Event Link: https://www.kulcher.org/think-off/the-great-american-think-off/
FEE: There is no fee to enter.
Join the Debate on Truth
32nd Annual Great American Think-Off Question Announced
The stage is set for the 32nd Annual Great American Think-Off! This nationally renowned philosophy competition invites thinkers, writers, and debaters from all walks of life to engage with one of life’s most profound questions:
"Is there only one truth,
or are there many truths?"
In this age of AI deepfakes, social media echo chambers, and sophisticated propaganda machines, how do we know what to believe? Can we discover a single, universal truth, or are multiple, equally valid truths possible?
This year’s question promises to spark spirited debates and thought-provoking discussions that resonate far beyond New York Mills, MN, where the live debate will take place on Saturday, June 14, 2025.
Your Opportunity to Join the Conversation
Submit your essay today! Craft a compelling essay of 750 words or less, presenting your take on this philosophical question. Whether you’re a seasoned thinker or a curious newcomer, the Think-Off welcomes all perspectives.
Key Dates:
Essay Submission Deadline: April 1, 2025
Finalists Announced: May 1, 2025
Live Debate: June 14, 2025
Prizes and Perks:
$500 cash prize for each of the four finalists
Travel expenses and a weekend in New York Mills
A chance to win the title of America’s Greatest Thinker
There is no fee to enter.
Simply submit your essay online at kulcher.org/think-off/submit-your-essay(preferred); or via email to info@kulcher.org; or via mail to: NYMRCC, PO Box 246, New York Mills, MN 56567.
Why Participate?
"This year’s question challenges us to examine the foundations of truth in a world that often feels divided by differing perspectives,” said Betsy Roder, Executive Director of the New York Mills Regional Cultural Center. “The Great American Think-Off is a testament to the power of civil discourse and the enduring human quest for understanding and connection.”
Since 1993, the Think-Off has celebrated civil disagreement and intellectual curiosity, earning national recognition from C-SPAN, The New York Times, and The Today Show. Past topics have explored the nature of humankind, the dangers of science vs. religion, and the role of technology in society.
About the Great American Think-Off:
Now in its 32nd year, The Great American Think-Off is an exhibition of civil disagreement between powerful ideas being explored by everyday people. Designed to bring philosophy down from the ivory towers of academia and be made accessible to all, the contest has received national acclaim including coverage by C-SPAN, the New York Times, and The Today Show.
The New York Mills Regional Cultural Center, located in the rural farm and manufacturing town of New York Mills, Minnesota, produces this annual philosophy contest and encourages people of all ages and backgrounds to participate.
To get a better sense of the Think-Off, find details, historical information, and a list of the past 30 years of questions and winners on the event website think-off.org.
About the Cultural Center
The New York Mills Regional Cultural Center is a rural hub for creativity, community vitality, and lifelong learning in the arts. Since its incorporation in 1990, the Center has connected people to artists and rich cultural experiences in rural Minnesota, celebrating the local and being a window to the world. The Center offers visitors intimate opportunities to encounter art and artists in its 80-seat concert listening room, visual art gallery in a historic building, gift store featuring local artists, artist residency program, sculpture park, and a variety of opportunities to learn, grow, and thrive. For more information, call 218-385-3339, or visitwww.kulcher.org.
