Teen Philosopher Wins Silver, Fuelling Passion for Inquiry
By Subaashinee Kupusamy,
28th October: To many, Thew Sean Schoen, 17, may seem like an ordinary teen, but his dedication to philosophy sets him apart. Driven by a deep curiosity, Sean spends hours exploring life’s big questions and reading volumes of philosophical works stacked on his “huge shelf.” Alongside his studies, he writes and shares philosophical essays with his peers, viewing philosophy as much more than abstract thought. “Philosophy is questioning the structure of even the simplest things,” he shared with StarEdu.
One concept Sean finds compelling is moral relativism, which posits that morality varies by context rather than fitting universal standards. “Standardizing morality often harms those who don’t conform,” he explained.
Sean’s recent silver medal at the International Philosophy Olympiad (IPO) in May 2024, held in Helsinki, Finland, bolstered his commitment to philosophy. The Catholic High School student from Petaling Jaya, Selangor, plans to co-author philosophical papers with professors after completing his SPM exams. Additionally, he hopes to host discussions blending western philosophy with Malaysian cultural elements, aiming to make philosophy accessible to locals.
His journey began at 13, inspired by reading his mother’s thesis on musical narrativity. Competing in the Malaysian Philosophy Olympiad (MyPO) deepened his interest, giving him a “warm community” and the chance to hone his skills.
Reflecting on his IPO win, Sean expressed pride in his five-year journey. Competitors tackled a four-hour essay based on philosophical quotes—a rigorous test that Sean embraced with enthusiasm.
Despite limited resources and some dismissive attitudes toward philosophy, Sean remains undeterred, engaging with like-minded communities and clubs such as the Malaysian Association of Education for Philosophy and Thinking. Also an avid writer, musician, and debater, Sean aspires to study law and publish a novel and philosophical journal someday. His message to aspiring philosophers? “Ask about even the simplest things” as stated in The Star.
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