Grand Valley State University’s Ethics Bowl team offers students a platform to engage in nuanced discussions on complex issues, cultivate critical thinking and improve problem solving skills. Participating in the Intercollegiate Ethics Bowl, which is organized by the Association for Practical and Professional Ethics (APPE), the team addresses real-world dilemmas across various disciplines, including healthcare, technology, civil rights and environmental concerns.
Unlike a traditional debate format, Ethics Bowl emphasizes cooperative dialogue. Teams present and defend their moral assessments, aiming to explore issues thoughtfully and respectfully. This approach encourages participants to consider multiple perspectives, enhancing their ability to navigate moral complexities.
Preparation for competitions involves weekly meetings where team members analyze a diverse set of cases provided by APPE. Through mock competitions, students refine their arguments and public speaking abilities, developing a comprehensive understanding of ethical frameworks.
In recent years, GVSU’s team has competed in the national Ethics Bowl during APPE’s annual conference in Atlanta, Georgia. Facing formidable opponents, including the United States Naval Academy and the eventual national champion, Youngstown State University, the team showcased resilience and depth of understanding. They were able to gain valuable experience, despite not advancing to the competition’s knockout stages.
The team’s success is supported by a dedicated network of faculty and peers. Ethics Bowl liaison Professor Ronald Loeffler and Professor David Crane have been instrumental in guiding the team. Additionally, contributions from students across various disciplines, including computer science, psychology and English have enriched the group’s interdisciplinary approach.
“The purpose of this organization is to foster the development of ethical understanding among Grand Valley students,” said Loeffler. “This is in connection with complex, ambiguous and difficult-to-resolve, real-life issues and key virtues associated with reasoned, collaborative deliberation.”
Participation in Ethics Bowl offers students the opportunity of academic and personal growth. Engaging in ethical deliberation enhances critical thinking, public speaking skills and the ability to approach contentious issues with empathy and respect. These skills are transferable across professions, which can prepare students for thoughtful decision-making in their future careers.
Brody Baylock, the president of the Ethics Bowl team, noted that students have much to gain from participating.
“Identifying and practicing those skills of logic and reasoning helps (to) better understanding (yourself and your) own values, Baylock said. “(It can also help to) better understand how those considerations play out in the real world. Ethics can seem like it’s simply this side piece under the umbrella of philosophy, but it’s something that’s incredibly important to consider across any field.”
The University’s Ethics Bowl team is inclusive, and welcomes students from all majors. The group’s weekly meetings are held on Thursdays from 6:00-7:30 p.m. in Mackinac Hall B-3-216. Interested students are encouraged to join, and contribute to the ongoing exploration of ethical issues that shape society.
