Every student has ideas worth exploring and a unique voice worth developing. THLJ provides a platform for young writers to question, investigate, reason, and express their ideas through thoughtful essays. More than a competition, it is an opportunity to grow as a thinker and writer.
Suggested length: 1,500 words max
Middle school students from around the world may submit a writing piece based on one of the three Lower Division prompts.
Suggested length: 4,000 words max
High school students worldwide may submit essays responding to one of the three Upper Division prompts.
Explore the 2026 essay topics for each division. Middle school students (Grades 6–8) will respond to one of the designated Lower Division prompts, while high school students (Grades 9–12) may choose one of the three Upper Division prompts. Review the prompts below to find the topic that matches your division.
In the Age of AI, What Does It Truly Mean to Be Human? As artificial intelligence becomes increasingly intelligent, creative, and capable of understanding human emotions, what makes humans unique? Is it our ability to think, feel, love, make moral decisions, or something else? What qualities make us truly human?
Is Following Someone Else’s Path Still a Meaningful Way to Live? We often learn and grow by imitating others. Sometimes following someone else’s footsteps can help us become better versions of ourselves. But does a meaningful life require us to create our own path, or can we find purpose and fulfillment by following the path someone else has already made?
Should We Interpret Religion Through Our Own Beliefs, or Follow Its Teachings Exactly as They Are? Religion is often rooted in traditions, sacred texts, and teachings passed down through generations. However, every individual has different experiences, values, and ways of understanding the world. Should people be free to reinterpret religious teachings based on their personal beliefs, or is preserving the original meaning more important?
“God Is Dead” – Friedrich NietzscheFriedrich Nietzsche famously declared, “God is dead.” He did not simply mean that God physically ceased to exist, but rather that traditional religious and moral foundations were losing their authority in modern society. What do you think Nietzsche meant by this statement? Does the decline of religious influence create greater freedom for individuals, or does it leave society without a shared moral foundation? Can human beings create their own meaning and values without relying on religion or traditional beliefs? Develop your own argument in response to Nietzsche’s claim.
Morality Without an Audience – Socrates and the Nature of IntegritySocrates believed that living a virtuous life requires us to act morally regardless of whether anyone is watching. Consider the following question: If you could lie, cheat, or break a moral rule without ever being discovered or facing consequences, would it still be wrong to do so? Is morality determined by the consequences of our actions, the intentions behind them, or the kind of person we become through our choices? Argue whether doing the right thing has intrinsic value, even when no one else will ever know.
Create Your Own Philosophical QuestionIdentify a question about human nature, morality, society, knowledge, freedom, identity, or existence that genuinely challenges the way people think. Your question should not have an obvious or universally accepted answer. Develop an original philosophical argument by presenting your position, examining alternative perspectives, and challenging your own assumptions. Rather than simply expressing an opinion, explore why your question matters and what it reveals about the human experience.
To ensure the utmost intellectual rigor, this competition offers a dual-cycle framework for submission. Young scholars must carefully examine the guidelines tailored to their division and strictly adhere to the critical milestones detailed below, establishing the foundation for their academic inquiry and defense.
Summer
Fall–Winter
April, 1
October, 1
May, 1
Nov, 1
The first week of June
The first week of December
Explore the submission guidelines for The Hues & Logic Journal (THLJ). Learn about essay requirements, formatting, originality, and the submission process before entering. Each submission is an opportunity to develop your ideas, strengthen your reasoning, and share your unique perspective through thoughtful writing.
Please review all guidelines carefully to ensure your essay meets the requirements for your division.
All essays must be the student’s original work.
Previously published essays or essays submitted to other competitions or journals are not eligible.
Plagiarism, unauthorized collaboration, and misrepresentation of authorship are strictly prohibited.
Students must be the primary authors of their submissions.
AI-generated essays or substantial AI-generated writing are not accepted.
Students are responsible for the accuracy, originality, and authenticity of their work.
Submit your essay through the official THLJ submission form.
Provide accurate student information, including name, grade, school, and contact information.
Only one submission per student is permitted for each competition cycle.
Incomplete or late submissions may not be considered.
All submissions will be evaluated based on the following criteria:
Originality of Thought: Fresh perspectives and independent thinking.
Critical Thinking: Depth of analysis and thoughtful engagement with the topic.
Argumentation and Evidence: Clear reasoning supported by relevant evidence.
Organization and Clarity: Logical structure and effective communication.
Writing Quality: Grammar, vocabulary, style, and overall presentation.
Selected essays may be recognized through awards and featured in The Hues & Logic Journal.
By submitting an essay, students grant THLJ permission to consider their work for publication. Authors retain ownership of their original work. Any publication will be subject to the required author and, where applicable, parent or guardian consent.
THLJ reserves the right to reject submissions that do not meet its eligibility, originality, or academic standards.
Students under the age of 18 must obtain parent or guardian consent where required for participation and publication. THLJ may request additional authorization before publishing selected student work.
