Honors Biotechnology Debate

Honors Biotechnology: Debate Topics and Format

Aim above morality. Be not simply good, be good for something. -Henry David Thoreau

Debates will consist of groups of four with two members taking the affirmative position on a topic and two members taking the opposing view. Each group will have a period to present their case to the class. The class will b e the representative jury and determine which team best presented their case. The more meticulous, well thought out, and nuanced arguments will most likely sway the class. The presentations must be given equally by each team member. My expectation is that both members will be equally knowledgeable about their topic and will be able to intelligently address questions directed to them from me or the audience.

Arguments defending each team’s position must be supported by evidence. All evidence used must be based on current science from respected sources. Teams will be challenged by the instructor or audience to clarify or explain the relevance, meaning, and veracity of any information presented to support or negate a team’s position.

The debates will begin with a ten slide PowerPoint presentation of the affirmative position lasting ten minutes. This will be followed by a ten slide PowerPoint presentation by the opposing view also lasting ten minutes. After both presentations, eight minutes will be provided for questions from the instructor/audience. Upon completion of the first round of questions each team will be provided five minutes for rebuttal presentations beginning with affirmative side. The remaining time will be devoted to a final round of questions. The audience and instructor will then choose by secret ballot the team that was most persuasive and knowledgeable.

Given the relatively short period of time for each presentation it will be essential that each presentation is compactly choreographed so that the debate format can proceed without delays. It is also important that each team provide authentic information and answer questions based on diligent research and a thorough grasp of the topic. Please do not try to invent answers to questions you are not able to answer and ABOVE ALL do not waste my time. I fully expect that your debates will be conducted with focus, comprehensive knowledge, and an appropriate demeanor and delivery.


The Debate Forum:
1. Ten minutes for pro presentation
2. 10 minutes for con presentation
3. 5 minutes audience questions
4. 5 minutes pro rebuttal
5. 5 minutes con rebuttal
6. Audience questions
7. Vote of audience





Debate Issues:
Team I
Government is currently involved in health care reform. Debate the following: With limited numbers of transplants available rationing systems must be established for determining who will receive transplants. On what basis should rationing systems be based?
A. First come, first serve
B. The wealthiest
C. The youngest
D. Those who have the highest IQ
E. Those with genetic defects favored over those whose unhealthy lifestyle has produced organ failure.

Team II
Embryonic stem cells have been advertised as the beginning of a new medical revolution. The excitement has been caused by the totipotency demonstrated by these cells. As a result, they have the potential to cure a number of diseases such as Parkinson’s, Type I Diabetes, and Multiple Sclerosis. Some believe that using embryonic stem cells in research and future treatment protocols poses insurmountable bioethical and moral concerns. Should embryonic stem cells be used in the research and treatment of disease?

Team III.
Should a woman be held responsible if her drinking alcohol, smoking or abusing drugs during pregnancy harms her child? Should she be held liable for harm coming to her fetus from any of these substances? Should she be held legally accountable for abusing illegal substances such as crack or heroin during her pregnancy? Is there a moral difference between the use of harmful legal substances or harmful illegal substances while pregnant?