The Minds Underground™ Philosophy Essay Competition 2026
The Minds Underground™ Philosophy Essay Competition 2026 invites students in Year 12 (with entries also welcome from ambitious younger students and re-applicants in Year 13) to explore fundamental questions about knowledge, ethics, logic, and existence.
This competition challenges students to think with clarity and depth about the nature of truth, belief, and reasoning - from the philosophy of mind and artificial intelligence to questions about education, morality, and the purpose of philosophical inquiry itself.
Open to UK and international students, the competition offers an opportunity to develop analytical writing, argumentation, and critical-thinking skills highly valued by universities and beyond. Entrants should choose one question to answer.
The 2026 Minds Underground Philosophy Essay Competition questions are now live. Submit by 3 April 2026!
2026 Philosophy Essay Competition Questions
01
Can machines possess free will?
02.
Why do you believe what your teachers tell you?
03.
What is the point of philosophy?
Are you in Year 11/12 & Thinking of Pursuing Philosophy at Degree Level/ Oxbridge?
We offer a range of exciting opportunities for students aspiring to a degree in Philosophy at a leading university:
Research Projects in exciting current fields with subject experts
Philosophy Summer School for university/ Oxbridge applicants
Long-term Oxbridge Philosophy mentoring: Boosting knowledge beyond the curriculum, preparing for personal statement and interviews - visit our on-curriculum site, U2 Tuition for more information: https://www.u2tuition.com/university-applications
Interested in a Philosophy Competition Mentor? Looking for specialist support researching & writing? Our Oxbridge-educated masterminds are here to help! Sessions from £75/h + VAT. Enquire here
Past Questions
01
If you lost a leg, would you be the same person?
02.
Theseus was a Greek hero. He went on a long journey around the world on his prized ship. During the voyage, every single plank of wood in the ship got replaced. When he returned home, he said: I have sailed round the world in the same ship. Someone told him he was wrong because every single plank has been replaced. Theseus disagreed. Who is right?
03.
‘It may be bad taste to commit genocide in a computer game, but it is no more wrong than it would be right to alleviate world poverty in a computer game.’ Do you agree?
N.B. MU’s Philosophy experts are on hand to host introductory sessions and masterclasses on any of the topics discussed. Check out our current Philosophy masterclasses for some inspiration or check out the examples below!
