Ethics & Philosophy debate motions

The purest debates in the bank: no policy mechanism to hide behind, just competing accounts of what people owe each other. Expect trolley-problem structures, obligations to strangers, and motions that put a price on principles.

449 motions, newest season first, verbatim from tournament records. Info slides are included where the tournament released one. For keyword search and shuffle drills, use the searchable bank.

2026 (6 motions)

This House opposes the popularisation of social justice speak
WUDC 2026 · Round 5
Info slide
"Social justice speak" refers to the growing use of academic and activist terms about structural oppression and social inequality in everyday conversations, outside academic or activist settings. Examples include, but are not limited to, terms like: "mansplaining," "white privilege," "microaggressions," and "intersectionality."
THBT members of marginalised communities have a moral obligation to consider the social implications of their lifestyle choices.
South East Asia Debating Championship 2026 · Grand Final
THBT treating sobriety as a moral virtue is unjustified.
SLS Parliamentary Debate 2026 · Grand Final
THS the narrative that citizens of former colonial powers bear a moral responsibility for their colonial past regardless of generation.
1st Cebu Novice AP 2026 · High School Quarterfinals
This house would require movies and books for children to include morally flawed heroes
Asia Junior Championships Winter 2026 · Round 2
Info slide
A "morally flawed hero" is a main character who has clear weaknesses, makes mistakes, or sometimes acts wrongly, but is still presented as the hero of the story.
This house believes that peace is more important than justice.
Asia Junior Championships Winter 2026 · U11 Rookie Grand Final
Info slide
Peace refers to the absence of violence or conflict, especially after wars or major disputes. Justice refers to holding people accountable, punishment for wrongdoing, or restoring fairness.

2025 (9 motions)

This House Supports the widespread adoption of the Sankofa philosophy in West Africa
Panama WUDC 2025 · Partial Double-Octo Finals
Info slide
Sankofa is a Ghanaian philosophy that emphasises learning from the past to shape a better future. Embracing this philosophy may involve glorifying traditional practices through popular culture and art, supporting traditional livelihoods and ways of living (e.g., promoting rereruralisation, supporting industries such as breweries, agriculture, and fishing, etc), and teaching indigenous languages in schools.
That we believe that the morally righteous choice is for the man to save the baby
South China Australs 2025 · Round 5
Info slide
A man enters a burning building on the verge of collapse. He sees a 25 year old mother and her only child, a newborn baby. Both are strangers to him. He can certainly rescue either the mother or her baby, but not both.
THBT African states should withdraw recognition of the ICJ's compulsory jurisdiction in response to its failure to uphold justice in Sudan.
PAUDC 2025 · Semifinals
Info slide
On March 6, 2025, Sudan filed an application to initiate a case at the International Court of Justice (ICJ) against the United Arab Emirates (UAE) for violations of the Genocide Convention. It alleges that the UAE, "through its direction and provision of extensive financial, political and military support for the rebel RSF (Rapid Support Forces) militia," is complicit in genocide. In May 2025, the International Court of Justice (ICJ) said that it "manifestly lacked" the authority to continue the proceedings and threw out the case because the UAE, upon ratification of the Convention, made a reservation to Article 9, the compromissory clause that grants the Court jurisdiction over disputes related to the Convention.
THR the narrative that humility is a virtue
Penn WSDC 2025 · Round 2
This house regrets the dominant belief that humility is a virtue
Asia Pacific Schools DC 2025 · Round 1
Info slide
Humility is defined as the quality of being modest and having a low view of one's importance.
THBT social justice movements should encourage the formations of cults of personalities around their leaders.
Malaysian National Schools DC 2025 · Round 2
THO the virtue on forgiveness.
Malaysian National Schools DC 2025 · Grand Final
THBT Ammit's justice system is justified.
Kampala Open 2025 · Schools Grand Finals
Info slide
Ammit is a powerful god who has immense power and her justice system is based on preemptive judgment, where individuals are punished for future crimes they are predicted to commit, rather than judged by their past actions. Ammit's system focuses on foreseeing potential wrongdoings and punishing individuals based on their future behavior.
THBT it is morally justified to sacrifice truth for harmony
International Women's Debate Open 2025 · Grand Final

2024 (3 motions)

That we oppose the portrayal of vengeance in media as morally justified (e.g. John Wick, Kill Bill, Taken).
Jakarta Australs 2024 · Round 5
THBT African billionaires have a moral obligation to invest a significant portion of their wealth to philanthropic efforts.
PAUDC Kampala 2024 · Round 7
This House opposes cosmic justice
Seasons WSDC 2024 · Round 3
Info slide
Cosmic Justice is a belief system based on the idea of equalising the prospects of each individual. This is characterised by developing systems that cater to the shortcomings of each individual in order to elevate their prospect of success instead of applying the same rules and standards to all individuals with little to no regard for difference in ability. Proponents of cosmic justice fundamentally have the desire to rectify social inequities that people who, through no fault of their own, lack things which other people receive as windfall gains, through no virtue of their own.

