Frequently Asked Questions

What is the High School Ethics Bowl?

The Ethics Bowl is a competition that allows students to critically examine ethical issues and formulate responses to several ethical dilemmas. The Ethics Bowl was first introduced as a collegiate activity, but the Parr Center for Ethics has adopted the model for use with high school teams. The inaugural Triangle High School Ethics Bowl, hosted by the University of North Carolina’s Parr Center for Ethics, was held  April 30, 2011.

Why should my school participate in the Ethics Bowl?

The Ethics Bowl is unique in that it is an interactive forum in which students can develop skills in critical thinking, public speaking, and ethical deliberation. Rather than reward students for theatrics, reasonable thought and logical argumentation are the keys to success. And, as with other competitive events, students will learn important lessons in how to both win and lose with integrity. Finally, students hoping to attend college can have a unique activity to discuss on their applications!

Where does the North Carolina HS Ethics Bowl take place?

The Bowl will be hosted on the campus of the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.

When does the NC HS Ethics Bowl take place?

We are working with teachers to set a date for the fall of 2012 so that the champion can advance to the National High School Ethics Bowl in the spring.

How many students are needed to participate?

For each round, a school can have up to five active participants (that is, five students who can sit at the table and communicate as a team during any one session). The teams themselves can consist of more than five students. These additional students can help with case preparation, serve as alternates, or present in other rounds. Teams must have at least three members.

How does it work, from start to finish?

Early in the school year, teams receive the set of cases that will be in play in the competition.  The case topics cover a broad range of issues, such as ethics in the classroom (e.g., cheating, plagiarism), personal relationships (e.g., dating, friendship), social and political ethics (e.g. free speech, gun control), professional ethics (e.g., whistleblowing), and global issues (e.g. the impact of globalization, global warming).

Over the next several months, the team meets to discuss the cases, working out who will speak on which case(s), what counterarguments might be, and learning the format.

Competition day usually consists of multiple preliminary rounds in the morning, a break for lunch, then announcement of semi-finalists who compete in the semi-finals and finals in the afternoon. By late afternoon, a champion team is hoisting a trophy.

When will the packet of cases be released?

We plan to have the cases ready for teams in August.

Who serves as judges/moderators for the event?

Typically, UNC faculty, staff and advanced students serve as moderators and judges. However, we would like to include faculty from other schools and local professionals.

How can my school get involved in the Ethics Bowl?

If you are interested in participating in the Ethics Bowl (or you have any questions about the event itself), contact the Parr Center for Ethics at parrcenter@unc.edu or (919) 843-5641.