Buies Creek, N.C. -Five students representing Campbell University’s Department of Religion and Philosophy will compete in the regional Intercollegiate Ethics Bowl on Nov. 21 at the University of Richmond, Va. Sponsored by the Association for Practical and Professional Ethics, the tournament is an annual debate program that tests students analytical and evaluation skills in the excitement of competition.
Team Coach Dr. Adam English, associate professor of Theology and Philosophy for the department, said he expects the Campbell students to perform successfully.
“This is the strongest and most intellectually diverse team we have put together. We are very optimistic about our chances to do well,” he said.
Team members include Timothy Alexander, Rebecca Donalson, Peter Pyo, Alexa Walrond and Brooke Whitley. Dr. Ken Vandergriff, adjunct professor of religion, also serves as a team coach. They have prepared 15 cases prior to the debate. Each case involves a thorny moral dilemma that can range from medical questions such as euthanasia to social and political ethics such as gun control, English said. The top four teams will go on to compete in the national Ethics Bowl in Cincinnati, Ohio in March. Students are judged on intelligibility, focus on ethically relevant considerations, avoidance of ethical irrelevance and deliberative thoughtfulness.
“Two years ago, Campbell performed well enough to advance from the regional to the national competition in San Antonio,” English said. “We have even higher hopes this year.”
The Campbell University Department of Religion and Philosophy offers two Bachelor of Arts degrees: a Bachelor of Arts in Religion with the possibility of concentrations in Biblical Studies, Theology and Christian History and a Bachelor of Arts in Christian Ministry. The Religion and Philosophy Department is now a part of the Campbell Divinity School, which offers programs leading to the Master of Divinity, Master of Arts and Doctor of Ministry.