TPF Philosophy Competition/Activity 2025 ?

I think it would be good for both beginners and the more experienced.
To be challenged in ways other than writing in a thread. This would give people a chance to be creative and test themselves against others. Or simply for own enjoyment.That I would love to read :sparkle:

For revision, if needed! Or if other ways are better, suggestions welcome :up:

How to Read Philosophy
https://philosophy.tamucc.edu/texts/pryor-guidelines-on-reading-philosophy

How to Write Philosophy
Includes 7 links - one pdf by the highly recommended Pryor.
https://philosophy.tamucc.edu/resources/writing

As a student, many years ago, I found Jim Pryor's Guidelines invaluable.

But I guess any TPF essay does not need to be of the academic type?
Your thoughts welcome...

I'd read philosophy essays if people submitted them. That's always been the problem before -- essays require more work than posts :D

Reply to Moliere :smile:
Yes, I wouldn't feel up to writing an essay - as yet - but would love to read them.

I am pretty sure that there will be some who would relish the challenge and good- natured rivalry. It would be less aggravation and more inclusive than a Debate. The Feedback would be interesting. :cool:

If the event took place in say June 2025 - there would be plenty of time...or sooner if passion kicks in :fire:

For all those choosing 'Maybe' what would it depend on?

I clicked "Maybe", but probably should have said "Yes" -- if there are essays then I'd participate as a reader.

Reply to Moliere :up:

I should probably have also asked:
As a participant would you give Feedback?
I think that would be important.

Reply to Amity Yes, this is what I meant.

If anyone puts forth the effort then they can know that at least one person will read and comment.

Reply to Moliere OK. I agree.

How do you think any evaluating/ judging would be done?
If a competition, then some kind of voting system? If a less formal 'activity', then would the feedback alone be enough?

Reply to Amity I think feedback alone is enough, with maybe a thread after the fact where people share why they thought this or that essay was better, but it's not strictly a competition.

Odd that this is relevant, and weird to quote myself, but in response to @Janus question "Why doesn't the Nobel offer a philosophy prize?""

Quoting Moliere

There is one, we're just still arguing over who has won it and what you get for winning and what it means to win in the first place.

Also, to ensure no one cheats, it's long been decided since Plato that no money will be given to the winner.

Quoting Moliere

I think feedback alone is enough, with maybe a thread after the fact where people share why they thought this or that essay was better, but it's not strictly a competition.

Yes, I totally agree.

Quoting Moliere

Odd that this is relevant, and weird to quote myself, but in response to Janus question "Why doesn't the Nobel offer a philosophy prize?""

Gotta love the humour and truth of it all...
I think that hits the right tone. Serious fun. Sunning ourselves in pure enlightenment. Relatively speaking :fire: Cue lightbulb joke...

And the writers to be anonymous as in the Literary Activity, yes?
Guessing the author, part of the fun...at the end?

Reply to Amity Sure!

That gets along with the notion that philosophy should be concerned with the ideas themselves rather than who says them.

Reply to Moliere
Absolutely. My Goodness, I think I've found my soulmate :starstruck: :wink:

Reply to Amity Heh. Thanks. I looked for the blushing emoticon but didn't see it.

Reply to Moliere
:yikes:
5 along. 2 down.
It actually says 'Yikes!'

Reply to Amity :yikes:

Didn't there used to be an "Articles" link at the top of the forum or did I imagine that also? Good idea either way. Pretty sure fdrake would just win every time though. He has an occupational advantage from what I've gathered. :eyes:

Reply to Moliere
Thanks for all your support and ideas. I've enjoyed this more than I thought!

Quoting Outlander

Didn't there used to be an "Articles" link at the top of the forum

Yes.

Quoting Outlander

Good idea either way.

Hope you've voted! :smile:

Quoting Outlander

Pretty sure fdrake would just win every time though

No, he wouldn't. Even if he is a winner, the proposal - right now - is not to have a voting system.

Quoting Moliere

I think feedback alone is enough, with maybe a thread after the fact where people share why they thought this or that essay was better, but it's not strictly a competition.

Should we have a vote on it?

Quoting Amity

Hope you've voted! :smile:

There ya are, one vote. :up:

I probably wouldn't write one, my essay skills have yet to evolve from early grade school (Paragraph 1: Introduction; Paragraphs 2 - 4: Three supporting reasons, Paragraph 5: Conclusion). Former English teacher once said to me: "Everything to write about has already been written, there is nothing new, only clever rehashing." He teaches philosophy at a major-ish university, last I was aware. I'm sure a few people here more intrepid than I could give him a run for his money, however. It'd be nice to see what gets submitted, that's for sure.

Other than that, got to remember running a competition requires a good amount of time and coordination. I assume many of the TPF eldership have somewhat busy personal lives, holidays not helping. Except for Jamal. We all know he's just wandering around trying to find more meat to velvet.

