Ethics Bowl Way

The Ethics Bowl Way introduces the Ethics Bowl to the larger educational community, including those involved in elementary, secondary, and higher education. Ethics Bowl espouses a new way to engage in discussions about complex ethical issues. Although it resembles debate, in that two teams prepare for and present arguments on an ethical dilemma, participants are rewarded not for taking adversarial positions but rather for the degree to which they work together to bolster each other’s arguments by asking more incisive questions, asking for greater clarity, and providing more thoughtful, reflective, logical answers. Changing positions is rewarded rather than penalized; civil discourse is a key value; critical thinking, public speaking, and listening skills are also nurtured. Ethics Bowl’s foremost practitioners explain why this model is often more productive than debate; and how it fosters the very qualities that produce more responsible, informed citizens in a democracy, as well as model co-works, family and community members, and friends. The book also offers practical, hands-on advice for those who participate in Ethics Bowl (coaches, judges, case writers, organizers) and looks ahead to the ways in which it can be expanded and improved. Ethics Bowl, which began as a classroom activity, is always evolving to become more inclusive, fair, and challenging.

Ethics Bowl has long been one of the most innovative and effective methods for introducing both philosophy and ethics to young students. Israeloff and Mizell have edited a collection that is an asset to all interested in this initiative, whether as brand-new practitioners or experienced Ethics Bowl participants. This text and its authors also build upon Ethics Bowl history and traditions to illustrate possibilities for new horizons in bringing ethics and philosophical engagement to prisons, classrooms, and populations across the lifespan.--Michael D. Burroughs, Director, Kegley Institute of Ethics, California State University Bakersfield; Founding Editor, Precollege Philosophy and Public Practice, This volume is a must-read for anyone interested in learning how the Ethics Bowl fosters civil discourse. By weaving ethical conversations into a competitive yet collaborative debate format, the Ethics Bowl cultivates the skills of listening, conversation, deliberation, and problem-solving most needed for modern pluralistic and democratic societies. Those unfamiliar with or new to the Ethics Bowl community will find guidance on how to become involved (whether as an educator, coach, volunteer judge, or supportive community member). Judges and coaches will find thought-provoking models on how to extend the unique experience of Ethics Bowl to others through innovative classroom and community programs. As the first and only full volume on all facets of the Ethics Bowl for multiple demographics and age groups, this book provides a vision of life-long ethical analysis through Ethics Bowl experiences and is destined to become a foundational text.--Deborah S. Mower, Director, The Center for Practical Ethics, University of Mississippi

Roberta Israeloff has directed the Squire Family Foundation, devoted to advancing philosophy education, since its inception in 2007. The Foundation co-founded several national organizations, including Philosophy Learning and Teacher Organization (PLATO), and the National High School Ethics Bowl. Karen Mizell is Professor of Philosophy at Utah Valley University and Director of the Minor in Ethics and the Ethics Certificate program. She is founder and past director of the Utah High School Ethics Bowl, co-founder of the Wasatch Intercollegiate Ethics Bowl, and the recipient of several teaching and service awards, including the State of Utah Award for Excellence in Service-Learning.