The Royal Institute of Philosophy and Cambridge University Press - The Royal Institute of Philosophy and Cambridge University Press annual Philosophy essay prize

The Royal Institute of Philosophy essay prize

You will win about 2,300 EUR (£2,000) for the best philosophical essay on a set topic. Your essay will also be published in the journal *Philosophy*. The runner-up will receive approximately 580 EUR (£500) and will also have the chance to have their essay published. The prize is awarded annually and organised by the Royal Institute of Philosophy and Cambridge University Press. A new topic is announced each year; the 2025 topic was ‘Body’ and was to be interpreted broadly across all areas of philosophy. If two winners share the prize, the prize money is divided between them.

Who can apply

• Who it is for: Anyone with an interest in philosophy – from academics to independent thinkers. You don’t have to be a student.
• Nationality: Applicants of any nationality are welcome to apply. There is no residency requirement.
• Field: Philosophy on this year’s theme. All academic disciplines and philosophical traditions are welcome.
• Your essay: You are to write an original essay of no more than 8,000 words. The judges will assess the originality, clarity of style, overall informational value and the contribution to the further development of philosophical discourse.

How to apply

Please email your essay to the Royal Institute of Philosophy by 30 November, with the subject line ‘Prize Essay’. Please remove your name from the essay so that the judging panel can assess it anonymously. A judging panel will review the entries and announce the winner the following spring.

How realistic are your chances?

It is a single, prestigious prize awarded each year to one winner and one runner-up, and is open to a wide, global field of entrants. This makes the competition truly exciting. Success depends entirely on the essay itself. A compelling, clearly written piece that engages deeply with the annual theme really stands out – so you’ve got a genuine chance if your essay is outstanding.