NEW YORK MILLS-The 25th annual Great American Think-Off question for 2017 will be "Has the 2016 election changed our perception of truth?"
The question-a heavy-hitter in that it not only addresses the 2016 election for timely relevance, but also tackles the timeless and elusive concept of truth, organizers stated in a news release.
The Great American Think-Off is a philosophy competition held each year in New York Mills. The contest is open to anyone and has received entries from all 50 states and a number of international countries throughout its history.
To enter, a person should submit a 750 word essay by April 1. Four finalists will be selected to receive $500 plus travel expenses and a chance to win the title of America's Greatest Thinker at this year's annual debate held on June 10 in New York Mills.
Essays can be submitted online at www.think-off.org , by email to info@think-off.org , or by mail to Think-Off, c/o Cultural Center, P.O. Box 246, New York Mills, MN 56567. Finalists will be announced May 1.
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The process for determining the annual Think-Off question is never an easy one, but was particularly challenging this year, given the importance of the 25th anniversary of the contest, as well as the current political climate following the historical 2016 election, the release stated.
Typically, the committee tries to avoid "trendy" cultural questions and looks for more timeless philosophical topics. However, after seeking public input and sorting through the responses, several relevant themes emerged: questions about democracy, truth, diversity, cultural relativism, hope for the future. Committee members debated long and hard over which of these themes was most important, most relevant, most truly philosophical. People felt passionate and meetings ran long.
Eventually, the decision was made and the question was chosen.
For contest details and more information, visit www.think-off.org or call the Cultural Center at 218-385-3339.