Quoting Outlander

I probably wouldn't write one, my essay skills have yet to evolve from early grade school (Paragraph 1: Introduction; Paragraphs 2 - 4: Three supporting reasons, Paragraph 5: Conclusion).

That sounds like a perfectly good structure to me!

I think that the writing also depends on a person's approach to philosophy.
My idea would be for it to include more than the academic. There is a wide spectrum, as obvious in the threads. We are limited only by our imagination!

The variations in outlook are fascinating. The different ways of thinking.
I think it could be quite inspiring. If we take a theme, like the OPs 'Imagination' and run with it.

'Imagination’. We intend this topic to be understood broadly, so as to include related issues in any area of philosophy and from any philosophical tradition.'

Quoting Outlander

got to remember running a competition requires a good amount of time and coordination.

Yes, I know and appreciate all the effort that has gone into the Literary Activity over the years. It used to happen twice a year. I think a Philosophy Activity could fill a gap, very nicely. And not hosted by the same people, probably, so a lighter load.

Quoting Outlander

I assume many of the TPF eldership have somewhat busy personal lives, holidays not helping

It wouldn't be able to go ahead without the approval of admin @Jamal @fdrake and then the support of any mods or any other volunteers.

But, first, they would need to be persuaded that TPF posters think it is a good idea and would participate. Hence, the thread discussion and poll to show level of interest.

I hope others join in and let their views be known.

I recommend a length requirement, say one page. And how do you deal with AI? Perhaps open it up to AI with each participant asking for a short essay on a particular uniform subject, but in different ways. For example, one asks for an essay "on the nature of being" and another asking "what is being". That way the contest reduces to the cleverness of the request. Just a thought. :smile:

Reply to jgill
Thanks for your thoughts. I take it you would like the Activity to happen.

I hope others respond better than I can, right now. It's time for :yawn:
But perhaps - as in the Literary Activity - there could be a word limit set?

AI - I suppose could enter the picture but I'm not keen.
I want to hear the voice of human thought and creativity.

Good night!
Don't forget to vote. If you want the Activity to happen, click Yes not Maybe at 2nd question. My fault in formatting :smile:

Quoting Amity

It wouldn't be able to go ahead without the approval of admin Jamal @fdrake and then the support of any mods or any other volunteers.

It's a nice idea. I hope it gets plenty of interest and participation. You and, if willing, @Moliere (who is a moderator) can lead, and I'll do anything that you are unable to do yourselves, like creating categories. I suppose we need a new category; once that's created you can go ahead and post in it.

Reply to Amity Yes. No. As a reader.

Quoting Outlander

He has an occupational advantage from what I've gathered. :eyes:

What advantage is this? :eyes:

Quoting fdrake

What advantage is this? :eyes:

It was one of you guys who I read say something along the lines of "what I tell/teach/do with my students is..."

Academic background, I presume. :cool:

Quoting Outlander

Academic background, I presume. :cool:

In a former life. I work with young kids that need additional support.

Quoting Jamal

It's a nice idea. I hope it gets plenty of interest and participation. You and, if willing, Moliere (who is a moderator) can lead, and I'll do anything that you are unable to do yourselves, like creating categories. I suppose we need a new category; once that's created you can go ahead and post in it.

Thanks, Jamal, for your support and approval. Much appreciated :smile:

I'm delighted to see that, so far,12 people have voted. To participate as:
Writer - 8%
Reader - 50%
Both - 42%

I hope that more can contribute their ideas and views. There are plenty things to consider and get as near a good fit as possible. To make it work and be attractive to all, or mostly all.

As for me taking a lead...

Yes, that would make sense. I am keen to follow this idea through - along with @Moliere and any others more experienced in the field. However...given my uneven participation in TPF for a variety of reasons - including poor health - I am not convinced of my reliability or capacity, at any given time.

As things stand, I have been resorting to audio rather than reading text. Hey, now there's an idea.
Podcasts?! Or possibly I could try text-to-speech.

My point is:
I think it would be an idea to have more than 2 'hosts' of this challenging activity.
Collaborating to ensure its success. Having no previous experience, I'm not sure how this would work.

I look forward to hearing from @Moliere as to his willingness and the next step. Thanks, again!

The advice, as in writing short stories, is that before you write a philosophy essay, you should read a variety. How different topics are approached. Types of essay include the expository and the argumentative.

I haven't read a philosophy essay in a while. However, I have read articles in Philosophy Now. You can read 4 for free, per month: https://philosophynow.org/

For examples of essays in a wide range of philosophy categories:
https://1000wordphilosophy.com/all-essays/

Here's an 1,000 word essay in text and audio. In Philosophy of Religion:
https://1000wordphilosophy.com/2024/11/21/james-mystical-experience/

***
I'd be interested to hear from others as to what kind of philosophy essays/articles they have read or are attracted to. Also, if they have written one recently. What are the stumbling blocks to writing or reading an essay? What puts you off? Word count?

