The APPE Intercollegiate Ethics Bowl® (APPE IEB®) is a competition that combines the excitement and rigor of case analysis with a tiered tournament structure. Undergraduate teams across the U.S. analyze ethical dilemmas in areas ranging from personal relationships to professional and social ethics, culminating in regional and national competitions.

Our team prepares by engaging in thorough analysis and discussion of the provided case sets that cover a wide range of ethical issues. Preparation involves regular meetings, mock debates, and consultations with faculty advisors to refine our arguments and understand the ethical dimensions of each case.

Yes, absolutely! We encourage anyone passionate about ethics and debate to join our team. For information on the next round of auditions, please contact us. No prior experience in ethics competitions is required.

To compete in the Ethics Bowl, you must be enrolled as an undergraduate student at UC Berkeley during the time of the regional competition. Students who are currently enrolled in a graduate program or have been enrolled in the past are not eligible unless they are in a joint undergraduate/graduate program.

Teams are evaluated based on their ability to articulate their case analysis clearly and effectively, focus on ethically relevant considerations, avoid ethical irrelevance, and demonstrate deliberative thoughtfulness. Judges also look for well-rounded responses that appreciate various perspectives.

Should our team emerge as one of the top scorers at the regional level, we qualify for the APPE IEB® National Competition. Annually, the top 36 teams from the regional competitions across the United States advance to compete in this national event, which is held in early spring in conjunction with the APPE International Conference.

Yes, while the core ethical debate format and criteria remain consistent with the national guidelines, regional Ethics Bowl competitions can feature several variations in rules. These include adjustments in the format of matches, team presentations, and timing. If you would like to read over the rules for regional and national competitions, we encourage you to visit this website: Home - Association for Practical and Professional Ethics (appe-ethics.org)

We offer workshops and training sessions throughout the year. These sessions are designed to help participants develop a deeper understanding of ethical theory and practical application, enhancing skills in analysis, argumentation, and public speaking.

Joining the Critical Ethics Society of California represents a commitment to personal and intellectual growth. As members, we are inspired to dive deep into complex ethical questions, honing our skills in critical analysis and reasoned debate. Representing UC Berkeley, our team upholds the highest standards of integrity and intellectual rigor in both regional and national competitions. This is an opportunity to challenge yourself, contribute to important conversations, and emerge as a leader in ethical thought. We invite you to join us in this journey, where your contributions will help shape the future of ethical discourse.