Philosophy
A category to engage deeply with questions of thought, ethics, and the human condition.
The Philosophy category invites original essays that engage with meaningful questions about knowledge, ethics, existence, society, or human experience. Submissions may be analytical, argumentative, reflective, or exploratory in style, but must demonstrate clarity of thought, coherence of structure, and intellectual independence.
Essay Format
Accepted forms include:
• Argumentative essays on philosophical issues
• Reflective or conceptual essays
• Ethical, political, or metaphysical inquiries
• Personal reflections rooted in philosophical reasoning
Length
• 1,000 to 2,500 words
Format
• Font: Times New Roman or Garamond
• Size: 12 pt
• Spacing, Double-spaced
• Margins: 1 inch (2.54 cm)
• File Format: PDF
• File name: LastFirstName_Title.pdf
Citation (if included) should follow a consistent academic style (e.g., MLA, APA, or Chicago). Formal citations are optional but must be used correctly if present.
Title Page
Include the following information as the first page of your submission:
• Title of the work
• Full name of the applicant
• Email address
• Submission category: Writing & Literature
• Total word count
Author’s Note (Maximum 200 words)
Please include a brief Author’s Note reflecting on your process. This section is not evaluate for content or style but offers context to help the judges understand your thinking and intention:
• Why you chose this particular question, theme, or philosophical topic
• What perspective or personal experience influenced your approach
• What challenges or discoveries arose as you developed your ideas
• What you hope the reader considers or takes away from your essay
Additional Notes
• Submissions must be written in English. You may attach an addition version in your native language, but the English version will be used for review.
• Previously published, AI-generated, or plagiarized work will not be considered.
• Feedback will not be provided on individual submissions.
Originality Policy
All submissions must be the applicant’s own, original work.
Submissions must not have been previously published, formally submitted to other competitions, or generated in whole or in part by artificial intelligence tools. Work that is found to be plagiarized or in violation of these guidelines will be disqualified without exception.
Applicants are expected to uphold the values of integrity, authorship, and independent thought that define the spirit of the Hearth Fellowship Prize.