Stick to principles or be willing to compromise? Start your thinking

Game on for the Think-Off. The folks in New York Mills have again started the year by serving up a helping of food for thought.

The cultural center that sponsors the Great American Think-Off revealed the question for the 21st edition of the philosophy contest. Got your thinking cap on? Which is more ethical: sticking to your principles or being willing to compromise?

On the heels of the fiscal cliff drama, organizers concede this year's question is "germane to current political and social debate." But in making their announcement, they emphasize the essays submitted (750 word maximum) must approach the question from everyday personal experience, not philosophical abstraction.

Last year more than 500 writers sent in essays on the question of whether humans are inherently good or evil. Four finalists were selected to come to New York Mills in June and debate the question in person. Those in attendance sided with a persuasive Syracuse University student who argued on behalf of evil.

So what do you think? Ready to sign up this year? Or perhaps it's against your principles...