2010-2011 UST Philosophy Student Essay Contest Winners

First Prize ($200 Prize): Darin Schmidt
Second Prize ($100 Prize): Billy Watson
Third Prize ($100 Prize): Paul Armstrong 

2011-2012 UST Philosophy Student Essay Contest 

In the coming academic year (2011-2012) the University of St. Thomas Philosophy Department will sponsor the fourth annual UST Philosophy Student Essay Contest. All winners will present their papers at the One first-prize winner will receive $200 and the opportunity to present the winning paper publicly at the last philosophy department colloquium of the year. One first-prize winner will received $200, and two runners-up will each receive a prize of $100.

Submission Guidelines:

• Only current UST undergraduate students are eligible.
• Papers may be on any philosophical topic. 
• The author's name MUST NOT appear anywhere on the paper. If the author's name appears anywhere on the paper, the submission will not be considered.
• Word Limit: 3,500 words maximum (words limit includes all text, notes, works cited list, title, etc.)
• Deadline: Submissions must be received before midnight on a date to be determined. Papers will not be accepted until after the start of the 2011-2012 academic year. Email paper to philosophy@stthomas.edu as an attachment: include author's name and paper title in the body of the email, and the phrase "student essay contest" in the subject line.
• Only one submission per student will be considered. If more than one submission is received from a student, a single paper will be selected at random for consideration.
• Any paper that violates any of the rules above will be disqualified. 

Award Criteria:

Papers should state and defend a philosophical thesis. Sorts of theses that may be defended include (but are not limited to) claims about solutions to philosophical problems, about analysis of philosophical concepts, and about interpretation of philosophical texts. Papers should be clear and well-written. They should exhibit skill in philosophical argumentation, evidence of high-quality philosophical research (where appropriate), and independent thought.

Direct all questions about the contest to philosophy@stthomas.edu.