2023 (7 motions)

TH prefers a world where presently autonomous North East Asian governments are replaced by one selected individual who is genetically modified to become a 'philosopher king' for the entire region.
NEADC 2023 · Grand Final
Info slide
In Plato's "The Republic," philosopher king refers to a hypothetical figure who melds profound philosophical knowledge and is intensively educated in disciplines like philosophy, ethics, and governance.
In hindsight, THR the 2019 coup against Evo Morales of Bolivia.
Ziauddin University DC 2023 · Round 4
Info slide
Evo Morales was the democratically elected President of Bolivia from 2006 to 2019. As the first indigenous Prime Minister of a country that holds one of the largest indigenous populations in the world, Evo Morales was responsible for important reforms such as elevating extreme poverty by 60 percent. However, during the election for Evo's fourth term, he was accused of rigging the voter process to find an early win in elections by the army. In the light of violent anti-Morales protests that followed, Evo resigned in the hopes of avoiding complete civil unrest. Other important claims were about the long-termed tenure of Evo Morales and his policy of Movement Towards Socialism, which was also described as socialist autocracy by his opponents. After the ousting of Evo Morales' democratic government, the demand for more democratic and liberal structures increased in the country. The citizens became more critical of the army as well as the Organization of American State, a US-backed policy intervention entity that maintains the democratic pursuits of the west. At the same time, the citizens of Bolivia, especially the indigenous populations, became more supportive of the Pink Tide i.e. a left-wing political wave in Latin America.
TH prefers a world with Vulcan Stoic Philosophy
SLS Parliamentary Debate 2023 · Open Grand Final
Info slide
Vulcan Stoic Philosophy by Saruk states that logic must be of greater influence in society and within the individual than emotion. The objective is to either control or suppress all emotion, thus rendering a purely logical being.
THR the emphasis on sacrifice when determining the moral values of actions
Malaysia ABP 2023 · Grand Final
THR social justice movements employing antagonistic messaging
Junior WSDC 2023 (U-14) · Round 4
Info slide
Examples of antagonistic messaging include, "Eat The Rich", "Kill All Men", "All Cops Are Bad", etc.
TH supports the development and use of moral enhancement drugs
Korea National Championships 2023 · U16 Finals
THIS HOUSE BELIEVES THAT GOVERNMENTS SHOULD TAKE DOWN ALL MONUMENTS THAT COMMEMORATE HISTORICAL FIGURES WHOSE PAST ACTIONS ARE MORALLY UNACCEPTABLE IN TODAY'S SOCIETY
International Scholastic DC 2023 · Senior Quarterfinals

2022 (5 motions)

C: That we believe people are more moral today than in the past
Campbelltown Australs 2022 · ESL Grand Final
EC se opone a la narrativa de que el actualismo es moralmente superior al relativismo
BP Compostela 2022 · Ronda 1
Info slide
A efectos de este debate, en relación con el consumo cultural, existen dos grandes posturas: 1) Relativismo: Hay que tener en cuenta el contexto de creación de la obra artística, relativizando así cuestiones como la falta de diversidad racial o de género y manteniéndolas en el canon y en el consumo masivo. 2) Actualismo: Las obras artísticas deben juzgarse con criterios contemporáneos, y obras que no respetan valores actualmente valorados como, por ejemplo, de diversidad, deben ser desplazadas del canon o no consumidas
THR the emphasis on character and ethical flaws in symbols of humanitarian movements (eg Mother Teresa, Gandhi, MLK Jr.)
Malaysia BP 2022 · Round 1
THR the critique of 1990s & 2000s media for not meeting current social justice standards
Asia Schools Open Spring 2022 · Round 2
Info slide
There is a trend of critiquing media from the 1990s and 2000s for not displaying modern conceptions of social justice. For example, critiquing the feminism or casting diversity in Gilmore Girls or Buffy the Vampire Slayer, or critiquing the politics of Harry Potter
This House Regrets the Social Justice Movements* emphasis on individual rights instead of the individual's obligation to the community
Asia Scholastic DC 2022 (Senior) · Round 3

2021 (114 motions)

