The Ethics Bowl team at UCSB participates in regional and national Intercollegiate Ethics Bowl (IEB) competitions hosted by the Association for Practical and Professional Ethics (APPE). The team is comprised of undergraduate students and coached by Philosophy graduate students.

Students strive to enhance their understanding of ethics by grappling with some of the most complex and controversial issues facing society today, including issues in law, medicine, business, journalism, education, and foreign policy.

In the competition, students demonstrate their ability to (1) understand the facts of the case, (2) articulate the ethical principles involved, (3) present a compelling argument on how the case should be resolved, and (4) respond effectively to challenges put forth by the opposing team as well as the panel of expert judges.

The team’s recent results include:

  • 2025 Nationals: Quarter-Finalist
  • 2024 California Regionals: Finalist
  • 2024 Nationals: Finalist
  • 2023 California Regionals: Finalist