Ethics in action, dialogue in motion.
The Intercollegiate Ethics Bowl brings together teams of students to tackle today’s toughest moral questions through thoughtful, collaborative debate. Blending competition with curiosity, Ethics Bowl challenges participants to reason clearly, listen generously, and engage respectfully with opposing viewpoints. Whether you’re a student ready to join the DePauw team or a volunteer eager to support our events, the Prindle Institute is where big ideas meet spirited conversation.
Why Ethics Bowl?
Ethics Bowl transforms the way students think, listen, and engage with one another. Unlike traditional debate, it rewards collaboration over confrontation—valuing thoughtful dialogue and reasoned reflection over quick rebuttals. Teams analyze real-world moral dilemmas drawn from issues in politics, science, business, and everyday life, crafting arguments that balance clarity, compassion, and rigor. Each match invites students to explore complex questions—How should we live together? What do we owe to one another?—and to practice the art of deliberation in a shared pursuit of understanding. Along the way, they develop essential skills for democratic life: critical thinking, empathy, and the confidence to navigate disagreement with respect and intellectual humility. More than a competition, Ethics Bowl is an exercise in building better conversations—and, ultimately, a better public.
The Prindle Institute proudly supports DePauw University’s long-running success in the APPE Intercollegiate Ethics Bowl (APPE IEB), with DePauw teams represented in 16 of the last 20 APPE IEB National Championships—making them among the winningest programs in the country. The Institute also serves as the institutional home of the APPE Intercollegiate Ethics Bowl Online Regional Competition (IEBOnline), first established in 2021 to provide a premier Ethics Bowl experience for teams who prefer or require a virtual format. IEBOnline expands access to the Ethics Bowl community while maintaining the same high standards of deliberation and rigor as in-person competitions. Students can get involved in Ethics Bowl at the Institute by trying out for DePauw’s Ethics Bowl team or by volunteering as a moderator or staff member for IEBOnline.
Learn more about APPE IEB
Ethics Bowl Teams at DePauw
Students interested in joining the DePauw Ethics Bowl team can do so through an associated course taught by Senior Professor of Philosophy, Marcia McKelligan. In this class, students prepare for the regional Intercollegiate Ethics Bowl competition through a mix of theory, discussion, and practice. The course begins with an introduction to ethical theory and then turns to analyzing the nine competition cases released each fall. Students collaborate in developing and refining arguments, drafting papers, and engaging in constructive peer critique to hone their reasoning and presentation skills. The class meets regularly throughout the semester and welcomes both for-credit and auditing students. For more information or to express interest, please contact mmckelligan@depauw.edu.
IEBOnline Volunteering
Interested in being part of one of the most dynamic national Ethics Bowl events—without competing? The Prindle Institute welcomes student volunteers to serve as moderators and support staff for the Intercollegiate Ethics Bowl Online Regional Competition (IEBOnline), organized by Associate Director Dr. Alex Richardson. Moderators help guide discussion, keep time, and ensure a fair and engaging experience for teams, while staffers assist with event coordination and logistics. No prior Ethics Bowl experience is required—just an interest in ethical dialogue and a willingness to help foster meaningful conversations among students from across the country. To learn more or sign up, visit this page or contact alexrichardson@depauw.edu.
High School Ethics Bowl
Interested in helping extend the benefits of the Intercollegiate Ethics Bowl to high school students across Indiana? The Prindle Institute welcomes student volunteers to serve as moderators and support staff for the Indiana High School Ethics Bowl (IHSEB), organized by Associate Director Jamie Herman. Each year, IHSEB brings together high school teams from across the state to engage in thoughtful, civil dialogue about real-world moral questions. Moderators guide case discussions and keep rounds running smoothly, while staffers help coordinate logistics and ensure an excellent experience for all participants. No prior Ethics Bowl experience is required—just an interest in ethics, education, and helping create meaningful spaces for young thinkers to collaborate. To learn more or sign up, visit this page or contact jamieherman@depauw.edu.