an illusion?". The competition honors originality, academic rigor, and clarity of argument. The finalists are invited to Oxford, those that received a prize are given certificates, opportunities for mentorship, and even scholarships from top colleges.
7. The International Dialogue Project (IDP)
The International Dialogue Project connects high school students around the world to examine moral philosophy, ethics, and cultural perspectives. Participants, through research and cooperative action, use the platform to study issues of justice, identity and global responsibility. They write essays/presentations to be reviewed by philosophy professors/scholars. The project also organizes a virtual symposium and peer-reviewed publications. It's a perfect option for teenagers who don't want to compete in a traditional sense, but who want to take part in a sustained question that requires research with international peers.
8. The Ethics Essay Contest by the Carnegie Council for Ethics in International Affairs
Each year, this competition asks high schoolers to write a multi-page essay on a contemporary and global ethical dilemma: war, inequality, surveillance, artificial intelligence. Each year, Carnegie Council sets a theme for students to engage with, and students are expected to conduct extensive research to justify their argument. All submissions are scored based on depth, clarity, and relevance to global ethical issues. Winning essays are published on our website and distributed to audiences worldwide. This contest is beneficial for students who may wish to pursue international relations or law while in college.
9. The Future Problem Solving Program
The Global Issues Problem Solving part of the Future Problem Solving Program International has categories that deal with a variety of moral and ethical dilemmas that involve technology, healthcare, and society. Students research a topic that reflects a variety of moral and ethical dilemmas surrounding bioethics, privacy, or social justice and create detailed action plans intended to resolve ethical dilemmas. This is a research-based competition that encourages students to think critically about ethical dilemmas for future-oriented problem solving. The international finals culminate with a group of teens presenting ideas and defending them in front of the panel of experts.
10. Lincoln-Douglas Debate
The debate is mainly concerned with ethics and philosophical arguments. Students are assigned to research a specific resolution (e.g., "Justice requires the recognition of animal rights," or "Civil disobedience is morally justified") for weeks. Once in competition, the students support their arguments with philosophical theory (e.g., utilitarianism, deontology, or social contract theory). This type of competition teaches students to organize logical arguments, research moral theories, and speak persuasively. All useful skills as they transition to college and life thereafter.
If you are a high school student pushing yourself to stand out in college applications, RISE Research offers a unique opportunity to work one-on-one with mentors from top universities around the world.
Through personalized guidance and independent research projects that can lead to prestigious publications, RISE Research helps you build a standout academic profile and develop skills that set you apart. With flexible program dates and global accessibility, ambitious students can apply year-round. To learn more about eligibility, costs, and how to get started, visit RISE Research’s official website and take your college preparation to the next level!
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