Think Essay Prize

The Think Essay Prize 2026, hosted by the Royal Institute of Philosophy, invites students to explore some of the most profound philosophical questions of our time. Winners will have their essays published in Think, an internationally respected philosophy journal, alongside work by leading philosophers.

Interested in the competition?

Competition Overview

Students aged 15–18 worldwide

Eligibility

Free

Entry fee

April 20, 2026 (midnight)

Submission Deadline

📌 Note: Aralia is not the organizer of this competition. For official rules, deadlines, and updates, please refer directly to the competition organizer. Aralia provides listings and information about competitions for student reference. Aralia is an online education platform offering competition preparation classes to students worldwide.

Competition Details

1. Essay Topics

To what extent is knowledge of God possible?
If we live in a physically determined universe, is anyone ever morally responsible for what they do?
To what extent can science threaten religious and theistic belief?
Could a machine think and feel?
Under what circumstances is the State justified in restricting what we can say?
Is time travel logically possible?

2. Submission Guidelines

Essay length: maximum 1,2000 words
Essay must be written in English, following a 12-point font (Calibri or similar), double-spaced
No footnotes or references (author and title may be mentioned in-text)
Non-academic, accessible style (similar to Aeon)
One line break between paragraphs, no indentations
Word document titled: Surname Firstname
Multiple submissions are allowed (one per topic)
An optional explanation of why your essay should be considered may be included

3. Prizes

The winning essay submission will be published in Think journal, along with articles from leading philosophers.
Shortlisted candidates will receive a year’s free subscription to the journal
Longlisted entries will receive additional prizes