Biographical History Debate Guide
From PhiloWiki
Biographical history is the study of history through a focus on the great leaders and thinkers.
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The 100 most influential persons in history
The 100 is a well-known and intriguing book by Michael Hart. For a debate on this topic, below is a discussion format that encourages groups of debaters to compete for the evaluation of the Top 100.
The key point here is that the leaders are judged on 'influence'.
- The impact of their achievements on the greatest number of other humans.
- Good or evil is not the issue - just the impact on civilization.
- If a person shared the achievement with others, then the individual's role is diminished.
- If the achievement would have happened anyway, then the individual's role is diminished.
- How do you rank scientists? Political leaders? Religious leaders? Musicians vs artists?
- Laptops may be used for determining rankings. Please Google names only, not terms like 'Top 100'.
- Have fun! Let the discussions and debates flow freely!
Following are a set of team exercises related to the Top 100.
- Identify the historical figures and their birth century (laptops not allowed)
- Rank the political leaders in terms of influence (laptops allowed).
- Rank the religious leaders in terms of influence (laptops allowed).
- Rank the scientists in terms of influence (laptops allowed).
- Rank the philosophers in terms of influence (laptops allowed).
- Rank the artists, writers, and musicians in terms of influence (laptops allowed).
- Rank the top 100 individuals in terms of influence (laptops allowed)
- What 10 leaders do you feel should have been included?
- Which rankings do you most disagree with?
- How would you rank the influence of leaders, if not the way it is done here?
- Are there any contemporary leaders whom you feel will be on another list in 50 years?
- How would you rank the influence of leaders, if not the way it is done here?
- If you were to make a competition out of this topic (like we are doing), what rules would you create?
