Year 10 student Julie Zhu has been shortlisted for the Philosophy Category of the John Locke Institute 2025 Global Essay Prize, an internationally recognised competition that received over 60,000 entries from students around the world.
Julie’s shortlisted essay tackled the provocative question:
‘When civilians are the main target, there’s no need to consider the cause. That’s terrorism; it’s evil.’ Is this correct?
In her response, Julie explored complex ethical frameworks including just war theory, non-combatant immunity and the moral thresholds of warfare. She argued that while targeted civilian attacks may be theoretically justifiable under certain philosophical conditions, they rarely meet the criteria in real-world conflicts. Her essay challenges readers to think critically about the blurred lines between combatants and non-combatants in modern warfare, and the dangers of misusing emergency declarations to justify violence.
‘I have a largely pacifist outlook,’ Julie explains, ‘but I still arrived at the premise that targeted civilian attacks can be justifiable in theory. Ultimately, though, my essay speaks against them in most known circumstances.’
Julie’s research process was both rigorous and creative. She explored key concepts such as jus in bello, jus ad bellum and international law, while also drawing on philosophy podcasts and prior knowledge to develop original arguments. She deliberately avoided AI tools to ensure her ideas were independently formed.
‘To demonstrate independent thought, I kept my research spontaneous and synthesised ideas from different sources – like combining relativism with Machiavellian philosophy to explore when war escalation might be justified.’
Julie’s achievement reflects her deep passion for philosophy and writing. She says the experience has helped her clarify her own views and sparked a desire to continue exploring philosophical questions in the future.
‘Getting shortlisted is a very exciting experience and a great accomplishment. I’d love to enter the competition again next year.’
Although Julie has been invited to attend the black-tie Awards Ceremony and Gala Dinner at the Grosvenor House Hotel in Mayfair, London, she says she is unlikely to attend.
Outside of philosophy, Julie’s favourite subjects include Italian, and her future aspirations lie in creative fields – when she leaves Santa Sabina she hopes to become either an architect or a chef.
Her advice to future essay competition entrants?
‘Be original and spontaneous in your research. Your sources don’t have to be academic – podcasts, prior knowledge or even video essays can spark great ideas. Just make sure your argument is persuasive and addresses the strongest counterpoints.’
The John Locke Institute Oxford and Princeton encourages young people to cultivate the characteristics that turn good students into great writers: independent thought, depth of knowledge, clear reasoning, critical analysis and persuasive style. Essay prizes are judged by a panel of senior academics drawn from leading universities including Oxford and Princeton, under the leadership of the Chairman of Examiners, Prof Terence Kealey. Read more here: https://www.johnlockeinstitute.com/essay-competition
