The Cary M. Maguire Center for Ethics and Public Responsibility at Southern Methodist University is pleased to announce the winners of the second annual Undergraduate Ethics Essay Prize. The essay contest was launched in 2020 to celebrate our 25th anniversary, as a means to encourage the development of ethical discernment, imagination, and thoughtful reflection among students at SMU.
The 2021 Undergraduate Maguire Ethics Essay Prize was an open ethics-topic contest. Participants were encouraged to describe an ethical issue they have encountered and examine what it taught them. Students were encouraged to consider influences such as a class they took, a professor who inspired them, a piece of art that evoked response, a law that affects them, a meaningful research experience, some moral quandary they have faced, or something that provides them with peace or happiness. We are thankful that three members of the Maguire Center Executive Advisory Board assessed the essays. Winning essays have not been edited by Maguire Center staff in any way nor do they necessarily reflect the beliefs of the Center or its affiliated parties. The competition, which was open to undergraduate students in any concentration in any school or college of the University, received 15 submissions, reflecting the deep interest in ethics across the University.
FIRST PRIZE:
BRADLEY KUCERA: “THE ETHICAL CONSIDERATIONS OF SPERMBOT”
Bradley is a fourth year studying History and Human Rights with a minor in African/African- American Studies.
SECOND PRIZE:
REETH MAGOO: “EPISTEMIC EXPLOITATION AND THE PLIGHT OF THE MINORITY IN AMERICA”
Reeth is a third year studying Philosophy with a minor in History, Political Science, and Law and Legal Reasoning.
THIRD PRIZE:
RUHANI AHLUWALIA: “EPISTEMIC EXPLOITATION AND THE PLIGHT OF THE MINORITY IN AMERICA”
Ruhani is a first year studying Biology and Art.
Honorable Mentions
Isabelle Galko, Senior
Major(s): Environmental Sciences
Minor(s): Public Policy & International Affairs, Human Rights, and Women & Gender Studies.
Keely McNeme, Senior
Major(s): Political Science, International Studies, Corporate Communication and Public Affairs
Minor(s): History