TKEthics Competitions

What are our competitions?

Team-based experiences where students examine real ethical dilemmas, listen across differences, and build better answers together.

Dialogue over debate.Collaboration over competition.Co-creation over control.
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Three Pathways

Which competition is right for you?

Each format offers a distinct approach to ethical reasoning. All three prioritize thoughtful dialogue over combative debate.

FeatureEthics OlympiadTKEthics InvitationalGlobal AI Debates
Format4-round dialogue with feedbackPreliminary + elimination roundsStructured argumentation
Team Size3-5 students3-5 students2-4 students
LevelMiddle School & SeniorMiddle & High SchoolHigh School & Undergraduate
ModeOnlineIn-person / HybridOnline
EmphasisCollaborative moral reasoningRegional ethics bowl circuitAI ethics & tech policy
Fees$180-$225 per teamContact organizerSee globalaidebates.com

About

The Ethics Olympiad is a globally recognized team competition where students engage in structured, respectful dialogue about complex moral dilemmas. Unlike debate, there are no winners through persuasion - only through clarity of reasoning and intellectual honesty.

Format Details

Rounds

4 rounds with judge feedback

Structure

Case presentation + open discussion

Mode

Online (global participation)

Team Size

3-5 students per team

Duration

Full day event (10 AM - 4 PM EST)

Eligibility

  • Middle School: Ages 11-14 at any point during the competition year
  • Senior: High school students (European & Pan-American divisions)
  • Open globally - school-based or independent teams
  • School-based teams may qualify for International Final

Awards

  • Qualification pathway to International Final (Australia)
  • Certificates of excellence for top-performing teams
  • Judge commendations for outstanding individual reasoning

Registration Fees

$180 (Early Bird) - $225 (Regular)


Pathway: Qualifies for International Middle School Ethics Olympiad

Competition Impact

Ideas shared. Perspectives changed.

A growing community of students and schools learning to meet difficult questions with curiosity, rigor, and respect.

450+

Participants

80+

Schools Reached

12

Countries / Regions

Awards

Past competitions and honors

Celebrate the teams, students, and communities that have shaped TKEthics competitions.

Competition Awards

Explore past champions, medalists, rankings, and honorable mentions from TKEthics competitions.

View Competition Archive

Scholarships

Scholarships Available. Ready to Compete?

Cost should not prevent a thoughtful team from joining the conversation. TKEthics offers support pathways designed to widen access to competition.

Need-based support

Assistance for schools and teams facing financial barriers.

Merit-based support

Opportunities tied to demonstrated promise or achievement, when available.

Global accessibility

Support pathways intended to help students participate across regions and circumstances.

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FAQ

Frequently asked questions

Event-specific rules can change, so use these answers as guidance and confirm details on the tournament calendar.

Do I need debate experience?

No. The competitions reward careful reasoning, listening, and teamwork. Coaches receive format-specific preparation guidance before the event. View current events.

Do I need a philosophy background?

No formal philosophy background is required. Curiosity and a willingness to examine different values and perspectives are the best starting points. View current events.

How many students are on a team?

Ethics Olympiad and TKEthics Invitational teams are generally 3-5 students. Confirm the current event listing because requirements can vary by format. View current events.

Is it online?

Many TKEthics competitions are hosted online. Check the tournament calendar and event detail page for the confirmed location and time zone. View current events.

How do I register?

Visit the tournament calendar, choose an event, review its eligibility and deadline, and follow the registration instructions on the detail page.