THP glory over a modest, anonymous life
19th Annual Premchand Debates 2021 · Open_Final
Info slide
In Homer's Iliad, Achilles must decide whether to fight in the Trojan War—promising certain physical death but a glorious legacy—or return to his home to live a long and happy life with his loved ones but die in obscurity.
THR the popularity of redemption arcs in media (e.g., Nebula, Negan Smith, Theon Greyjoy)
7th Visayas University Debate Championship 2021 · Open_Quarter
Info slide
A redemption arc is a storytelling device where a character who is evil and destructive - or embodies evil, destructive traits - atones for their flaws and overcomes them, transforming from villain to hero.
TH, as a parent, would raise their child to have a pessimistic outlook on life
Doxbridge V 2021 · Schools_Final
In Societies with a diverse citizenry, TH Opposes the Levinasian framework of Ethical Responsibility
The DCAC Fundraiser Open 2021 · Open_Final
Info slide
Emmanuel Levinas was a French philosopher, whose contributions to existing theories on ethics and ethical responsibility have drastically shifted the perspectives surrounding complicity and have reoriented the ways in which people seek to understand their sense of commitment towards disenfranchised people in society. He argued that the individual's sense of responsibility must be an essential component of one's identity. For Levinas, this responsibility must also precede their recognition of the latter's identity. Not doing so, could allow the individual to be discriminative about the ways in which they seek to exercise their sense of commitment. His framework does not argue in favour of an invisibilisation of cultural identities, it seeks to position responsibility before the individual's recognition of cultural differences. This framework of ethical responsibility has been questioned by critics and scholars like Rachel Walsh who oppose the ways in which Levinas seeks to decontextualize the cultural encounter between the privileged and the oppressed. For Walsh, "the language in which the individual responds to the other" and the ways in which they seek to manifest their feeling of responsibility are precisely determined by the cultural contexts in which they reside, and the individual must condition their sense of commitment through an active recognition of identities within a cultural context. For Walsh, recognition of the self and the oppressed individual's identity must precede their sense of commitment.
Assuming that upon encountering a stranger, one can know exactly how a relationship will end, THW live in a world with closure-at-first-sight
The DCAC Fundraiser Open 2021 · Novice_Final
Info slide
Closure-at-first-sight' is described as 'an instant, intuitive vision of how your relationship with someone will end'. This does not reveal the circumstances that lead to that ending.
THO the narrative that parents should prioritise the interests of their children over their own
HWS IV 2021 · 5
THR the narrative that relationships should not be transactional
Munaazrah Gender & Sexual Minorities Parliamentary Debates 2021 · Open_Quarter
THP a world in which there are no extreme emotions such as boiling rage, falling madly in love, extreme grief etc.
Interschool Debate Championship 2021 · Open_Final
This house prefers a world where individuals live in recognition of their moral flaws as opposed to a convenient morality
UADC 2021 · Open_Semi
Info slide
"Convenient Morality" refers to rationalising your actions and justifying decisions to retroactively fit into your code of beliefs, i.e., an individual adapting their beliefs and morals to the actions as opposed to accepting that certain actions transgress your chosen set of morals.
This House regrets progressives abandoning political moralism
UADC 2021 · 6
Info slide
For the purposes of this debate, political moralism refers to the philosophy that moral standards (e.g. beliefs and virtues) should predominantly be used when judging political groups.
This House opposes the norm that individuals should "see the best in others"
UADC 2021 · 5
THBT schools should actively promote the idea that humanity is inherently geared towards being good
The Grand Spar October 2021 · 1
That we would promote narratives of collective guilt over individual guilt after large scale crimes against humanity.
NLUJ PD 2021 · Novice_Final
THR the characterisation of greed as immoral
Shri Ram Pre-ABP 2021 · 3
This house regrets the narrative that children are inherently pure and good
East Malaysia Open 2021 · 1
Assuming feasibility , THP a world where individuals can can foresee the consequences of their actions
BDC Pre Worlds 2021 · Novice_Final
THP a world without social validation as a motivating factor for peoples' decisionmaking
SMU Hammers 2021 · Open_Final
THBT academics should not include the scholastically-important works of individuals with immoral values in their curriculum (eg. anti-semite Wagner in a music course, enthusiastic slaveholder Jonathan Edwards in a philosophy course, Nazi collaborator and African filmmaker / photojournalist Riefenstahl in an anthropology course, etc.)
International Education Open · Gold_Final
TH, as a Chimpanzee at the Zoo, W flings its own shit at visitors
International Zoo Open · 0
THBT Cows are the silent jury in the trial of mankind
International Zoo Open · Open_Final
THR Glorification of Harambe
International Zoo Open · 1
THP a world in which the notion of happiness is uncoupled from the search for a life purpose
CMDLP 2021 · Open_Final
TH repudiates the notion that children owe their parents.
CMDLP 2021 · 7
THP a world where people believe that love is conditional as opposed to unconditional
The Grand Spar September 2021 · 4
THO the dominant narrative that acquiring forgiveness is essential in order for a flawed person to achieve redemption.
Taylors Debate Open 2021 · Open_Final
THR the glorification of the narrative that "What does not kill you makes you stronger"
Asia Schools Debate Championship 2021 · 4
THR the narrative that lying is immoral
Asia Schools Debate Championship 2021 · 4
THP a world where psychological harms are perceived to be as severe as physical harms
Asia Schools Debate Championship 2021 · 3
THP a world in which individuals prioritized material happiness over immaterial happiness
Asia Schools Debate Championship 2021 · 3
THO the narrative that love (romantic, familial, etc.) is about sacrifice
EUDC 2021 · 3
THP a world without sexual desire
China Queer Open 2021 · Open_Final
THP a social norm of being primarily responsible for your own pursuit of happines to one of being primarily responsible for the happiness of others
