Huntington Participates in
LI Ethics Bowl
The Long Island High School Ethics Bowl drew some of the best and sharpest young minds last weekend, including a team of four teenagers from Huntington High School.
The event, sponsored by the Squire Family Foundation, an organization that encourages the study of philosophy, saw students debate the morality of a variety of issues, such as telling small lies on job applications, sexting, the sterilization of disabled children by their aging parents, utilizing brain-enhancing drugs, polygamy, etc.
Peter Crugnale, a Huntington social studies department faculty member who teaches philosophy, took students Sami Aiman, Steven Correll, Cole Peters and Josh Zimmerman with him to the competition, which drew 14 other teams from eight high schools.
The Huntington team held its own before being eliminated after arguing four cases. "For me and the students involved, it was an honor just to participate," Mr. Crugnale said.
Huntington's team of four and Mr. Crugnale utilized the school's philosophy club, the Agora, to prepare for the Ethics Bowl. "Two of the participants were previous students from my philosophy class. I am very proud of that elective."
The teenagers relished using philosophic arguments and principles as the engaged in a battle of wits last weekend. "This was a great experience for our students," said Joseph Leavy, district director of humanities. "It's exciting to see teenagers challenging themselves. We're pleased to offer an opportunity to explore such studies."
Mr. Crugnale wrote the philosophy course syllabus five years ago and it's been a popular class ever since, with enough student interest for two sections each year. "I hope it can continue to run as an elective for years to come," the teacher said.
Some folks are surprised that high school students would be interested in studying philosophy, a discipline that many consider dry but that others cherish for its intellectual rigor and ability to stimulate.
"Huntington High School is unique amongst Long Island schools as we are one of the few who even offer students a chance to take philosophy at a pre-college level," Mr. Crugnale said. For more information about the course contact him at pcrugnale@hufsd.edu.