Debates

In taking part in debates, students develop their thinking and research through investigating the case for and against big ideas, ethical dilemmas and controversial issues. Debates provide a platform for sharing research at the same time as developing public speaking skills, and present many opportunities for engaging a variety of audiences. They can be public, for example, or judged as a competition.

For example, the Oxford Brookes Business School has held extracurricular debates on business ethics, and offered students the chance of thorough preparation in “argumentation sessions”. The debates themselves have concerned important issues such as gender equality in the work place, “fat cat salaries”, and the environmental responsibilities of the energy sector. Debaters are judged on how well they present the multifaceted ethical dilemmas and how persuasively they argue a case. Audience participation is also encouraged.