The Interschool Debate 2021 · Open_Final
THR the trend of centring self-destructive/antisocial characters as protagonists in media (e.g. Bojack Horseman, Rick & Morty, Crazy Ex-Girlfriend, Sherlock, Mad Men).
The Interschool Debate 2021 · 2
THR the premium placed on "hiya" as a moral virtue
PIDC 2021 · 7
Info slide
The Filipino concept of hiya manifests into two interrelated definitions: (1) the hiya that is suffered as shame or embarrassment and (2) the hiya that is an active and sacrificial self-control of one's individual wants for the sake of other people.
THR the glorification of "ride or die" relationships
PIDC 2021 · 6
Info slide
Ride or die is a colloquial expression of extreme loyalty to someone. It is a slang derived from the phrase "ride till the end or die trying." It pertains to a kind relationship where you stand by each other through any problem. Another definition is when one is willing to do anything for someone they love or highly appreciate in their life. This includes romantic, friendly, and familial relationships.
THP pedophilia to be framed as a psychiatric disorder as opposed to being purely criminal in public discourse
PIDC 2021 · 5
This House supports a uniform standard for animal welfare, regardless of the animal's perceived utility (e.g. how cute they are, how useful they are in service to humans, etc.)
WSDC 2021 · Open_PDO3 · World Schools Debating Championships
THS the use of fear as a tactic for instilling moral values in children
LSE IV 2021 · 1
Assuming feasibility, THW remove anger in humans
Pro Ams Parliamentary 2021 · Open_Quarter
Given the technology to reproduce with a push of a button, THP a world without sex or sexual desire.
EUDC Challenge IV 2021 · Open_Semi
TH supports the glorification of mediocre life
Rahat Fundraiser 2021 · 2
THP guilt society over shame society
Rahat Fundraiser 2021 · 2
Info slide
Guilt society and shame society are terminology for different categories of culture. In a guilt society, behaviour is guided by the internal self-reinforcement of the feeling of guilt for certain proscribed behaviours. This type of culture also emphasises individual conscience, faith, and values. A person in this type of culture may ask, "Do I feel my behaviour fair or unfair?" In a shame society, behaviour is guided by the inculcation of external shame (and the complementary threat of ostracism by the society). Shame cultures are typically based on the concepts of pride and honour, appearances are what count. A person in this type of culture may ask "How would people perceive me if I do X?"
This house prefers a world where acts of evil are perceived as a consequence of ignorance, rather than malice
BDIDF Bangladesh · Open_Final
You are in a stable relationship with a wealthy, workaholic partner but you are emotionally and physically unsatisfied, THW cheat
Malaysia Nationals WSDC · Open_Final
THP a world where people believe that judgment and entry into the afterlife happens through a metric of peer review versus a metric that takes into account the net sum of your actions on the world.
KCL Open · ESL_Final
THW burn the letter without having read it
Habib University Debating Championship · Open_Final
Info slide
There exists a village where on their 18th birthday every youth receives a letter that lets them know the exact time and date of their death, but not the cause. This letter is never wrong.
This House as a religious person would prefer their religious text (the Bible, etc) was just a book of laws, rather than a book of stories with moral meaning
Habib University Debating Championship · 5
THO The Narrative You Should Love Yourself Before Others Can Love You
BDIDF Western · 1
THS the narrative that all wealth creation is immoral
NAW*GMDC · 5
THS the creation of chilrden's media that suggests that people are neither good nor evil
NAW*GMDC · 4
TH embrace the normalisation of the parasocial relationship
Ganesha Open · Open_Final
Info slide
Parasocial relationships are one-sided relationships, where one person extends emotional energy, interest and time to the other party (or the persona), who is completely unaware of the other's existence. Parasocial relationships are most common with celebrities, organizations (such as sports teams) or public figures.
THR the concept of envy as a vice
RMPD · Open_Final
THW choose not to be born
DSNPD · Novice_Final
THP a world in which personality masks exist and are widely available
Trinity Open · Open_Semi
Info slide
A personality mask is a technology that allows the user to take on aspects of personality that they currently do not possess. Before putting on the mask, the user selects a number of traits that they would like to possess. Whilst wearing the mask, they then experience the world as if they possessed those personality traits. Use of a personality mask causes mental strain on the user, such that the average person cannot wear the mask for more than 12 hours a day and will experience mental exhaustion upon removing the mask for the same amount of time as they wore it. A person wearing a personality mask is indistinguishable from someone who is not.
THP a social norm of being primarily responsible for your own pursuit of happiness to one of being primarily responsible for the happiness of others
Trinity Open · 5
This House would remove statues and other memorials of historical figures whose values or actions are considered abhorrent by today's standards
MOE-ACJC IDC · 4
THBT there is no inherent moral obligation to follow the law
Law and Justice Open · Gold_Final
Info slide
Law iniusta non est iex, "An unjust Law is no Law at all," is a standard legal maxim popular among natural law theorists originating with St. Augustine. It advocates that (positive) laws that are unjust (or immoral) are not law and therefore not binding.
THO retribution as a principle of justice
Law and Justice Open · Silver_Final
THR the emphasis on "justice in the afterlife" within religious philosophy
Chun Ling InterSchool · Open_Quarter
Info slide
Within many religions, the concept of "justice in the afterlife" is emphasized, as a means to teach people that worldly systems of justice are not final and that guilty individuals will one day be judged by their Maker; in the ultimate and most important judgment.
THO the glorification of resilience as a positive trait
Chun Ling InterSchool · 4
As a middle aged, average earning person, THW make all decisions based on a utilitarian metric rather than on a deontological metric
Credence BP · Open_Semi
This house believes that long-distance relationships do more harm than good to people who enter into them
UNSW May Mini · 3
