What do you call a dinosaur that studies ethics? A Philosoraptor!  

Whitworth’s Ethics Bowl team, the “Philosoraptors,” will compete at the national competition from Feb. 22 through Feb. 23 in Norfolk, Virginia, continuing a legacy of determination and commitment.  

Ethics Bowl is a dialogue-based competition about complex ethical dilemmas through case studies of real-world problems and issues. With two people assigned to each case, the team will prepare, study and analyze 17 cases that they will present to an opposing team, explains Angélique Kaupa, a sophomore double majoring in biology and science who joined the team last semester before regionals.  

“It provides us with skills of considering cases from different perspectives, forcing ourselves to step outside our moral convictions and trying to come to a collaborative conclusion with other teams,” said Nabi Kahn, a health science senior who has been on the Ethics Bowl team since last semester.  

Whitworth’s Ethics Bowl team has a long legacy of success throughout their season. They are tied for the best record in the nation in the Ethics Bowl’s current form.  

“This is the most successful competitive program at Whitworth,” said Dylan Richardson, a political science senior who has been on the team for three years.  

Whitworth Ethics Bowl teams have won three national championships and been runners-up numerous other times. Last year, the team tied for third in the country. 

“It’s a big burden and a big legacy that we’re joining and being a part of,” said Richardson. “But it’s also a huge privilege.”  

Though they are one of the best in the nation, Whitworth has a disadvantage of less time to practice and prepare together due to Jan Term, according to Richardson. But their commitment to the process is also what sets Whitworth apart from other teams.  

To prepare for the regional competition, the team spent six to eight hours a week practicing and preparing. For nationals, they are spending 15 hours a week practicing, according to Kahn. This number does not include the members researching independently.  

“[Our coaches] expect us to really do a good job at research and understanding relevant and important facts to the case,” said Kaupa.  

At competitions, the Ethics Bowl team has the opportunity to compete against some of the best colleges and universities across the nation, including Stanford University. 

“We’ve made Stanford cry two years in a row,” said Richardson. “Here’s to continuing that streak.”  

Being a part of the Ethics Bowl team is more than just researching and competing. It helps students develop skills that will be beneficial in the future, such as understanding multiple perspectives, how to address ethical issues and getting into the habit of critical thinking, according to Kahn.  

Being a part of the team also helps build relationships and connect with people you wouldn’t normally interact with because people from all disciplines and majors compete in this sport.  

“You connect over philosophy, over ethics, over this enjoyment that comes from debating and discussing important, relevant topics,” said Kaupa.  

Though the Ethics Bowl team is one of Whitworth’s most successful programs, its future is uncertain. It is not regularly funded and many people don’t know what it is or what they do, according to Richardson. 

“I find it shocking that I didn’t know about the existence of… the most successful intercollegiate programs at Whitworth,” said Kahn. “We want to throw out there that if [Ethics Bowl] seems like something that’s interesting to you… it’s definitely something people should try and get into.” 

The Ethics Bowl team that attended nationals consists of Dylan Richardson, Nabi Kahn, Angélique Kaupa, Payton Moore, Melinda Mullet and Olivia Kizer. Their coaches are Keith Wyma, Ph.D., Rebecca Korf, Ph.D. and Jed Young. To follow their journey to nationals, their Instagram account is @whitworthethicsbowl. 

Ethics Bowl is an amazing opportunity to learn about ethical issues, be a part of a successful team and build community across campus.  

“Don’t pass up the possibility that it could be for you,” said Richardson.