The Royal Institute of Philosophy is pleased to announce that the Think Essay Prize 2026 is now open for submissions.
About the Competition
The Think Essay Prize seeks to encourage young thinkers to explore philosophical issues in a clear, engaging, and accessible style. Essays should demonstrate intellectual curiosity, logical reasoning, and depth of thought, while remaining approachable for a general audience.
Submissions must not exceed 1,200 words and should address one of the following questions:
- 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?
Essays should adopt a non-academic writing style similar to that used by Aeon Magazine and should not include footnotes or references. Authors may refer to specific thinkers or works by name within the main text if appropriate.
Prizes and Publication
The winning essay will be published in Think, the Royal Institute of Philosophy’s journal that features articles by leading philosophers from around the world.
Shortlisted candidates will receive a one-year free subscription to Think, and additional prizes will be awarded to those who make the longlist. The competition provides young writers with an exceptional opportunity to contribute to public philosophical discussion and have their work recognised internationally.
Submission Details
- Deadline: Monday, 20 April 2026 (midnight, local time)
- Word Limit: Maximum 1,200 words
- Format: Word document, 12 pt Calibri (or similar), double-spaced
- Language: English
- Eligibility: Entrants must be aged between 15 and 18 years on the closing date
- Submission Link: Submit your essay here
Multiple submissions are permitted; however, only one essay per topic will be considered. The first essay received for a given topic will be the one reviewed.
Key Rules and Guidelines
- Essays must be the original work of the author. The use of artificial intelligence in writing or editing is strictly prohibited and will result in disqualification.
- Submissions must be made via the official link before the closing date. Late entries will not be accepted.
- Authors of any nationality are eligible to participate.
- Essays should be titled with the author’s surname followed by first name.
- No notes, references, or bibliographies are required.
- Submissions must follow the specified format and length.
- The judging panel’s decision will be final, and no correspondence will be entered into regarding outcomes.
- Authors whose essays are selected for the longlist will be notified; others will not receive individual correspondence.
How to Register?
Interested participants can register through this link.
Deadline
The deadline for submission is April 20, 2026.
Contact
For general enquiries about the prize, please contact: ThinkEssay@royalinstitutephilosophy.org
