Regional Ethics Bowl competition brings debate and discussion to OU

Debate and discussion will take center stage as Oakland University plays host to the Upper Midwest Regional Ethics Bowl competition from 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 3, on the first and third floors of the Science and Engineering Building.

The Intercollegiate Ethics Bowl (IEB) is a research and debate centered team competition that forces students to think critically about ethical dilemmas based on real-life issues.

Each semester, the national organization releases several cases for students to research and prepare arguments around, with topics ranging from child care to international politics, professional situations, local government and small business, and issues of personal choice.

Drawing from nearby states such as Wisconsin and Illinois, 14 teams from 12 universities are expected to participate in the event, bringing in upwards of 120 people. The top three teams will advance to the national competition.

Lisa Campbell, special lecturer in Communication and Philosophy at Oakland, is the coach of OU’s team and the chief organizer of the event.

“I think this is an incredibly valuable activity because it not only asks students, “What is the right thing to do?” but also asks, “Why?” Campbell said. “Ethics Bowl forces students to take what they have learned in classes and apply it to real-world situations, some of which the student may find himself or herself in some day.”

OU’s team consists of four students, and is looking to grow. The Ethics Bowl team originated in the Philosophy Department, but students from all disciplines are welcome. In the past, team members have majored in philosophy, communication, political science, information technology, women’s studies, integrated studies, and biology. Many students also continue on into graduate studies in law, medicine or business.

The program is directed toward students who enjoy meaningful discussions, and academic credit for participation is available through a four credit Philosophy 300 course, according to Campbell.

“Every year I am so proud to be the coach of a wonderful team, and this year is no exception,” Campbell continued. “All of my competitors have full course loads and work full-time jobs, yet they step up each week and get better and better. And, they return to the team every year, so they obviously are learning and getting something good from the activity.”

This event is one of ten regional ethics bowls taking place throughout November and December. From these competitions, the top 32 teams will qualify for the national competition at the 2012 Association for Practical and Professional Ethics Annual Meeting on Thursday, March 1, 2012, in Cincinnati, OH.

For more information about OU’s team, view the website.