The Ethics Bowl is an alternative form of school debate which is rapidly growing in popularity across the country, due to the improvements it’s thought to make over the adversarial and rhetorical nature of traditional (forensic) debate. Participants think deeply about real-life, pressing ethical questions (about the use of cutting-edge technology, social inequality, the environment, politics, friendship, etc.). The emphasis is on talking meaningfully and productively in contexts of disagreement, and not on arguing that your side is right.

Eight lucky people will, over wine and hors d'oeuvres, learn about how the Ethics Bowl works, discuss two of the 2018 set of national EB cases (chosen on the basis of the group’s interest), and simulate a mini-Ethics Bowl round, dividing into two groups of four.

This experience will be led by Professor Sandra Dreisbach, Gateway parent and co-founder of UCSC’s college Ethics Bowl team and Professor Jon Ellis, Gateway parent and founding director of UCSC’s Center for Public Philosophy. Hosted by Jon and Jen Ellis.