Any recommendations for websites with thought-provoking, substantive, exploratory articles?
Looking for inspiration and some heat. It's snowing out and I'm on the point of hibernation :yawn:

Quoting jgill

I recommend a length requirement, say one page. And how do you deal with AI? Perhaps open it up to AI with each participant asking for a short essay on a particular uniform subject, but in different ways. For example, one asks for an essay "on the nature of being" and another asking "what is being". That way the contest reduces to the cleverness of the request. Just a thought. :smile:

@jgill Sorry, I only responded briefly to the important point of how to deal with or use AI.

I don't know much about it. Apparently, students are finding it extremely useful in writing essays.
Instead of practising writing skills and coming up with own ideas.

How it can be used in education as a tool in EFL:
https://educraft.tech/chatgpt-a-game-changing-powerful-ai-for-efl-5-ways-to-use-it/

How to identify use of AI in an essay:
https://educraft.tech/identifying-ai-written-essays/

@Jamal Is there a TPF policy on AI - it's use and abuse?

Reply to Amity

Yes, @fdrake had a post pinned to the top of the forum for a while quite recently.

https://thephilosophyforum.com/discussion/15480/site-rules-amendment-regarding-chatgpt-and-sourcing/p1

Extra stuff was added to the guidelines later.

https://thephilosophyforum.com/discussion/480/site-guidelines

Reply to Jamal Thanks for the links. Have taken a quick look. Excellent work by @fdrake.
I don't know how much that would affect any 'judging' in the Philosophy Activity? I've never used ChatGPT. Somehow, it makes me feel uncomfortable...

Reply to Amity In terms of running things -- like anonymizing authors and posting submissions and intaking submissions -- I'm fine with taking over those tasks. How exactly do you do it @Jamal for the literary activity? Set up an email for submissions and then post them after a set date?

Quoting Moliere

I'm fine with taking over those tasks.

:up:

Quoting Moliere

for the literary activity?

They use PMs. But how things happen after that, not got a clue. @Baden would know.
From the OP: https://thephilosophyforum.com/discussion/15585/literary-activity-dec-2024/p1

1) Submissions will be open until the 15th of December. The stories will then be posted and can be commented on until the 31st of December.
2) After that, one day will be allotted to "guess the author".
3) Entries must be PMed either to me or to @Noble Dust. NOT TO BOTH OF US.

Reply to Amity

Sounds good. PM's work. Probably better to keep it "in house" in terms of servers etc. So I see it working like this:

If someone PM's me their essay then I'll copy-paste it into a .txt document on my hard drive without the name of the person, in the hopes that I'll forget over time when I post it come the summer. Then on the designated date I'll post the essays with their titles (or number them if they have no titles) and we'll go from there.

Reply to Moliere Reply to Amity

If no shortcode, submissions by PM. If shortcode is necessary then via pastebin. Some have commented that pastebin is complicated to use. But it's not actually. I think it could work fine for this. Also, might be worth running midyear to balance with the literary activity.

Quoting Baden

might be worth running midyear to balance with the literary activity.

Yes. :up: Already suggested that. Month still to be decided. But I'm thinking May/June before holidays start...

Reply to Baden Cool, thanks. I'll have to learn pastebin for thems who want shortcode.

Never used it before, but I believe you when you say it's easy to learn. I'm famliar enough with computers to figure it out, and will reach out if I can't.

Reply to Amity I was thinking June-July, cuz May is end-of-school-year chaos for lots of people.

Reply to Moliere Oh, I didn't realise that. July is our busiest time for hols. So, [s]May then?
May Day 1st?[/s] Sorry, June!

Reply to Amity What about June 1st?

Quoting Amity

Yes. :up: Already suggested that. Month still to be decided. But I'm thinking May/June before holidays start...

:cool:

Reply to Moliere I'm free. Good to go :up:

Reply to Moliere Reply to Baden
So is that when all submissions should be in by?
The announcement that it is happening would be some weeks before...or what?

Quoting Moliere

Never used it before, but I believe you when you say it's easy to learn. I'm famliar enough with computers to figure it out, and will reach out if I can't.

Basically, there are a bunch of options to just ignore. All the author needs is the link to send us, which requires nothing more than pasting in the box and clicking the create button underneath. And they tick "unlisted" so their essay isn't discoverable. You would then just need to follow the link and copy-paste into a new discussion.

Reply to Amity

I was thinking after the literary activity is concluded we could put up an announcement somewhere that submissions are due by the 1st of June, then I'd post them up into a separate sub-forum like the literary activity does on the 2nd of June, and go from there.

Reply to Baden

Cool. That sounds super easy. Thanks!

Reply to Moliere

No worries. It's an interesting initiative. :up:

Quoting Moliere

That sounds super easy.

Easy when you know how! :smile: I haven't tried it yet. Perhaps best to do a trial run?

Pastebin Tutorial

Quoting Moliere

I was thinking after the literary activity is concluded we could put up an announcement somewhere that submissions are due by the 1st of June, then I'd post them up into a separate sub-forum like the literary activity does on the 2nd of June, and go from there.

