2026 Michigan High School Ethics Bowl

Join us! Share the excitement of the largest high school philosophy festival and judged ethics case competition in Michigan. 

Twenty four teams from 14 schools, representing 4 counties in SE Michigan. 

Judges from 13 universities and colleges as well as applied ethics centers, fellowship programs and professional schools, all representing the vibrant philosophy and ethics community in Michigan. 

The Bowl champion is eligible to represent Michigan at the Nationals on April 10-12, 2026 at the University of North Carolina Parr Center for Ethics in Chapel Hill. Over twelve seasons, Michigan teams have captured one National Championship, taken third-place twice, and have received the prestigious Spirit of the Ethics Bowl Award. 

The 2026 Bowl is at Eastern Michigan University Student Center, 900 Oakwood Ave., Ypsilanti Michigan. The Bowl is an all-day event, beginning at 10am and ending at 4pm. You can drop by any time. That said, coming the entire day is truly the best way to experience the Bowl's magic. The first day, Saturday January 31st is a round robin tournament. Each team participates in four rounds. The second day, Sunday, February 1st, turns into single elimination rounds with Quarter, Semi--and the Finals. 

The Michigan Bowl champion wins The Hemlock Cup. The runner-up receives the Keeper of the Flame trophy. 

You can preview the Ethics Case Studies that will be discussed by the teams at the 2026 Michigan Bowl here. Before the Bowl, invite your family and friends for your own ethics discussions!