Andrew Liu

Philosophy | Public Policy | Applied Ethics

Are Utilitarians Right to Prefer Humanity in General Over Our Family in Particular?

Written for the 2026 Sidgwick Prize in Philosophy, this essay in moral philosophy distinguishes between intrinsic and non-intrinsic special obligations, advancing a defense of utilitarian theory.

It received 3rd Prize in Philosophy out of 1,300+ total entrants across all categories, from 900+ schools and 60+ countries.

https://www.sidgwickprize.com/_files/ugd/45291f_0279c44e2e1f4f02826a0b5a5f74ff74.pdf

Is Unintentional Misinformation Blamable? A Moral Luck Perspective

Sole authored poster presentation on the ethics of misinformation and moral luck, which I presented in St. Louis at the Association for Practical and Professional Ethics International Conference as the only high school presenter among 100+ graduate students and professors.

Conference Proceedings: https://edge.growthzonecms.com/sites/36/2026/02/3955_ExOrdo-appe2026-Version-3.pdf#page=109

Compiled Essays of the Project

Healthcare Aid and Common Sense

Written for the 2025 Harvard Crimson Global Essay Competition - Argumentative Category, this essay argues for a narrower interpretation of Peter Singer's argument in his famous 1972 essay "Famine, Affluence, and Morality." It was named a North American Regional Winner in the Argumentative Category, placing in the Top 75 of 10,000+ Global Submissions.

Moral Evil and Targeting Civilians

Applied ethics essay on Just War Theory (JWT). Research from this essay was later used during a Philosophy Learning and Teaching Organization (P.L.A.T.O.) 2026 roundtable webinar discussion on Just War Theory.

Information and Determinism: Modern Self Responsibility for our Health

Practical ethics / public philosophy essay on self responsibility. Dealing with ideas of moral luck, responsibility, and obligations under limited control.