Proceedings of the Hwa Chong Invitational Philosophy Olympiad 2018 HCIФO 1 Proceedings of the Hwa Chong Invitational Philosophy Olympiad 2018 Hwa Chong Invitational Philosophy Olympiad 2018 /hcipo2018 @hcipo2018 Hwa Chong Invitational Philosophy Olympiad — HCIPO Designed by Quince Pan ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS The Hwa Chong Invitational Philosophy Olympiad is the first pre-university level philosophy competition in Singapore, and formally endorsed by International Philosophy Olympiad. It is founded on the belief that constructive debate best nurtures skills such as open-mindedness, inquisitiveness, multi-perspective thinking, logical rigour, and effective communication. HCIPO is also supported by and in official partnership with the Yale–NUS Philosophy Society, Nanyang Philosophy, and SIM GE Philosophy Club. The HCIPO Secretariat would like to thank the following for their invaluable guidance and support throughout the Olympiad. Without them, the efforts of the Secretariat would not have realised. JUDGES SCHOOL STAFF Ms Alexandra Serrenti Mr Pang Choon How Lecturer Principal Psychology Hwa Chong Institution University of Wollogong (SIM Global Education) Mr Chan Kwok Leong Prof Andrew T. Forcehimes Deputy Principal / Studies Assistant Professor Hwa Chong Institution Philosophy / School of Humanities Nanyang Technological University Dr Melvyn Lim Deputy Principal / Student Development Prof Hiu Chuk Winnie Sung Hwa Chong Institution Assistant Professor Philosophy / School of Humanities Mr Christopher David Burge Nanyang Technological University Lecturer / Humanities Hwa Chong Institution Prof Loy Hui Chieh Associate Professor & Deputy Head of Department Mr Tan Wah Jiam Department of Philosophy Senior Consultant / Knowledge and Inquiry National University of Singapore Hwa Chong Institution Prof Matthew D. Walker Mr U.K. Shyam Associate Professor Lecturer / Knowledge and Inquiry Humanities (Philosophy) Department Hwa Chong Institution Yale–NUS College Prof Matthew Hammerton Assistant Professor Philosophy Singapore Management University Prof Qu Hsueh Ming Assistant Professor Department of Philosophy National University of Singapore 4 SECRETARIAT, MODERATORS & FACILITATORS FRONT ROW (from left to right) BACK ROW (from left to right) Ong Pin Ern (Photographer/Videographer) Quince Pan (Secretariat, Media) Ning Xinran (Secretariat, Media) Tan Joy (Secretariat, Logistics) Tang Zixuan (Moderator) Andrew Ke Yanzhe (Photographer/Videographer) Tang Han Shin (Secretariat, Academics) Valerie Chua Yan Tong (Secretariat, Media) Dragon Chew (Moderator) Wang HaoJia (Photographer/Videographer) Cui Zizai (Secretariat, Organising Chairperson) Gui Ming Jiang (Secretariat, Academics) Dillon Tan (Logistics) Jordan Lim (Secretariat, Logistics) Toh Wei Chuan (Moderator) Joshua Lim (Moderator) Soh Zhi Hong (Logistics) Sharmaine Koh (Moderator) Aidan Ong Zongren (Reporter) Auyok Ryan (Moderator) NOT PICTURED ABOVE Isabella Hee (Master of Ceremony) Li Yundi (Logistics) 5 Hwa Chong Invitational HCIФO Philosophy Olympiad 2018 6 CONFERENCE DAY 7 for the participants’ confident delivery of quality CONFERENCE REPORT content and lauded their passion for a discipline as by Aidan Ong Zongren, Valerie Chua Yan Tong abstract and rigorous as philosophy. Professor Hiu Chuk Winnie Sung (Assistant Professor of Philosophy, To think, to learn, to philosophise— Nanyang Technological University) also shared insights into argumentation in philosophy. She reminded the These humble ideals formed the fundamental principles participants of the importance of grounding questions from which the Hwa Chong Invitational Philosophy in everyday phenomena: “At the early stages of inquiry, Olympiad (HCIPO), Singapore’s first pre-university it is better to have small, mundane examples which are level philosophy competition, was founded. On 4 August manageable and allow one to tease out the different 2018, 48 students — split into 12 teams of 4 — from dimensions of the question.” 12 junior colleges gathered in Hwa Chong Institution to kickstart a day of tenacious argumentation, and Participants subsequently took the opportunity to raise a thorough assessment of humanity’s most baffling questions to the panel of judges. Fruitful discussions enigmas. followed. There were various talking points, for instance: What is the meaning of philosophy to the The highlight of HCIPO Conference Day was ordinary man? What are the career options following undoubtedly the two rounds of verbal discussion — a degree in philosophy? As the Panel Discussion took each lasting 90 minutes — that took place during flight, it was interesting to see the judges holding vastly the conference. Distinguished guest judges from 5 different opinions. Perhaps the advice of Ms Alex universities presided