Robert F. Ladenson, the founder of the Ethics Bowl, philosopher and legal scholar, passed away on May 3, 2026 in Los Angeles. He dedicated his career to exploring the intersection of law, ethics, and education, and leaves behind a legacy that transformed competitive debate into a global movement for civil discourse.

For over 50 years, Ladenson was a cornerstone of the Illinois Institute of Technology faculty, where he served as Professor of Philosophy and co-founder of the Center for Study of Ethics in the Professions. Upon his retirement, he was named Professor of Philosophy Emeritus, recognizing his distinguished service to the institution. His 1993 creation of the Intercollegiate Ethics Bowl at IIT fundamentally changed how students engage with ethics. His goal was to create a competition that prioritized collaborative dialogue and deliberative thoughtfulness over the confrontational style of traditional debate. 

He believed this format could help students understand and emphathize with opposing viewpoints, and the Ethics Bowl format he created rewards collaboration and the nuanced analysis of 'grey areas' — skills he considered essential for a stable democracy. Tens of thousands of students have taken part in annual Ethics Bowl competitions nationally, internationally, across a range of sectors including the armed services, with participant ages ranging from high school through senior citizens. As a long-standing member of the Association for Practical and Professional Ethics, Ladenson was honored in our publications and anniversaries for his profound contribution to the academic community. The APPE Intercollegiate Ethics Bowl established the Robert Ladenson Spirit of the Ethics Bowl Award in his honor to celebrate the teams that best exemplify his core values of respect and civility, thoughtfulness, and collaboration.

Donations in Bob's memory can be made to honor his legacy, and will support participation in the Ethics Bowl, in consultation with the Ladenson family and IEB leadership.