The Young Philosopher Awards were founded by UCD School of Ethics and President of Ireland Michael D. Higgins four years ago to encourage primary and secondary school students across Ireland to engage with philosophy and explore a philosophical question they consider important to think about in the current time.
Speaking on World Philosophy Day Senator Alice-Mary Higgins said “The vision of these awards is to create an opportunity and space to bring together philosophers, be they academics, primary or secondary school students, teachers, communities or friends to discuss and engage with questions of what it means to live together and to live well in this world at this time. The big questions around existence, around our responsibilities to each other and our relationships with each other. Thinking and reflecting about these questions is more important than ever this year when do many are facing personally and collectively challenging circumstances.”
“I would like to commend all the students who participated in the 2020 Awards and congratulate those who win awards in their categories. This year’s entries on the theme “Covid-19 Ethics” were outstanding and I encourage people to take a look at them on UCD’s website UCD Centre for Ethics in Public Life | IYPA Covid-19 Award.”
Entries are now open for the Young Philosophy Awards 2021. This year, a new International Award is also being launched on the theme of ‘Solidarity’.
More information on the 2021 Awards can be found at https://youngphilosopherawards.ucd.ie/ or by emailing youngphilosopherawards@ucd.ie