University of Cincinnati Hosts 4th Annual Ethics Bowl This Weekend

The University of Cincinnati will host the fourth annual Greater Cincinnati Regional High School Ethics Bowl this weekend, on January 24 and 25, 2024. This event, organized by the Cincinnati Ethics Center, invites high school students to engage in meaningful discourse around ethical dilemmas, emphasizing reasoned dialogue over competitive debate.

Held in both the Carl H. Lindner College of Business and the UC College of Law, the Ethics Bowl encourages participants to explore real-world moral challenges through respectful conversation. Teams are evaluated on clarity, depth, responsiveness, and intellectual humility, rather than simply aiming to win arguments. As Andrew Cullison, executive director of the Cincinnati Ethics Center, stated, “In just four years, this competition has seen incredible growth.”

This year’s competition is notable for its record participation, with students from 24 schools forming 40 teams, marking an impressive turnout second only to a regional contest held in California. The inclusion of teams from organizations such as the Boys & Girls Club of West Chester and Scarlet Oaks Career Campus highlights the expanding scope of ethics education and its community impact. “This year’s expansion into two buildings reflects the incredible enthusiasm of our participants,” remarked Christina Baulch, director of K–12 educational programs.

All 40 teams will participate in four preliminary rounds on Saturday. The top eight teams, determined by their scores, will move on to the knockout stages on Sunday, culminating in a championship match. The winning team will gain the opportunity to advance within the National High School Ethics Bowl network. The competition will take place across two UC buildings, showcasing the event’s scalability and its relevance in various academic environments.

The Ethics Bowl relies heavily on the support of volunteers, including faculty, staff, and alumni from UC, along with community professionals who serve as judges and moderators. Their contributions are essential for structuring and facilitating the event. A notable image from a previous bowl captured students from Walnut Hills High School engaged in thoughtful discussion, representing the core mission of the event: encouraging young minds to delve into the complexities of ethics.

As participants prepare for this weekend’s event, the University of Cincinnati continues to foster an environment that encourages ethical reasoning and moral reflection, equipping students with the skills needed to navigate complex societal challenges.