(From left to right): Javier Ang, Judah Kang, Assistant Professor of Philosophy Matthew Hammerton
Singapore sent a team of two students to the 31st edition of the International Philosophy Olympiad (IPO) and came away with a bronze medal. The team was led by Assistant Professor Matthew Hammerton from the School of Social Sciences at SMU.
Singapore was represented at the IPO by Judah Kang (Junior College Year 2, Temasek Junior College) and Javier Ang (Junior College Year 1, Temasek Junior College). To earn selection they entered a national philosophy essay writing competition organized by Assistant Professor Hammerton. A panel of judges from SMU, NUS, and NTU selected their essays as the best of the 27 entries.
The Olympiad was hosted at the International Olympic Academy in Olympia Greece, which is next to the archaeological site of the ancient Olympics. 108 students from 49 countries competed in the Olympiad essay writing competition, and were given four hours to write essays based on philosophical quotations they were given.
Judah Kang based his essay on a quote by the 18th century Scottish Empiricist David Hume and was awarded a bronze medal by the IPO Steering Board. Assistant Professor Hammerton, who was the Singapore Delegation Leader, said, “This was Singapore’s third time participating in the Olympiad, and we won our third medal, so we are very happy with this result!”
(Bronze medal winner Judah Kang)
Participants also attended several lectures by renowned philosophers on the theme of “a life in fair competition” and had guided tours of the archaeological site of ancient Olympia and the Apollon Temple in Bassae.
Judah Kang described the IPO as “an enriching and educational experience where I was able to refine my essay-writing skills and grow in my knowledge about philosophy” and thanked SOSS, who funded the Singapore team, for making his participation possible.
Reflecting on the Olympiad, Assistant Professor Hammerton said, “everyone likes to win a medal, but what I value most about the IPO is the way it brings together so many talented young people from around the world. Rather than being competitive, these students embrace the opportunity to learn from each other’s diverse cultural backgrounds and discuss philosophy together.” He also observed that “constructive, open-minded dialogue and intercultural understanding are two key values we have at the School of Social Sciences” and noted that “the IPO is a great event for us to support because it shares these values with us”.