The Wilson Ethicist Intro
Clara Shirley | Feb. 3, 2026
Life is filled with questions. What is the right thing to do? Is it okay to stand up for myself at work? What is going on with the administration? Is it appropriate to go barefoot to class? What about when the temperature stays below freezing all day? How can I feel more confident speaking in class? Can I “boo” an opposing sports team when they score against my team? Does the answer change if they are playing at a home or away game? Is the mail room open?
While some of these questions can be answered simply (yes, you should wear shoes in freezing weather, and the mail room hours are posted on their door), others may be more complicated. Knowing what you “should” or “should not” do is usually nuanced, and sometimes it helps to have a neutral third party to tell you the facts.
Whether your query is big and convoluted or small and straightforward, submit it anonymously (using the link below or the QR codes posted around campus) to the Wilson Ethicist column if you feel you need some insight. The Ethicist is committed to shedding light on the complexities of everyday stressors and to aid the student body at Warren Wilson College (WWC) in navigating the pressures of life as a young adult. Remember, if you are wondering about something, chances are someone else is, too! We will do our best to provide outlooks and resources that can help you understand the different sides of an argument, or simply help you look at a situation from a (mostly) objective perspective.
Or, submit something for fun! There are complex arguments for all kinds of things. What do you want to know?