THP a world where people are believed to be fundamentally selfish
Australasian Womens Debate Open · Novice_Final
THO the prominence of heroism as a value in society
Australasian Womens Debate Open · Silver_Final
THP a world with a general belief in moral generalism over one with a general belief in moral particularism
Groningen Open · Open_Final
Info slide
Moral generalism is the view that all moral judgements depend on general ethical principles, e.g. maximising utility or following the categorical imperative. Moral particularism is the opposite view that no general ethical principle can cover all moral judgements, and the morally right choice in a situation depends on particular features of that situation.
THP a world where major religions hold that their concept of the afterlife is based on the principle of divine mercy, as opposed to divine judgement
Sabanci Open · Open_Final
Info slide
"Divine judgement" is the idea that, upon your death, your good and bad deeds will be weighed up by a divine being to determine the nature of your afterlife (e.g whether you go to heaven or hell). "Divine mercy" is the idea that you can be absolved of your bad deeds through sincere repentance.
This House opposes the increasing sympathetic presentation of villians in movies and TV shows (e.g. One that makes audiences feel for the villain because they have felt suffering and pain).
Oldham International League · 6
THBT X should immediately tell their partner that they cheated on them
National Law School Parliamentary Debate · 5
Info slide
X cheated on their partner, with who they're in a monogamous, committed relationship with. It is unlikely but not impossible that X's partner will find out about this incident.
THBT we owe greater moral duties to future generations rather than those to the present
Chanakya National Law University BP · Novice_Final
THIS HOUSE BELIEVES THAT RETRIBUTION IS A LEGITIMATE JUSTIFICATION FOR VIOLENCE
Hanoi Debate Open · Junior_Final
TH, as a morally virtuous individual, would seek the power of the Dark One and attempt to use it for good
Pop Posting Open · Open_Final
Info slide
'The Darkness' is an extremely powerful dark magical entity that resides in 'the Dark One'. It was first created when Nimue corrupted her Holy Grail magic by using her powers to kill someone. There can only be one Dark One at a time. If someone kills a Dark One, they inherent their power (which grows as more Dark Ones are killed), and unless murdered themselves, they will not die. The only way to kill a Dark One is to stab them with the Dark One's dagger. However, if stolen from the Dark One, the dagger can also be used to command/control them. A Dark One can communicate with the spirits of past Dark Ones. Many power hungry and corrupt individuals have sought the power of the Dark One over centuries.
TH, as Buzz Lightyear, would create a secret organisation to seek out and liberate other sentient toys
Pop Posting Open · 0
Info slide
Buzz Lightyear is a spaceman action figure toy originally belonging to Andy in the Toy Story franchise. Buzz can talk and has the ability to feel emotions like a regular human. He has wings so he can fly and he can fire laser beams. In the Toy Story Franchise, toys are owned by normal humans (like in real life) but whenever humans leave the room, they come alive and are sentient. Examples include Woody, Mr Potato Head, Slinky Dog, Bo Peep, Sarge and Rex.
THO the narrative that you shouldn't speak ill of the dead
NYU Abu Dhabi IV · 1
This House, as Lily, will choose to abandon the past and marry Adrian over Haven
CAMPSDA Debating Championship · Open_Quarter
Info slide
Lily lives in a Village in North London , she was a farmer and later on she met Haven , who's from France and they fell in love.Haven and Lily has been married for two years and have twin babies together , their family's economic wasn't good. One day Haven's parents came barging in their small house and took Haven away and it is revealed that Haven is actually the eldest prince of the French Kingdom and ran away from the palace to avoid his arranged marriage with someone he didn't love , his parents weren't happy to have Lily a poor girl as their daughter in law so they took the babies and Haven away while Lily fainted and laid there motionless on the grass in front of their small house. As she laid there , Prince Adrian ( The only prince of the English kingdom ) was coming back from a horse ride then he saw her and immediately took her back to the palace and eventually fell in love with her. Soon , Lily and Prince Adrian were getting married but Lily never forgot about Haven but she has to marry Adrian. On their wedding day , Haven came and stopped the wedding of Adrian and Lily and he said he wanted her back and now Lily is stuck between love and gratitude
That we regret the personal willingness to die for an ideal.
Loquitur · 4
That willfull human reproduction is always morally wrong
Loquitur · Open_Semi
THP a world where God(s) is/are portrayed to be as morally fallible as humans.
Glasgow Ancients · 4
That we prefer a world in which those accused of crimes remain completely anonymous to the public unless they receive a guilty verdict
Online Easters · 1
That we prefer judges absolutely respect wills rather than intervene to correct perceived inequities
Online Easters · 1
TH, as Harry Potter, would forgive Severus Snape
Premchand Debates · 4
THP human decision making on purely intellectual grounds (considering solely : logic, quantifiable consequences, numerical outcomes etc) instead of purely on emotional grounds (considering solely : subjective outcomes to individuals, emotional impact on others, etc)
Premchand Debates · 4
TH prefers a world where a God is portrayed as an imperfect being
Junior Debate Championship · Open_Final
THBT parents should primarily use reward power rather than legitimate power when trying to modify behaviour
NA Spar Open · 5
Info slide
Reward power is power based on the ability to provide benefits to people or withhold them. In terms of parenting, this would look like things such as giving gold stars and giving affection, praise, and attention for positive behaviour or revoking privileges and taking away posessions (e.g., "You should listen to me or I am going to take away your Xbox") for negative behaviour. Legitimate power is power based on one's position of authority in a hierarchy. In terms of parenting, this would look like incentivizing kids to do things because you told them to do it (e.g., "You should listen to me because I am your parent").
THW strongly discourage people from looking for their soulmates
Nanjing Online Debate Open · 5
Info slide
