The International Philosophy Olympiad (IPO) is an international organization that holds an annual nationwide competition in philosophical essay writing for high school students. Each country may send one or two students, apart from the host country, which is allowed to send up to 10 students. This year, the IPO took place in Bari, Italy from May 15-19. In 2024, it was held in Helsinki, Finland; and the previous year, in Olympia, Greece. Representing the U.S. (and D-E) in 2025—and winning Honorable Mention(!)—was Leonard “Len” Glozman ’25, advised by Philosophy and Ethics Department Chair Joseph Murphy, who himself is the U.S. Delegation Leader of the IPO. Len is only the second U.S. delegate to have won an award at the IPO in the 14 years that the U.S. has participated.

“In order to attend the IPO, one needs to have won a national selection process,”

“In order to attend the IPO, one needs to have won a national selection process,” explained Len, who also attended the Helsinki event. “To do well at the IPO itself, one needs substantial knowledge of the history of philosophy, and, more importantly, incredibly well-developed critical thinking and writing skills.” Furthermore, the rules of the competition require students to be fluent or nearly fluent in a second language. For instance, students from the U.S. must write their essays in French, German, or Spanish.

The essay-writing portion of the event takes about four hours, said Len, and the remainder of the time abroad is spent getting to know other delegates from around the world. “Students at the IPO do not hide their ideas and methods,” he said. “They share them willingly, for they are much more interested in furthering their own learning through meaningful dialogue than in gaining some kind of competitive advantage.”

Len said that while he was very proud to receive Honorable Mention, the most fulfilling aspect of the IPO were the bonds he formed. “Over the past year, I have stayed in touch with many of the people at the 2024 IPO, and we have even begun working on a shared philosophy project,” he remarked.

It is a testament to their extraordinary level of proficiency in philosophy and foreign language, and it allows them to serve as representatives of their entire country.

“Just being at the IPO is a great honor for any student,” said Len. “It is a testament to their extraordinary level of proficiency in philosophy and foreign language, and it allows them to serve as representatives of their entire country.” However, it isn’t necessary for students to have a sole interest in philosophy, he said, noting that you will encounter prospective literature, history, political science, and even STEM majors.

Len added that the inherent diversity in this delegation lends itself to discussions on the differences in culture, language, and educational systems: “It is the natural extension of our values and culture [at D-E].”