Life Raft Debate
About the 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.
If you are interested in being a part of the Life Raft Debate or you have a suggestion for a debater for next year’s event, please contact us at scholars.ok@ubc.ca.
2022 Life Raft Debate
Mark your calendars — the next life boat is set to depart in January, 2022…
Previous debates
2021 Life Raft Debate
Escape to Mars Edition
Presented with support from alumni UBC and the UBCO Ice Cream Club.
Debaters
Dr. Lesley Cormack
Deputy Vice-Chancellor and Principal
Dr. Greg duManoir
Health and Exercise Sciences
Dr. Sandy Hilton
Management
Dr. Ray Taheri
Engineering
2020 Defending Champion
Dr. Robin Young
Biology
Devil’s Advocate
Dr. Bryce Traister
English
Host
Dr. Stephen McNeil
Chemistry
2019 Champion
Winner
2021 Champion: Dr. Ray Taheri
2020 Life Raft Debate
Zombie Apocalypse Edition
Debaters
Dr. Deborah Buszard
University Administration
Dr. Greg duManoir
Human Kinetics
Dr. Stephen McNeil
Chemistry
2019 Defending Champion
Dr. Ray Taheri
Engineering
Dr. Bryce Traister
English
Devil’s Advocate
Dr. Jan Cioe
Psychology
Host
Dr. Peter Arthur
Education
Winner
2020 Champion: Dr. Ray Taheri
2019 Life Raft Debate
Debaters
Dr. Denise Kenney
Theatre
Dr. Stephen McNeil
Chemistry
Dr. Christine Schreyer
Anthropology
Dr. Ray Taheri
Engineering
Dr. Michael Woodworth
Psychology
Devil’s Advocate
Dr. Marianne Legault
Languages and World Literatures
Host
Dr. Peter Arthur
Education
2019 Champion: Dr. Stephen McNeil