Excellent! :fire:

@Moliere
The announcement would include the Rules, yes?
Along the lines of the Literary Activity - but hopefully simpler:
https://thephilosophyforum.com/discussion/15585/literary-activity-dec-2024/p1

Reply to Amity I would almost certainly take part, but I am assuming it would not be a rigorous essay? If so then I would actually prefer to send that to a journal.

Reply to Amity Yes, though I haven't thought about what rules to have. I'm so far willing to administer things, I don't know if I have good ideas for rules. (unsurprisingly, I rather dislike rules)

Reply to I like sushi Oh yeah. "Rigor" doesn't matter, I think, insofar that there's no rejection due to rigor. It's at least a creative excercise so you don't have to appeal to what a literal journal wants. Else, as you say, why not submit it there?

I like the idea of a less rigorous and creative philosophical display -- guesses, hints, attempts, and fun sound like an uncommon niche we could fill.

Quoting I like sushi

I would almost certainly take part

:up:

Quoting I like sushi

I am assuming it would not be a rigorous essay

Well, it depends on what you mean by 'rigorous'. Previously, I suggested:

Quoting Amity

I think it would be good for both beginners and the more experienced.
To be challenged in ways other than writing in a thread. This would give people a chance to be creative and test themselves against others. Or simply for own enjoyment.That I would love to read

Quoting Amity

I think that the writing also depends on a person's approach to philosophy.
My idea would be for it to include more than the academic. There is a wide spectrum, as obvious in the threads. We are limited only by our imagination!

The variations in outlook are fascinating. The different ways of thinking.
I think it could be quite inspiring. If we take a theme, like the OPs 'Imagination' and run with it.

'Imagination’. We intend this topic to be understood broadly, so as to include related issues in any area of philosophy and from any philosophical tradition.'

@Moliere ?

Reply to Moliere I do this fairly regularly anyway. I tried to get something like this going some years back where people would write and critique each other's essays.

Somewhere in Lounge I believe?

Quoting Moliere

haven't thought about what rules to have. I'm so far willing to administer things, I don't know if I have good ideas for rules. (unsurprisingly, I rather dislike rules)

I prefer Guidance Notes. Whatever, the KISS principle works fine with me :cool:

Reply to I like sushi Sweet. :) Sounds like you'd be a good contributor then. It just took some time for the idea to "catch on"

Reply to Amity Given that this is the first day in which the idea has been taken seriously as"a thing" I'm good with keeping it as simple as our stupidity can contain.

But there's time for thinking of guidelines along the way in this thread. I wouldn't post the announcement until at least February to ensure we don't conflict with the literary activity.

Wow! Was five years ago!

https://thephilosophyforum.com/discussion/8190/collaborative-criticism

Quoting Moliere

there's time for thinking of guidelines along the way in this thread. I wouldn't post the announcement until at least February to ensure we don't conflict with the literary activity.

Absolutely. I haven't abandoned the Literary Activity. Can't wait until the short stories are posted!
So far, reading and feedback is from the 15th - 31st December. And probably a few more days...
Then time to party and recover! :party:

Talking about Rules, I see @Baden has now added:

12) No AI (except for proofreading). You can check your story here: https://gptzero.me/ . A score that suggests significant AI input will result in your story being rejected.

I think that is sensible.

Great to see people still voting and commenting!

Of the 15 votes, I wonder about the 47% who thought they would 'Maybe' participate.

The decision to write and submit an entry will depend on a number of factors:

Its Value for self and others. I see that as self-evident. A new and exciting way to challenge our thoughts. To think in and out of the box. To write, read, reflect. Relating with imagination. To showcase quality of careful consideration. To lift ourselves up from the doom'n'gloom. To name just a few...

Personal experience, confidence and ability. This matters if we think there will be harsh judgement or pedantry. However, the word 'essay' is from the French 'essayer' - to try. An essay is an 'attempt'. Nothing ventured, nothing gained. It is a learning experience in a safe and encouraging environment. Any criticism should be constructive. The aim is to enjoy our creativity in sharing ideas. For beginners and the more experienced.

Topic: Well, it could be a Concept like 'Imagination'. A Question: 'What is philosophy good for?'. 'Is it wrong to marry a duck-bill Platypus?' - posed elsewhere by @unenlightened. :cool: Or a Debate/Argument about a philosophical claim or thesis. Your own or from a known/unknown Philosopher. 'The mind is identical to the brain'. Whatever. Thoughts?

Should it be the same for everyone? So that we can compare and be open to different approaches?
I still like the idea of 'Imagination' for everyone. It gives plenty of scope for questions, debate, analysis and creativity.

Length: in the Literary Activity, the current rule for a short story is:
5) Min 500/Max 5000 words (no exceptions).

What would be best for the Philosophy Activity?
Or do we need a word count? Would this limit the flow of ideas?
Readers have different tolerances for length.

