Ethical questions put students to the test

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This article was published 30/04/2023 (1041 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

Should all laws be obeyed? Should Canada cut ties with the British monarchy?

These are some of the ethical dilemmas explored in spirited discussion this weekend as teens from across the nation gathered in Winnipeg for the Canadian High School Ethics Bowl.

Similar to a debate, the event requires teams of students to present their views on a series of ethical questions. However, rather than asking competitors to defend their stance, the teens are encouraged to consider the opposition’s view and change their opinions when faced with convincing arguments.

“It teaches students, and anybody else really, how to have a discussion in a non-confrontational manner,” said Estelle Lamoureux, the competition’s regional director. “This approach allows students to bring in new information, to contemplate it, understand it and decide whether to accept it or not. It forces an individual to have an open mind.”

A panel of academics, professionals and educators judge each presentation, awarding points based on research, delivery and constructive conversation.

The goal is to combat binary thinking, improve active listening skills and challenge assumptions, Lamoureux said, speaking from inside the Canadian Museum for Human Rights where the event was hosted.

Roughly 84 students from Alberta, Saskatchewan, British Columbia, Ontario and Manitoba participated, with the opening rounds beginning Friday and finals ending Saturday night.

“It’s very empowering because… discussing things and seeing other’s perspectives puts us in a position where we feel we can make a difference,” said Zoe Judson, a 12 Grade student from Miles Macdonell Collegiate.

“I would like to see this kind of thing become more prevalent because, in these last few days, everything I’ve experienced gives me a lot of hope for the future,” agreed Khava Amir, also from Miles Mac.

Judson, Amir and their teammates from the collegiate were the winners of Manitoba’s regional ethics competition back in February, earning them a spot in the national showdown.

They were eliminated before noon on the second day, but it did not dampen their spirits.

The young women all reported feeling more confident inspired and informed as they settled in to watch the semifinal round.

“I think this is the best thing she has every done academically,” Kristin Madsen said of her daughter Sarah, who competed with the team. “Just seeing the growth in her has been remarkable. I am proud and grateful the kids have the opportunity to do this.”

The idea of hosting an ethics bowl in Canada began in 2014 when the Manitoba Association of Rights and Liberties sent teams from the province across the border to participate in the USA High School Ethics Bowl.

In the following years, the organization adopted the model and expanded it into Manitoba’s public school system. The inaugural Canadian High School Ethics Bowl took place at the museum in 2019.

This month, the event received official non-profit status.

The COVID-19 pandemic forced organizers to adopt a virtual model for the past two competitions, so this weekend marked a triumphant, in-person return, said Sandra Krahn, the association’s executive director.

At a time when society and politics are becoming increasingly divisive, it is extremely important to educate youth on the value of critical thinking, Krahn said.

“I believe our society really undervalues the capabilities of youth,” she said. “These students are learning how to discuss some really hard topics respectfully with the goal of creating a society and future where our politics aren’t so polarized.”

Some teens who have participated in previous ethics bowls have since represented Canada at United Nations’ youth delegations and G7 Summits. Others go on to become lawyers, doctors and professionals who may encounter ethical dilemmas in their daily lives, she said.

“Our world and our country would be better off if politicians used this framework in their dialogue, as compared to a debate,” she said.

”If we continue to be adversarial within our political and economic structures, we are going to see ourselves with… no space to actually look at the things we agree on, and that might make our society better.”

tyler.searle@freepress.mb.ca