Contest Guide: The Most Influential People of All Time

From PhiloWiki

As the discussion leader for "Judging History", lead your group through the following discussion topics. You may of course tailor your group discussion at your discretion.

Agenda

1. Introductions
2. Challenge: identify the historical figures and their birth century (laptops not allowed)
   1. 1 point for each
   2. When time is up, we will exchange sheets and grade the papers to determine a ranking
3. Challenge: rank the political leaders in terms of influence (laptops allowed)
4. Challenge: rank the religious leaders in terms of influence (laptops allowed)
5. Challenge: rank the others in terms of influence (laptops allowed)
6. Optional Challenge: rank the 100 individuals in terms of influence (laptops allowed)
   1. This is a major and difficult endeavor, and is therefore only for your consideration
7. Further questions
   1. When time is up, we will hand out the 'Top 100' list
   2. What 10 leaders do you feel should have been included?
   3. Which rankings do you most disagree with?
   4. How would you rank the influence of leaders, if not the way it is done here?
   5. Are there any contemporary leaders whom you feel will be on another list in 50 years?
   6. How would you rank the influence of leaders, if not the way it is done here?
   7. If you were to make a competition out of this topic (like we are doing), what rules would you create?

Rules for ranking

The key point here is that the leaders are judged on 'influence'.

1. The impact of their achievements on the greatest number of other humans.
2. Good or evil is not the issue - just the impact on civilization.
3. If a person shared the achievement with others, then the individual's role is diminished.
4. If the achievement would have happened anyway, then the individual's role is diminished.
5. How do you rank scientists? Political leaders? Religious leaders? Musicians vs artists?
6. Laptops may be used for determining rankings. Please Google names only, not terms like 'Top 100'.
7. Have fun! Let the discussions and debates flow freely!