What else is going on: @Moliere has allowed plenty of time. The announcement to be around February. The last date for submissions is June 1st. Then open for reading, comments and discussion until...?

That's what I got. What about you? All questions and comments welcome!
This is 'Philosophy for All' :cool:

And, of course, my poll was rubbish! All 15 voters - even the devilish No's @180 Proof! - continued to say they would participate as:

Writer - 7%
Reader - 47%
Both - 47%

This is going to be Fun :flower:

Update:
In the poll, I chose to be only a reader. I have persuaded myself to 'walk the talk' and write. :gasp:
An essay - an attempt. The working title: Imagination :sparkle:

Quoting Moliere

Then on the designated date I'll post the essays with their titles (or number them if they have no titles) and we'll go from there.

The Title of an essay is important.

It is the reader's first impression.
It captures attention.
It communicates the main idea.
It condenses and relates to the content.
It is an intriguing guide, leading to what...?
It shows the care and creativity of the author.

Numbering essays? Just No.

Initially, authors are to be kept anonymous. So 'Imagination' is only my working title. Guessing the author is part of the fun.

***

How to Title an Essay: Tips and Examples
https://www.oxbridgeessays.com/blog/how-to-title-an-essay/

Question: Why did Nietzsche cross the road?...




...To get beyond good and evil.

Reply to Amity If people who voted to participate writing want a topic then this is a good thread for it to be proposed in.

I'm hesitant to restrict it to a topic out front because of how little participation there's been in the past with respect to writing essays. So I'd want to keep it as open as possible to allow people with different interests to submit, unless the participants really want to focus in on a particular topic.

Reply to Moliere

OK. Understood. Flexibility is the order of the day :up:
Edit: but some like a flexible focus. A fixed topic can concentrate the mind within own field of interest.

Reply to Amity But in terms of the setup my thought is to mostly copy it exactly because it seems to be working.

Quoting Amity

The working title: Imagination :sparkle:

A worthy topic indeed. :up:

Reply to Moliere Copy what exactly? The Lit Activity?
Yes, the basic structure is great. As to how it works. Each year is different e.g voting. Baden has made a few changes including separate threads. See discussion. Yet to see how that goes. Very well I hope and expect :flower:

Quoting Baden

A worthy topic indeed. :up:

Thanks. I think so :100:

Edit: But I can do that even if the topic is of own choosing. @Moliere is right!

Quoting Moliere

I'd want to keep it as open as possible to allow people with different interests to submit,

Yes! :up:

A quick question.

It seems that we might be going down the route of 1. leaving the topic open to individuals to choose whatever they want. This is thought more likely to increase participation levels.

However, it might be that you think 2. it would be good to have one topic for all.
Any thoughts/preference? And:

What topic/s would you be interested in writing or reading about?

For me:
Imagination
The Good Life
AI: Effects on humans
Spirituality: Secular or Religious?

Quoting Amity

Spirituality: Secular or Religious?

Well written details of personal experiences rather than philosophical ramblings should have priority.

Quoting jgill

Well written details of personal experiences rather than philosophical ramblings should have priority.

If it is about personal experience, what form of philosophical writing do you think would be best?

Philosophy Writing includes:

Essays, Philosophical texts, Meditations, Personal narratives, Diaries, Memoirs, Correspondence, Letters, Lectures, and Contemporary criticism. 

Quoting Amity

If it is about personal experience, what form of philosophical writing do you think would be best?

Personal narratives and philosophical speculations thereof. Don't write about Zen unless you are or have been a practitioner, e.g.

(In general, don't write about technical subjects, like QM, unless you have some expertise.)

Reply to jgill Thanks for your thoughts.

Yes. It is always best to know about the subject you wish to write about. Theory, experience and practice.

That doesn't necessarily apply to reading.
We learn by opening up our minds to stuff we haven't even thought of...

What would you like to write/read about?

Quoting Amity

What would you like to write/read about?

Personal experiences relating to philosophical/mystical subjects. Not ramblings about dead philosophers. (My apologies to TPF members) :gasp:

Reply to jgill
Your preferences are noted.

Quoting Jamal

I'll do anything that you are unable to do yourselves, like creating categories. I suppose we need a new category; once that's created you can go ahead and post in it.

Your help and support is much appreciated. I don't know if essay writing would fit under the Symposium category. :chin:

What was/is good about that: the encouragement and practice in 'Show us your fiction!'.
People posted and gave prompts for short stories: https://thephilosophyforum.com/categories/40/short-stories

That was all year round. You could say it acted as a warm-up for the Competition (now Literary Activity).
Stories are not just for Christmas!

I wonder if the new challenge of a yearly Philosophy essay event would benefit from that same kind of all-year round creative activity. To practice and submit philosophical ideas, share and exchange feedback.
'Show us your philosophy essays!' or Philo Pieces...
Perhaps not. It can be argued that this happens in TPF discussions anyway!

Essays are not just for exams!

