The Independent Institute is now accepting applications for the 2009 Sir John M. Templeton Fellowships Contest, an international essay competition open to college students and untenured college teachers under 36 years of age. The top three contestants in the two divisions will be awarded cash prizes for outstanding essays on the following topic: “Only a virtuous people are capable of freedom. As nations become corrupt and vicious, they have more need of masters.” –Benjamin FranklinWhich virtues contribute the most toward achieving freedom, and how canthe institutions of civil society encourage the exercise of those virtues?
Student Division First Prize: $2,500 Second Prize: $1,500 Third Prize: $1,000 Junior Faculty Division First Prize: $10,000 Second Prize: $5,000 Third Prize: $1,500 In addition to the cash prizes, winners will receive assistance in getting their articles published and two-year subscriptions to The Independent Review. The deadline is May 1, 2009. More information about the 2009 Templeton Essay Contest, including guidelines, bibliography, and winning essays from previous years