Read for the dilemma
Identify the decision-maker, the affected groups, and the values that cannot all be satisfied at once.
- What is the core ethical question?
- Who has power, risk, or responsibility?
- What facts would change your view?
Orange County School of the Arts
Build better arguments. Ask better questions.
A central home for mock cases, meeting plans, practice dates, and the shared habits that help our Ethics Bowl team prepare with care.
This Week's Focus
When does artistic freedom become cultural harm?
Practice listening for values in tension, then compare the strongest version of each side before taking a position.
- Next Meeting
- Wednesday, Room 212
- Prep Goal
- Bring 2 clarifying questions
Basic study guide
A practical Ethics Bowl toolkit
Use this as a starter guide for case prep, discussion norms, and competition-day thinking.
Build a generous argument
Before disagreeing, state the best version of the view you are responding to. Judges reward charity and precision.
- Name the principle behind the claim.
- Use examples without overclaiming.
- Explain tradeoffs, not just conclusions.
Use ethical lenses
Try multiple frameworks so the team can see where they agree, where they split, and why.
- Consequences: what outcomes follow?
- Duties: what obligations apply?
- Virtues: what character is encouraged?
Practice strong replies
A reply should answer the other team directly, improve your position, and show that you listened.
- Start with the exact point you heard.
- Concede what is genuinely strong.
- Return to the ethical stakes.
Club calendar
Upcoming dates
Meeting agenda
Next practice plan
Mock resources