'Essay' meaning an attempt to express and argue ideas in a structured way.
Readers interacting and giving feedback. The initially anonymous authors keeping quiet until it's their turn to comment on the feedback and answer any questions.

Quoting Outlander

Didn't there used to be an "Articles" link at the top of the forum or did I imagine that also?

Sorry for my brief reply of 'Yes'. I remembered it but couldn't remember the details.

You didn't imagine it. And it still exists. No longer linked to the top, but here:
https://thephilosophyforum.com/categories/24/article-submissions

Some interesting articles. And I think that can be the kind of philosophical writing that could well be included in next year's essay event. Given the broad definition of 'essay'.

From @Wayfarer:
https://thephilosophyforum.com/discussion/14685/the-mind-created-world/p1

Thanks for raising the question :up:

This is a copy and paste from another thread. https://thephilosophyforum.com/discussion/comment/951085
From @Jack Cummins:

The problem which I see with philosophy essays on a forum such as this as they are too formal. Having written essays for courses, there is so much of having to go to source material and provide academically acceptable referencing. Some of this is done by links currently, but this comes with risks of online viruses. I am wary of links and use them sparingly (but I won't groan about anxiety about the health of my phone).

There is also the question as to how much people wish to log in and read essays on the forum. There may be a tension between chit chat and formal essays. I am inclined for something in between. I do read essays and books anyway but that is aside from forum. There are many here who take philosophy seriously as a creative endeavour but I am not sure that essay presentation is central to forum interaction. Some might be useful but I see the forum as a general sounding board for ideas rather than the best platform for essays. They would take up so much space and if it all became too academic it might deter from the creative process of exchanging the ideas as the raw materials of philosophy.

My quick response, there:

I agree that the word 'essay' is off-putting. However, the idea is not that they must be of the formal academic type. There are different types of philosophical writing. There is a wide definition of 'essay' - from its original French meaning: essayer - to try. I've written about that in the thread.

...source material and provide academically acceptable referencing.
— Jack Cummins

Yes. This project will not be as rigid. The aim is to simplify. The quotes used in this 'essay' event will not necessarily follow academic standards - but brief details like author and text page/s.

If you don't mind, I will copy and paste your thoughts to the thread. I don't wish to duplicate here. Thanks.

***
I will have more to say, later...

Another exchange:
From @Jack Cummins:

...it will be an interesting experiment. My only concern would be about its competitive nature and the war of egos. There has been so much of that in the creative writing competitions/activities.

My reply:

OK. I agree there are problems related to 'competition'. Been there, like you!
The question of 'competitive elements' is still to be fully addressed.
To have an 'in-essay' poll or an extra evaluative thread, like @Baden's proposed 'Favourites'.
It is to be viewed more as a 'Challenge' than a Competition.

It might not be a 'war of egos' as much as friendly rivalry between different forms, styles and philosophical interests. :pray: :cool:

@Jack Cummins - Looking forward to participating in the Literary Activity. Will you be there as a writer or reader? Both?

@Baden has been quite the inspiration. Hope the new 'Favourites' thread works out just fine :up:

Reply to Amity
I hope to participate as both reader and writer in the literary activity of December 2024, as long as no horrific 'black swans' deter me from that direction. I am hoping that it will be fun and a bit of a break but also complementary to philosophy too. It will be great if loads take part, although will keep us all busy over the holiday period.

Reply to Amity
With those or similar titles, I'd consider changing from read only to write maybe.
It actually starts sounding like fun.

@Jack Cummins and @Vera Mont et al. Thank you! :up: :flower:

Quoting Vera Mont

With those or similar titles, I'd consider changing from read only to write maybe.
It actually starts sounding like fun.

Fun, yes! It is to be enjoyed. But it's also serious. For academics and non-academics.
Taking all comments on board, here's an update for those considering level of participation:

Title: Philosophy Writing Challenge - June 2025
Topic: own choice
Word limit: min 500, max 5,000.

This is a chance for everyone to try something new. Philosophy for All. :cool:

This article gives examples of Philosophy Writing:
https://dailynous.com/2023/04/18/various-literary-forms-of-philosophy/

I don't see 'Articles' there but the Philosophy Now website and magazine gives ideas:
https://philosophynow.org/

The Guidelines are still a work in progress. To be kept short and simple to allow flexibility.
However, the important rules re submission will be as per TPF policy.
Announcement to be made by @Moliere around Feb 2025.
Submissions to be in by June 1st.

The guidance is for your benefit as writers or readers.
What advice or help would you want/need before taking part?
Questions and comments always welcome, thanks!

Just incase anyone is interested. I am looking to start writing philosophical papers for publication soon, so if anyone out there is affiliated with a university and wishes to collaborate on something do not hesitate to get in touch.

My interests are pretty broad, so anything that interests you will likely fall into my sphere of interest too.

