Frequently Asked Questions

Ethics Bowl is an event inspired by the nationally televised College Bowl. It began in 1995 as an intercollegiate competition developed by faculty at the Illinois Institute of Technology in Chicago. Marian University has sponsored the Central States Regional Ethics Bowl since 1999.

In this multidisciplinary event, teams of up to five college students exercise their moral reasoning skills in a friendly and competitive atmosphere. The Central States Regional Ethics Bowl is open to all undergraduate majors and interests.

In an Ethics Bowl match, a moderator will question two teams, one defending team and one opposing team, on each case. Teams will receive a set of cases prior to the match. However, they will not know in advance which case they will be asked to discuss or the question that they will be asked. After the defending team has answered the question, the opposing team will comment on the defending team’s answer. The defending team then responds to the opposing team’s commentary. After the judges evaluate both teams on their performance, the teams reverse roles for the next round and the next case. Rules for regional competitions are established by the Intercollegiate Ethics Bowl and are available at the Intercollegiate Ethics Bowl website and at the link above.

Judges are selected to provide a wide range of background, experience, and perspective. Past judges include business executives, chief executive officers, college professors, lawyers, entrepreneurs, and other highly respected members of the community.

Evaluations are not based on right or wrong answers, but on the team’s ability to defend a stance.

Teams are scored on clarity and intelligibility, identification and discussion of central moral dimensions, and deliberative thoughtfulness. Scores are presented at the end of the match.

Clarity and Intelligibility:

Was the presentation clear and systematic? Regardless of whether or not you agree with the conclusion, did the team give a coherent argument in a clear and succinct manner?

Identification and Discussion of Central Ethical Issues:

Did the team's presentation clearly identify and thoroughly discuss the central moral dimensions of the case?

Deliberative Thoughtfulness:

Did the team's presentation indicate both awareness and thoughtful consideration of different viewpoints, especially those that would loom large in the reasoning of individuals who disagree with the team's position?

The set of cases for the competition becomes available the Wednesday after Labor Day. Teams are notified that the cases have been posted and a link to the cases is provided to participating teams. Teams will not know which cases will be used in the competition and should be ready to address any of them. The judging criteria outlined in the question above and the sample cases can be helpful in guiding students as they prepare for the competition.

All schools must pay a $125 APPE Intercollegiate Ethics Bowl program participation fee to APPE to participate in the regional competitions.  In addition, the Central States Region  has an additional $50/team "host fee" to cover their local costs which is paid directly to the regional host, Marian University.

All team members and their coaches receive morning refreshments, and a buffet lunch.  Teams earning a bid to the International Ethics Bowl finals (3-4 teams typically) will receive a trophy and a cash prize to offset expenses for the finals competition. The IEB Finals competition takes place at the annual meeting of the Association for Practical and Professional Ethics.

Schedule (2022)

Activity	Time
Breakfast/Registration/Check-In	7:00 am-8:00 am
Welcome	8:00 am-8:30 am
Match One	8:45 am-10:30 am
Match Two	10:45 am-12:30 pm
Lunch/Team Pictures	12:30 pm-1:30 pm
Match Three	1:45 pm-3:30 pm
Closing and Awards	3:45 pm-4:15 pm
-Award Winner Pictures

• All schools must pay a $125 APPE Intercollegiate Ethics Bowl program participation fee to APPE to participate in the regional competitions.  In addition, the Central States Region  has an additional $50/team "host fee" to cover their local costs which is paid directly to the regional host. 
• All teams competing in a regional or national APPE Intercollegiate Ethics Bowl competition must have at least one current APPE Individual or Institutional membership.  Student memberships do not meet this qualification. This information will be required on the team registration form. 
• Your team will not be considered "registered" for any competition until all required forms and fees have been submitted.
• APPE regional Ethics Bowl team registration form (Scroll down)
• Central States registration fee payment portal

These are the 2021 IEB Regional Rules w CSREB adjustments.