A soulmate is a person with whom one has a feeling of deep or natural affinity. This may involve love, romance, platonic relationships, comfort, intimacy, compatibility and trust.
THR the narrative patience is a virtue
People's Speak Invitational · 4
THP a world where individuals are incapable of deception
People's Speak Invitational · Open_Final
THS the narrative that all people are redeemable
Yale IV · Open_Final
THBT Disney should strive towards a more realistic portrayal/depiction of love
Bristol Schools · Novice_Final
THP a world where lying is not seen as immoral
Keio Debate Open · Open_Semi
THBT people should fulfill their purpose in life even at the expense of their personal happiness
SLIDE UP: Southern Luzon Inter High School Debate Encounter XII · Novice_Final
THR the narrative we have a moral obligation to the future
SLIDE UP: Southern Luzon Inter High School Debate Encounter XII · Novice_Final
THO the norm that forgiveness is a virtue
Southern Vietnam British Parliamentary Debate Academy · Novice_Final
THP a world where wealth is seen as shameful
Southern Vietnam British Parliamentary Debate Academy · 4
This house believes that only people who freely choose to have children have an obligation to make sacrifices for future generations
Justice Tarkunde PD · 5
THR the notion that vanity is a vice
Justice Tarkunde PD · Open_Semi
This house believes that preservation of wilderness through restricting adaptive measures or killing new species is immoral
Justice Tarkunde PD · Open_Final
THP a world where all works of fiction are published anonymously
KCL Schools · 3
Assuming that individual's adherence to their own moral code can be objectively measured, THW give more votes to individuals with higher adherence scores
AUDC · 2
THP parenting models that adultify teenagers (i.e., giving them more responsibilities and autonomy, assuming higher capacity for independence) to those which emphasize their status and treatment as children (i.e., refraining from giving them adult responsibilities, emphasizing they are legal minors)
Manchester IV · 3
THR the narrative of "Asian Values"
HK WSDC · 2
Info slide
Many Asian governments, including those of China, Singapore and India, have touted the idea that the continent shares a value system characterized by industriousness, respect for authority and the prioritization of social harmony. These "Asian values" are often said to contrast with those of the West, which are usually described as focusing on individual liberty and democratic ideals.
TH (as India) believes that it should not criminally prosecute free speech
3rd NPD UPES · 3
Assuming the Good Place existed, THP a world where people on Earth were aware of it's existence
Palestine Pop Culture Open · 4
Info slide
The Good Place is a TV show that is set in an afterlife where people either go to the Good Place if they have done more good than harm in their life, or the Bad Place if they have done more harm than good in their life. Good things are things that are done with good intentions (i.e. helping others, donating to charity with intentions to help the less fortuante etc), even if it does not always lead to good outcomes, and vice versa with Bad things. Neither the exact point value associated with any particular action nor the point total of an individual at any particular point in time is known to any human still alive. For purposes of this debate, the dead can no longer interact with the living in any way whatsoever.
THW rather be a part of the '27 club' than live an average length, nondescript life
Palestine Pop Culture Open · Open_Final
Info slide
The 27 Club is a list consisting mostly of popular musicians, artists, or actors who died at age 27. It remains a cultural phenomenon, documenting the deaths of celebrities, some noted for their high-risk lifestyles. 'Members' include Jean Michel Basquiat, and Kurt Cobain.
THR the increasing trend of the modern left characterizing conservative politicians and voters as morally reprehensible
Trinity IV · 2
THP a world in which the majority of people believe in moral pessimism rather than moral optimism.
Odesa ESL · 4
Info slide
Moral pessimism is the belief that humans are innately bad, and need to learn morality from external sources, fighting their inner urges to be better. Moral Optimism is the belief humans are innately good, and need to follow their true self and overcome societal expectations to be better.
THBT a person who seeks wisdom and truth should heavily deprioritize material gains (such as money, fame, influence, career, excellence awards, etc.) from being the primary goal of Socratic activities.
Founder's Trophy · Open_Final
Info slide
Socratic method is an activity focusing on rigorous questioning on existing values and systems. It aims to deeply examine ethics and answering 'how best to live' as a moral human being. Examples of Socratic activities include but are not limited to (1) an education system that encourages students to actively challenge existing systems, (2) forums/discussions about religions and/or existing norms, and (3) debating.
THBT it is morally justified for individuals to evade inheritance tax
DTU PD 2021 · 1
THW allow the "Human Sims" game
DTU PD 2021 · 2
Info slide
The Sims is a life-simulation video game where you control all the activities of a virtual character. There now exists a technology that allows real humans to opt into this game as characters. For the duration of the game, these "Human-Sims" will be under the control of another person. Once the game ends, the Human-Sims will have no memory of this experience. They will also be financially rewarded.
THP a world where humans can measure the amount of pleasure they'll experience in a relationship before entering it
Wolce Pro Ams · 4
THW refuse to return the doll to its body
UNSW IV Online · 4
Info slide
CHALLENGE: You will gain a speaker point if you sing your introduction. CONTEXT SLIDE: You are a teenage girl living in a world where Taylor Swift has disappeared without explanation. One day your childhood doll comes to life and claims to contain the consciousness of Taylor Swift. The doll says it is the real Taylor Swift and asks to be returned to her body. The doll is dependent on you for mobility.
THW ban the appearance of children on reality television
Uhuru Worlds · Schools_Semi
THW establish a content rating system for literature (ie, R, PG-13, etc)
Debatable Open · 1
THP a life where one is fully content but does not aspire for more over a life where one continually aspires without certainty of contentment
Debatable Open · Open_Quarter
THBT the state is morally illegitimate.
Doxbridge Worlds · Open_Semi