Thanks

Quoting I like sushi

I am looking to start writing philosophical papers for publication soon,

Best wishes. Do well and let us know how things go! Hope you will bring some of your broad interests to the TPF Challenge in June 2025 but not, of course, anything published elsewhere. :up: :sparkle:

To me, this becomes more interesting with a single topic everyone writes about, i.e. "Imagination". That would differentiate it from the everyday TPF activities: every writer deeply engages with the same topic, and only after everyone has written do they come together and discuss each other's take. It would be interesting to see how varied everyone's approach is, and how much richness there really is in the topic.

Otherwise, my worry is that the outcome would effectively be a bunch of long TPF posts, without much mutual interest and engagement.

We could propose different topics, and then have a vote.

Quoting hypericin

To me, this becomes more interesting with a single topic everyone writes about, i.e. "Imagination".

I agree. But the consensus was that people would participate more if the topic was left open. *shrugs*

Quoting hypericin

It would be interesting to see how varied everyone's approach is, and how much richness there really is in the topic.

Exactly this. From a wide spectrum of perspectives.

Quoting hypericin

every writer deeply engages with the same topic, and only after everyone has written do they come together and discuss each other's take

It is designed to be as interactive as the Literary Activity. The idea is to challenge ourselves, as you say, to dig deep. Or some will already be comfortable.

Similar to the Literary Activity, each author is initially anonymous. Readers respond to the writing. A discussion initially without the author. Waiting a week or so, depending on amount of entries, before guessing the author.

Authors can participate as readers in threads not their own.

Then, the authors join in their own discussion thread, responding to feedback. Also, engaging with other authors. It should be an exciting interaction, weaving questions, responses and trying to understand the meaning of the text.
Of mutual benefit in a positive engagement.

That's the idea...

Quoting Amity

I agree. But the consensus was that people would participate more if the topic was left open. *shrugs*

Reply to hypericin

I'm fine with switching it up. I said my bit, but I'm not committed to it.

Perhaps with the guidelines we could also submit a poll for preferences? "Open topic/Single topic: Imagination"? Since that's the topic that's been proposed I think it'd be a good one, and makes it so we don't have to do two polls :D -- one poll with two clearly defined outcomes.

What do you think @Amity?

I read over the Literary Activity guidelines and I think I'd pretty much copy them verbatim with a changes in dates (and the topic of course), and maybe add in a mini-tutorial for pastebin for those that need the walk through.

Quoting Moliere

Perhaps with the guidelines we could also submit a poll for preferences?

It's an idea but not sure how it would work. Would it be anonymous?
If authors are identified, then that might give the game away. I think we should stick to the decision. People can either pick up the topic of 'Imagination' or do their own thing.

Quoting Moliere

I read over the Literary Activity guidelines and I think I'd pretty much copy them verbatim with a changes in dates (and the topic of course), and maybe add in a mini-tutorial for pastebin for those that need the walk through.

OK. :up:
So, does that mean we are having 2 extra threads? 1.Guess the Author 2. Favourites?

The jury is still out on the latter. Only about 50% of the authors participated. No readers.

I suggested a single 'Meet the Authors' thread . It would incorporate both. @Baden is mulling it over. It's all a bit experimental at this stage.

I've been wondering about the Favourites and the Guessing Game threads.

I get the impression that only a few are willing to list favourites and give reasons.
The 'Guess the Author' thread received a bit more attention.
They work OK-ish for a fiction activity where most authors/readers already know each other.
[Not sure that would work for the June event.]

Perhaps, a single thread where authors and readers leave their overall impressions?

Time line from the Lit Activity suggests that after about 17dys reading and feedback, people are keen to know about the authors. Perhaps this is when the list of authors could be posted in a separate thread?
A day or so, for speculation, before the reveal.

Do you think that this separate thread could incorporate both, evolving into a relaxed conversation?
If so, what would we call it ?

Brainstorming:

'Story Discussion'. 'The Author Encounter'. 'Writer/Reader Get Together'. 'Authors and Readers Unite'.
Finally, I got 'Meet the Authors'. Hmmm...

Quoting Amity

It's an idea but not sure how it would work. Would it be anonymous?
If authors are identified, then that might give the game away. I think we should stick to the decision. People can either pick up the topic of 'Imagination' or do their own thing.

I was thinking to use the poll option which the forum has and then going with whatever side gets more votes -- so option 1 is "Open topic" and option 2 is "Imagination", and whichever category gets more votes on the forum poll is the one we'd decide upon.

Or we can just stick to option 1. I'm just trying to be accommodating, and acknowledging that I'm not really sure which option would garner more participation, which seems to me the more important thing.

Quoting Amity

OK. :up:
So, does that mean we are having 2 extra threads? 1.Guess the Author 2. Favourites?

The jury is still out on the latter. Only about 50% of the authors participated. No readers.

I suggested a single 'Meet the Authors' thread . It would incorporate both. Baden is mulling it over. It's all a bit experimental at this stage.

A single thread incorporating both is good by me -- more crossover communication usually results in more participation.

