2026 Longlist Announced! 2027 Questions Coming Later This Year
For official rules, deadlines, and updates, please refer to the competition organizer. Aralia provides competition information for student reference and is not affiliated with the competition organizer.
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
Eligibility
Students aged 15–18 worldwide
Entry Fee
Free
Submission Deadline
April 20, 2026 (midnight)
Longlist Announcement
August 2026
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 1,200 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
Need help preparing for this contest?
Connect with our team for personalized guidance on registration and preparation strategies tailored to your goals.
Scan to add us on WhatsApp
Why Should Students Participate in This Competition?
For students interested in philosophy, the humanities, or analytical thinking, this competition is an opportunity to develop skills that extend far beyond the competition itself. Writing an essay requires students to form their own viewpoints, build rigorous arguments, and think critically about complex ideas rather than rely on formulaic writing.
The Royal Institute of Philosophy organizes the competition, a longstanding institution dedicated to promoting the study of philosophy. Recognition through the competition can help students demonstrate their intellectual interests and academic engagement in philosophy and related fields, such as the humanities and social sciences.
The preparation process encourages students to engage deeply with ideas, develop independent perspectives, and sharpen their intellectual voice. These skills can strengthen a student’s academic profile while providing meaningful experiences and ideas to draw upon in future applications.
Past Winning Essays
Class Recommendation
Prepare to compete at the highest level