dutifully over the various exchanges Serrenti (Lecturer of Psychology, SIM) best explains with the facilitative help of student moderators. With how each judge’s distinctive character came about: “Live their air of professionalism and finesse pervading the life deeply, for it gives your philosophy authenticity.” seminar rooms, the stage was set for the free, constructive presentation of ideas among the participants. Indeed, philosophy adds meaning to our experience of the world, and HCIPO offers a platform for an Discourse proceeded with each round consisting of exchange of meanings. For Zhao Ziqi (Year 5, ACJC), short 4-minute speeches given by each member of both HCIPO was an opportunity to meet many great teams, interspersed with quick-fire 1-minute Q&A people, learn from their perspectives, and be inspired. sessions for the clarification of controversial positions. This positive experience was not gained without the It saw seamless transitions to various fields of knowledge initial challenge of working together as a team. Ziqi’s that exposed all participants to a variety of ideas and teammate, Natasha Khoo Mei Hui (Year 6, VJC) shared argumentative styles. Impassioned speeches advanced that while their group dynamics were poor at first, the well-justified propositions; even spectators were able ideas they bounced off one another challenged their to have a little taste of the action and were given just preconceived notions and led them to “re-evaluate as much opportunity to contribute to the thoughtful [their] thinking process.” Such critical thinking on their conversations. part was evident in their meticulous writing, which enabled them to clinch the Best Written Proposal award In particular, Professor Matthew D. Walker (Associate for Topic 1. Professor, Humanities Department at Yale-NUS College), was impressed by the high standard of As the video montage was screened and the conference discussion and the “strong philosophical muscles” of drew to a close, a deep sense of fulfilment and the Olympiad participants. He commended the care satisfaction dwelled in the heart of every participant. and attention students brought to their presentations, Ultimately, the first ever HCIPO stayed true to its highlighting how they were reasonable in supporting vision, bringing together like-minded students with a their viewpoints while staying open in respecting penchant for philosophy to nurture open-mindedness, different stances. inquisitiveness, and multi-perspective thinking. ∎ Such sentiments were reaffirmed during the Panel Discussion, where judges took the stage to share their thoughts on the written submissions and discussions that they had assessed. They expressed appreciation 8 9 PARTICIPANTS Team A$AP Team Gettier Wesley Simeon Tan Anglo–Chinese School (Independent) Lek Siang Ern Eunoia Junior College Teoh Chyi Hui Jacey Eunoia Junior College Johanna Ong Li Xin (NJC) National Junior College Jay Tan Zi Lin National Junior College Ow Yong Yen Kay Jill (SJI) St. Joseph’s Institution Ang Jun Sheng Jordan Victoria Junior College Wang Boyan Hwa Chong Institution Team Bentham Team Hume Maximilian Yap Ming Khuan Anglo–Chinese School (Independent) Zhu Wentao Hwa Chong Institution Shan Yunhong Hwa Chong Institution Alma Delia Sukma National Junior College Joshua Yong Zhi Hao Raffles Institution Nguyen Duy Anh Quan St. Joseph’s Institution Jonathan Koh Ern Juan Victoria Junior College Ng Weihan Eunoia Junior College Team Cardiac Arrest Team Infinite Regress Zhao Ziqi Anglo–Chinese Junior College Boh Jie Qi Dunman High School Sun Yiran Hwa Chong Institution Amelia Ding Yinuo Raffles Institution Pan Liyu Raffles Institution Maximillian Lim Sheng Lee St. Joseph’s Institution Natasha Khoo Mei Hui Victoria Junior College Feng Yuxin Hwa Chong Institution Team Determinant Team Jabberwocky Lok Wai Cheng United World College of Faith Claudette Chong Dunman High School South East Asia Li Chang Raffles Institution Hoh Zheng Feng Sean Hwa Chong Institution Isabella Patricia Mulles Ocampo School of the Arts, Singapore Pan Yue Raffles Institution Lucia Marie Ng St. Joseph’s Institution Zhou Zitong Victoria Junior College Team Kryptonite Team Eyjafjallajökull Koh Hui Ling Dunman High School Wint Wah Thit Thit Zaw National Junior College Allison Anne Samuel National Junior College Phang Yeu Yeou Raffles Institution Kristina Gweneth Ponce St. Joseph’s Institution Samuel Lee Cong St. Joseph’s Institution Simundo Qi Siyi Hwa Chong Institution Song Chenan Temasek Junior College Team Fallacious Reasoning Team Lambda Ng Yong Ming Keane National Junior College Lin Zhonglin Anglo–Chinese Junior College Xuan Zi Han Raffles Institution Tasha Anna Leow Dunman High School Nisha Thanabal St. Joseph’s Institution Chu Chi Huen Carina National Junior College Fong Ken Rui Hwa