February 14, 2008

The Ethics Center and the Henry Madden Library at California State University, Fresno are co-sponsoring an ethics essay contest that is open to undergraduates at Fresno State. The deadline for submission is March 1.

First prize is $300. Up to two honorable mentions will receive $100 each.

Essays may be submitted on any topic, but the following are suggested:

• Identify and describe an ethical issue that is of special concern to the Central Valley. Argue in favor of a solution to this issue.

• Analyze the ethical issues presented in a recent work of literature, a film, or other contemporary cultural production.

• Suggest ways of increasing responsibility, character, and virtue. The focus could be on political and cultural leadership or on questions of moral education for youth.

• Examine ethical issues that arise in the context of sports: youth sports, intercollegiate athletics, or the professional level.

Essays should be about 3,000 words, present an original point of view and must clearly explain and analyze a topic, while arguing persuasively for a thesis. They also must make use of at least four sources (books or articles) from the Henry Madden Library.

Winning essayists will read their work at the "Voicing Ideas" student philosophy conference in April 2008, and they will have their work displayed in the Henry Madden Library. The winning essay also will be published in the California Undergraduate Philosophy Review.

Papers should be submitted to Andrew Fiala, director of the Ethics Center, at afiala@csufresno.edu.