So we'd have the announcement thread largely tailored from the literary activity's guidelines (with or without a poll -- either way), then the actual threads themselves posted on July 1st along with a "Discussion/Guess the author" overall thread, the way I'm thinking it.

Thoughts?

Quoting Moliere

along with a "Discussion/Guess the author" overall thread, the way I'm thinking it.

No. Not at the same time. It distracts from reading the entries.

In the Lit. Activity, guessing started about 17dys after the start.
That was the Goldilocks option. I prefer it to wait until the end.

Reply to Amity Ahhh ok. Sure that's fine. So guidelines Feb 1, then essays June 1st, and discussion topic posted when? When' is "the end" ?

Quoting Moliere

When' is "the end" ?

Good question. The formal Lit Activity is unstickied about a month after the start. However, the stories are left open for comment...

Perhaps the last day in June. The 30th?
The discussion mid-way. The 15th?

Reply to Amity Either is good by me. 15th or 30th. It sounded like you wanted it later?

the list of authors could be posted in a separate thread?
A day or so, for speculation, before the reveal.

So, the author list would go up on the 15th. When revealed, the authors can take part. Responding to feedback on their individual threads.

Quoting Moliere

It sounded like you wanted it later?

Yes, I did. However, it's important that the authors get time to respond.
The 15th, then.

Reply to Amity :up:

Reply to Moliere Yay! :cool:

Quoting Moliere

I was thinking to use the poll option which the forum has and then going with whatever side gets more votes -- so option 1 is "Open topic" and option 2 is "Imagination", and whichever category gets more votes on the forum poll is the one we'd decide upon.

Ah, OK. And an option 3 for those who don't care either way?!

Reply to Amity Sure! Tho I'd probably only count the ones who care enough since presumably the third optioners are fine with either outcome.

Quoting Moliere

presumably the third optioners are fine with either outcome.

Yes.

Reply to Amity My willingness to write an essay is primarily dependent upon topic and deadlines. Please advise at your earliest convenience.

Reply to Arne Thanks for showing an interest. :smile:

So far, the Guidelines will be posted by @Moliere on Feb1st. This will include the deadline for submissions as June 1st.

@Arne Edited:
[s]Also, a poll to vote on the topic.
1. Open topic
2. Imagination
3. No preference[/s]

Topic: Open

Hope this helps you decide?

@Moliere

Reflecting further on this:

Quoting Amity

I think we should stick to the decision. People can either pick up the topic of 'Imagination' or do their own thing.

I think it is best not to complicate matters in the Guidelines.
Voting just prolongs the agony!

Having an Open Topic gives most leeway.

Reply to Amity Okiedokie. Sounds good. It was just a thought I had to be accommodating. Then people can choose the topic that most interests them.

The difference being between a post and this is an essay, so I'd expect some kind of complete thought or argument. Whereas with a post I only expect enough of a topic to get a conversation going, I'd think that an essay actually completes a thought or presents a whole argument or tells a story or is in some sense a self-contained peice of writing meant to be presented as a whole for a reader.

Whereas a thread can do that, it's really just about having a conversation at all and needn't conclude or be self-contained and can wander more.

Quoting Moliere

I'd think that an essay actually completes a thought or presents a whole argument or tells a story or is in some sense a self-contained peice of writing meant to be presented as a whole for a reader.

Yes.

Quoting Moliere

Whereas a thread can do that, it's really just about having a conversation at all and needn't conclude or be self-contained and can wander more.

A typical discussion thread involves the author right from the get go.
This can affect the responses. The author also has to maintain the thread, responding directly, sometime immediately to other participants.

Here, the anonymous essay, article or philosophy writing is read and evaluated without bias. The focus is on the ideas and how well they are expressed. How they are understood or interpreted.

Feedback is given by readers and other authors.
A conversation takes place without input/interference by the author.
Until...The Reveal! :scream:

Quoting hypericin

We could propose different topics, and then have a vote.

OK by me, so long as we can avoid topics like 'Hume's response to Plato". That kind of topic may be of deep academic interest, but tends to leave us troglodytes cold.

Now that the fever dream of fiction has broken, I'm getting into the idea. I think I have a topic picked out already.

Reply to hypericin
One of your own devising - no prompt?
Good. So have I. Even a couple of sentences floating around my head.
But I'm ready to give them up if most people prefer a common topic.

Quoting Vera Mont

But I'm ready to give them up if most people prefer a common topic.

You do you, Vera! The topic is of your own choice. Looking forward. :smile:

Quoting hypericin

I'm getting into the idea. I think I have a topic picked out already.

Fantastico! :cool:

Thanks to everyone who supported this new TPF challenge. Especially @Moliere who has now posted the Welcome and Guidelines. As promised on Feb 1st :up: :cool:

Any further questions or comments can go here:

https://thephilosophyforum.com/discussion/15749/philosophy-writing-challenge-june-2025-announcement

Enjoy! :flower:

Reply to Moliere Hi

I've sent you a PM with the details of an entry...

If you could confirm receipt and all is well.