ETHICS BOWL 2007

Hi, everyone. I'm writing to report back from our trip to the Ethics Bowl on Saturday.

As you know, this is the first time that the department/Philosophy & Religious Studies Club has sent a team. Over the course of three rounds -- six debates against three different teams -- we did very well, improving each round. There were some tight matches, and we were robbed at least once. Unfortunately, we didn't move on to the semi-finals. However, the students sounded great. They thought well on their feet, and the preparation we did in advance really paid off. (There was homework for them to do, regular meetings, and a practice debate. I worked them like dogs.) We got compliments from some judges and other teams, and everyone is hoping to see us there again.

The students really did a good job of representing the department and Central more generally, and they're already strategizing for how to do better next year. It was exciting for them and me to see them put their training into practice -- debating real-world ethical issues with other philosophers. It was a lot of fun and, I think, educational for all concerned.

I've attached a few pictures for your amusement.

Picture 1: The team getting some last-minute preparation in before the matches. Left to right, the team members are: Nick Beal, Casie Dunleavy, Phillip Downes, Catlin Scott, Tyler Soldat, Raquel Kramer, and Kathy Mae Dickinson.

Picture 2: Here we are after the tournament, still debating the issues.

Picture 3: Outside the event location, three unidentified criminals strip a Porsche for parts. (Note the license plate.)

If you see any of these people in your classes or elsewhere, clap and cheer.

Matt "The Coach" Altman

Nick Beal, Casie Dunleavy, Phillip Downes, Catlin Scott, Tyler Soldat, Raquel Kramer, & Kathy Mae Dickinson

still debating the issues

Outside the event location, three unidentified pretend criminals strip (not really) a Porsche for parts.

(Note the license plate.)