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Life Raft Debate
January 21, 2021 at 7:00 pm - 8:30 pm
Join us for the third annual Life Raft Debate.
In the annual UBCO Society of Scholars Life Raft Debate, we imagine that a catastrophic event has wiped out most of humanity and the survivors (the audience) must sail off to rebuild society.
Only one final seat remains on the life raft. Five professors will each argue that their discipline is the one indispensable area of study that the new civilization will need to survive.
Finally, one professor will take on the role of devil’s advocate and argue that the survivors should actually choose no one and that their new society will be better off without a professor aboard.
This year’s event will feature Dr. Stephen McNeil, chemistry professor and 2019 champion as host; Dr. Bryce Traister, professor of English as “devil’s advocate”, and debaters
- Dr. Lesley Cormack, professor of history and sociology
- Dr. Ray Taheri, professor of engineering (and defending 2020 champion)
- Dr. Robin Young, professor of biology
Scenario:
Imagine space agencies have discovered an asteroid is on a collision course with planet Earth. In order to preserve humanity, a settlement has been developed on Mars.
Faculty debaters must put forth their proposal to the Interplanetary Council (the audience), to occupy the last seat on the last shuttle to Mars. Professors will each argue that their discipline is the one indispensable area of study that the new settlement will need to survive.
Each professor will argue that their discipline is the one indispensable area of study that the new settlement will need to survive — but it will be up to you to decide which one makes the best case.
