Year 11 student, Isabel Hong and Kyonosuke Naito, Year 12 have been short-listed in the John Locke Institute Global Essay Competition, held by the University of Oxford. As finalists, Kyonosuke and Isabel are invited to Oxford University in September for the gala dinner to announce the winners and participate in seminars and lectures on critical thinking.

The competition is highly competitive, with 755 submissions in the Philosophy category alone. The categories have set questions and include History, Politics, Philosophy, Economics, Psychology, and Theology. There is also a Junior category for younger students.  The John Locke Institute website has the details at https://www.johnlockeinstitute.com/essay-competition.

The essay competition is highly prestigious. Students who receive a ‘Commendation’ are encouraged to include that award on their university applications, and when applying for a scholarship, or an internship.

Isabel is in Year 11 and studying for the International Baccalaureate Diploma. Isabel responded to the Philosophy question:
When, if ever, can acts involving only consenting adults be morally wrong?

Kyonosuke is in Year 12 and studying for the Queensland Education Certificate and he responded to the Philosophy question:
If our actions are a consequence of our capacities and preferences, and if those things are, in turn, a result of our genetic inheritance and the external world in which we happen to find ourselves, are we ultimately responsible for our choices?

We wish Kyonosuke and Isabel all the best in the final round of judging in September.

Subscribe to our newsletter