Correct Answer:
D. Peace
The correct answer is Peace. The Nobel Peace Prize is uniquely awarded by a Norwegian committee, while all other Nobel Prizes are decided by Swedish institutions, in accordance with Alfred Nobel's will.
Why Norway Awards the Peace Prize
- Alfred Nobel's Decision: In his 1895 will, Alfred Nobel specified that the Peace Prize should be awarded by a committee of five persons chosen by the Norwegian Parliament (Storting). The reasons remain debated, but Nobel likely admired Norway's peaceful traditions and wanted to separate the Peace Prize from the politics of Sweden.
- The Norwegian Nobel Committee: This five-member committee is appointed by the Norwegian Parliament and operates independently. The award ceremony takes place in Oslo City Hall every December 10th, the anniversary of Nobel's death.
- Other Prizes by Swedish Panels: The prizes in Physics, Chemistry, Medicine, and Literature are awarded by Swedish committees — the Royal Swedish Academy of Sciences, the Karolinska Institute, and the Swedish Academy — and the ceremonies are held in Stockholm. The Economics prize (added later) is also Swedish.
- Global Significance: The Peace Prize has been awarded to individuals and organizations that have worked to end conflicts, promote disarmament, and advance human rights, making it one of the most globally recognized awards.
Therefore, the Nobel Peace Prize is the only category decided by a Norwegian committee, not a Swedish panel.