Ethics Bowl crowns repeat champions

Tomato Sandwiches defended its No. 1 title in Detroit Mercy’s Ethics Bowl competition. On Oct. 11, reigning champions Tomato Sandwiches won the Ethics Bowl for the second year running. The team consisted of Political Science majors including Isabelle Francis, Kelsie Shammami, Dirkaft Mohammad, Kaleb Smith, and Juan Willis. 

Titans competed to finally see who ought to represent UDM at Chicago’s Ethics Bowl this year. Restrictions on hunting dogs and the persecution of good Samaritans were just two of the many ethical dilemmas covered during the event. Teams took turns sharing their arguments and questioning one another on the given topics; scored on how well they could form their own viewpoints, critical thinking and support their claim’s credibly.  

Dr. Martin Leever, who organized the event, remarked on how strong the competition was this year. After the points were tallied Debate and Switch came up third, Titan Scholars in second, and the reigning champions Tomato Sandwiches won with a total of 110.5 points.  

The Ethics Bowl was structured to allow each team the opportunity to show its critical thinking. After a coin toss, the winning team decides who goes first, and the ethical case file is given. Team One answers the allotted question and is then questioned by Team Two and the judges. After Team One finishes itsr answers, Team Two receives a new issue and answers. Team Two is then questioned by Team One and the judges, and afterward the points are totaled, and a winner is decided.  

The judges complimented all of the teams on their abilities to thoroughly articulate their views. In their eyes, each team employed critical thinking and used credible sources to back their arguments. The debates were synergistic and continued to only better themselves as time continued. Overall, the judges found it difficult to see a dominant force in the competition, however Tomato Sandwiches always found a way to pull ahead.  

Chris Tierney, a Philosophy major, said, “The team gracefully danced around the ethical dilemmas at hand.”  

Not only did Tomato Sandwiches win over the score board, but they also won over the minds of their fellow ethical debaters.  

On Nov. 16, Tomato Sandwiches will be heading to Chicago to compete in the Regional Ethics Bowl. Once there, they will be expected to show the same cunning and critical thinking that landed them their place for the last two years.  

Francis said, “I am looking forward to going back to Chicago with a bit more experience to compete stronger than last year.”  

If Tomato Sandwiches win the Regionals they will proceed to Nationals. Adorned in an aura of confidence, Tomato Sandwiches will attempt to bring home the victory for UDM.