2020 (56 motions)

In a relatively equal society where the "protected sphere model" is the norm, This House, as a parent, would raise their children according to the "deferred happiness model".
Thailand WUDC 2020 · ESL_Quarters
Info slide
Under the "deferred happiness model" of parenting, there is strong emphasis on setting children up for a successful adulthood, including through a focus on academic or extracurricular achievement, structure, and discipline. Under the "protected sphere model" of parenting, there is strong emphasis on "letting children be children", including through a focus on playtime and personal enjoyment.
THR the narrative that immortality is desirable
Northams 2020 · Open_Quarters
THBT parents should teach morality to their children through religious context (e.g. "it is a sin to lie"; "help thy neighbour" etc.)
Doxbridge Online Open 2020 · Open_Final3
In countries with conscription, This House Believes That it is morally legitimate to evade draft
VITDT Round Robin 2020 · 4
THR tv shows and movies that humanize violent, antisocial protagonists (ex: Barry, You, Killing Eve, The Assassination of Gianni Versace, My Friend Dahmer)
Eastern Online IV · 2
TH regrets the rise of philanthrocapitalism
Tilbury House Online Open 2020 · 4
TH prefers a world where humans are assumed to be inherently good as opposed to a world where humans are assumed to be inherently evil
Circuit Breaker Debate Open · Open_Semi
This House prefers a world where people do not enter romantic relationships before they turn 18.
Zagreb Open 2020 · Open_Semi
THW prefer not to be born than to live a deeply immoral yet pleasurable life
Restricted Mara Open · Open_Semi
THO the glorification of courage in popular culture
Restricted Mara Open · Novice_Final
THR the glorification of youth
St Petersburg Online Open · 4
TH regrets virtue signalling on social media
ASDO 2020 · 1
THR effective altruism
ASDO 2020 · Open_Final
THR the social preference for positivity and optimism
Helsinki Open · Novice_Final
THR the dominant narrative that individuals should "do what they love".
Imitation Cup · 3
THBT it is justified for an individual to prioritise their own self-interest over alleviating universal suffering.
Imitation Cup · Open_Final
THR the concept of "The one that got away"
Lord Discup's Cup 2020 · 5
Info slide
"The one that got away" is a person who you were originally supposed to end up with, but due to a cause of fate or by consequences caused by you the relationship failed and as time goes by you wonder what you and that person could have been, making them the one that got away.
THP a world in which people don't engage in virtue signalling
India Debate Open AP 2020 · Open_Quarter
Info slide
Virtue signalling is an attempt to show other people that you are a good person by publicising acts that you think will be acceptable to them.
THBT Palestinians should prefer their wellbeing over fighting injustices in Palestine
An Najah Arabic Novice Online Debates · 1
Info slide
Fighting injustices can include censorship, corruption, and human rights violations, and social issues. (not related to directly fighting the Occupation
THO the societal narrative that forgiveness is a virtue
The Debate Open · 3
That we regret the expectation that children should be shielded from all forms of danger.
Monash Australs 2020 · 5
That we regret the stigmatisation of hedonistic lifestyles
Monash Australs 2020 · ESL_Octa
That we support the creation of children's literature which teaches that people are neither good nor evil.
Monash Australs 2020 · ESL_Octa
That we regret the belief that individuals possess defined personality traits.
Monash Australs 2020 · ESL_Quarter
Info slide
"Personality traits" broadly reflect and summarise individuals' characteristic patterns of thoughts, feelings and behaviours. They are commonly thought to be "defined", in the sense of being both stable and consistent: people who are extroverts, for instance, are usually perceived as being likely to be sociable and outgoing across a variety of different situations and over time.
That it is morally wrong to use subconscious manipulation to nudge citizens towards socially desirable choices.
Monash Australs 2020 · EFL_Final
Info slide
Nudging', or Nudge Theory, is a concept in behavioural economics, political theory, and behavioural sciences, which proposes positive reinforcement and indirect suggestions as ways to influence the behaviour and decision making of groups or individuals.
Given the dichotomy, This House believes that animal rights activists should focus on the environmental impacts that meat consumption has on humans, rather than empathy for animals
Access Debate Tournament · Open_Quarters
Assuming there is a safe procedure, THW allow adults to permanently "lock in" their chosen personality traits (e.g. stubbornness, openness, honesty) as unchangeable.
KCL Online Open 2020 · 4
That we should make it an offense to witness a crime and not report it
Whippersnappa Pre-Australs · 1
THP a world in which individuals did not feel strong emotions
Macquarie Open 2020 · 5
This house believes that it is immoral to consume the art of creators who have been proven to be guilty of heinous offences
Macquarie Open 2020 · 5
This house regrets the narrative that one should respect authority figures even if you disagree with them
Macquarie Open 2020 · Open_Semi
THS the narrative that the decision to have a biological child is a selfish one
