NEW YORK MILLS — It’s true — the New York Mills Regional Cultural Center is wondering if reality is up for debate.
The nonprofit announced on Jan. 15 its 2025 Great American Think-Off question: “Is there only one truth, or are there many truths?” The 32nd annual nationally renowned philosophy competition invites participants of all backgrounds to wrestle with life’s most profound questions.
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“We liked this idea of exploring truth, so that came out as one of our top themes pretty quickly,” said Betsy Roder, executive director of the Cultural Center.
This year’s question about truth promises to spark spirited debates and thought-provoking discussions where the live debate will take place in New York Mills on the second Saturday of June.
“People devote significant time to searching for 'the truth,' whether in our churches, our schools, or our laboratories. If we search hard enough, will we all come to the same truth? Or does it turn out there are many possible truths, all correct?” a news release about the essay contest stated.
The Cultural Center has hosted a debate competition for armchair philosophers to engage in civil discourse about life’s biggest questions for more than three decades. This year’s provocative and timely question was selected by a 10-member committee.
Roder said, “We're trying to be true to those philosophical roots, and at the same time, we always try to be timely and relevant with our topics, so that people are enticed to write an essay and be part of the contest.”
The news release stated: “In this age of AI deepfakes, social media echo chambers and sophisticated propaganda machines, how do we even know what to believe? Is 'the truth' really out there?”
The current Think-Off question selection committee includes past and current Cultural Center board members and a previous Think-Off finalist, according to Roder.
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“It's a group of people who aren't afraid to share their opinions, and that's why they're part of the group,” Roder said. “We really believe so strongly in this idea of civil discourse, and so we want to hear from each member of the group.”
The announcement of the Think-Off question came mere days before the presidential inauguration of Donald Trump and amidst a Minnesota legislative session that has gotten off to a divisive start. But the political landscape of the day is not the driver of this year's question, Roder said.
“I never want to focus completely on political things, or even, like, societal divides necessarily … but this idea of truth has really become relevant,” Roder said.
The Think-Off is an annual event that encourages everyday people to delve into the complexities of philosophical inquiry. Writers, thinkers and debaters from across the United States are invited to submit essays presenting their arguments on this year’s question.
“We're really more about connections and finding commonalities,” Roder said. “And so I think we're hoping this question does that. This can be a difficult topic with truth. People are pretty passionate about, ‘Well, that's my truth.’”
Submissions are due by April 1. Essays should be no longer than 750 words. Four finalists will be selected by May 1 to debate in front of a live audience on June 14. Participants must take a strong stand in their essays, drawing from personal experience and observations.
I never want to focus completely on political things, or even, like, societal divides necessarily … but this idea of truth has really become relevant.
“This year’s question challenges us to examine the foundations of truth in a world that often feels divided by differing perspectives,” Roder said.
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The Think-Off is known for its inclusive and engaging format. The contest offers a $500 cash prize to each of the four finalists, plus travel expenses and a weekend in New York Mills, along with the chance to win the title of “America's Greatest Thinker.” There is no fee to enter.
Past Think-Off questions have explored topics such as the nature of humankind, the dangers of science vs. religion and the role of technology in society. Each year, the event brings together a diverse audience to celebrate "the art of debate and the joy of intellectual curiosity."
“The Great American Think-Off is a testament to the power of civil discourse and the enduring human quest for understanding and connection,” Roder said.
To enter the contest, submit an essay online at kulcher.org/think-off/submit-your-essay (preferred method), email info@kulcher.org or mail your essay to NYMRCC, P.O. Box 246, New York Mills, Minnesota 56567.
For additional contest details, information on the past 31 years of civil debate and to purchase tickets to attend the debate, visit www.think-off.org or call the Cultural Center at 218-385-3339.
FRANK LEE is a community reporter for the Wadena Pioneer Journal. He may be reached at 218-631-6470 or at flee@wadenapj.com .
The Trust Project
