Great American Think-Off

Calling All Thinkers!

Entries are now being accepted for the Great American Think-Off. The deadline is April 1st for 750 word essays answering the question:

Cooperation or Competion: Which Benefits Society More?

This competion is FREE to enter and four winners will receive all expenses paid trips to New York Mills to compete in the final debate.

"Is competition the ideal way to allocate society's resources or does it make some people better off at the expense of others? Cooperation provides a way for individuals to accomplish more collectively than they could on their own but does it diminish the individual's incentive to excel. Whether at home or at work or at play, the ideals of competition and cooperation are often discussed.

The Great American Think-Off provides an opportunity for people to share their opinions in a philosophy competition that has become a national phenomena. Readers Digest described the event which takes place in New York Mills, Minnesota each year as 'wonderful'. Forbes listed it as one of America's Funkiest Festivals.

To enter the contest, submit an essay of 750 words or less by April 1, 2005. "Personal experience is the main thing we're looking for", says Think-Off Director, Lina Belar. Essays can be mailed to P.O. Box 246 New York Mills, MN 56567, or emailed to nymills@kulcher.org (no attachments) or submitted on-line at www.think-off.org

The debate will be held June 11 in New York Mills, Minnesota. The four finalists, all of whom receive $500 plus travel expenses, will be announced May 1, 2005.

Last year's question, "Should Same Sex Marriages be Prohibited?" provoked hundreds of thoughtful essays from across the country. Now in it's 13th year, the Great American Think-Off has a history of asking provocative questions such as: "Should Assisted Suicide be Legal?" (2001), "Does God Exist" (1996), and "Is Honesty Always the Best Policy?" (1998) a memorable year that was broadcast live on C-SPAN."

Great American Think-Off

I encourage everyone to blog about the question! Maybe a SHUster will be in the final debate! ;c)