Indian Womxn's Debating Championship 2020 · 4
THBT fear is a legitimate tool for instilling moral values
GGDSD PDC 2020 · 1
THS the conception of morality as a scientifically determined innate characteristic
GGDSD PDC 2020 · Open_Final
TH celebrates self interest as one of the dominant guiding moral principles
GGDSD PDC 2020 · Open_Final
THR the narrative that humans are innately bad
Sarawak Schools Online Debating Championship 2020 · 2
THR the narrative that one must "do what they love"
DSDC Coherence 2020 · HighSchool_Final
THBT parents should have the right to withdraw their children from all teaching about sex and relationships
Gwalia Open · 1
As someone who is in a healthy fling with someone else, but not sexually satisfied, THW ghost instead of breaking up
East Coast Asians · 5
THP a world where all humans are born as adults
East Coast Asians · Novice_Final
Info slide
This motion assumes that humans have developed tech that allows people to be born with full brain development and adult cognitive maturity
THR the belief that forgiveness is a virtue
IBA DU Nations League · 4
THR the concept of undonditional love
Victoria's Cup · Open_Final
THBT the world would be better off if the human race would cease to exist
Alternate Pre-ABP · Open_Quarter
THP a world where people cannot lie
MonDO 2020 · 3
This House Prefers a world where altruism is the only acceptable motive in doing good deeds
Argumentum Open 2020 · 2
Info slide
Altruism is the belief or practice of disinterested and selfless concern for the well being of others
This House Believes That schools should emphasize the moral failures and wrongdoings of people considered to be national and social heroes (e.g Churchill, Gandhi, Mother Teresa)
Bishop Anthony Lobo Championship 2020 · Open_Semi
THP a world without lying
SEC Schools Championship 2020 · 2
THP a world where sexual compatibility is prioritized over emotional compatibility in relationships
Taiwan Online Debate Open · 4
THR "self-crit" culture.* * "Self-crit culture" refers to a culture where individuals are encouraged to publicly and openly criticise themselves for their shortcomings.
Taiwan Online Debate Open · Open_Final
THR the narrative that ideal deliberation should exclude display or involvement of emotions
Taiwan Online Debate Open · Open_Final
That we would have preferred the Game of Thrones prequel series to be Bloodmoon over House of the Dragon
Pop Culture Grand Prix · 1a
Info slide
Bloodmoon was the name of a now-axed Game of Thrones prequel series. It was to be set 8,000 years before the events of Game of Thrones and depict the 'Long Night', the winter in which the White Walkers emerged for the first time and sought to bring an end to all life. A new prequel series, called 'House of the Dragon', has since been announced instead. It will be set 300 years before the events of Game of Thrones, and focus on the history of House Targaryen, including the Targaryen civil war and the Doom of Valyria.
That, with hindsight, we really do regret Glee
Pop Culture Grand Prix · 3
Info slide
This debate is not concerned with the conduct of any actors involved in the show external to their performances.
That we would prefer the Eric Killmonger plot to the Shuri plot
Pop Culture Grand Prix · 5
Info slide
There are two potential plots for the next Black Panther movie, noting Chadwick Boseman's recent passing. The first is where Erik Killmonger (played by Michael B Jordan) is brought back to life (in the comics he is resurrected by the Mandarin – but this could happen in a number of ways), has some contrition for previous events (whilst still feeling strongly about supporting disenfranchised black people across the world), and ascends as Ruler of Wakanda, taking up the Black Panther mantle. The second is where Shuri (played by Letitia Wright) ascends and takes up the Black Panther mantle. In both plots, T'Challa would pass away off-screen.
That Gotham would be safer if Batman abandoned his 'No Killing' rule
Pop Culture Grand Prix · 5
Info slide
In the vast majority of depictions of Batman, he abides by a strict 'No Killing' rule. For the purpose of this debate, Batman has never killed anyone.
That Curtis should destroy the train and end humanity rather than taking control.
Pop Culture Grand Prix · Open_Final
Info slide
After an attempt to stop global warming via climate engineering catastrophically backfires, creating a new ice age in 2014, the remnants of humanity have taken to a circumnavigational train, the Snowpiercer, run by recluse transportation magnate Wilford. By 2031, the passengers on the train have become segregated, with the elite in the extravagant front cars and the poor in squalid tail compartments controlled by armed guards. After having led a rebellion and fought his way to the front of the train, Curtis is told by Wilford that the rebellion had been secretly encouraged in order to cull the population on the train to sustainable levels. Wilford offers Curtis control of the train.
That we prefer Facebook's policy of only removing content that users report as compared to a policy where Facebook itself independently determines restrictions on content.
Karachi Debate Open · Novice_Semi

Motions are free. Judged rounds are the product.

Our students debate motions like these every week in full judged rounds, with oral adjudication and written feedback after every one.

Book a Consultation