Big Questions Debate
What is Big Questions?
Big Questions is a form of debate designed to open students’ minds and encourage them to engage in life discussion that may not align with their previously held beliefs. Whether or not students change their opinion, the rich experience of this debate event will advance their knowledge, comfort, and interest in learning more about the subject matter based on the intersection of science and philosophy. Thousands of students have debated Big Questions since 2016!
Big Questions Debate 2025-2026 Potential Topics
There are two topic options for Big Questions for the 2025-2026 season. Member students and one chapter advisor per active school may vote for each topic one week prior to the topic release date. Topic voting opens July 25, and the topic is announced August 1.
Option 1 – Resolved: Religious belief deserves more protection from government interference than other forms of belief.
Option 2 – Resolved: Religious belief is a prerequisite for morality.
Get to Know the Big Questions Format
Big Questions Final Rounds Archive
2023 Nationals Final Round
Resolved: Belief in the supernatural is incompatible with belief in science
2022 Nationals Final Round
Resolved: On balance, societies benefit from religious belief and practice.
2021 Nationals Final Round
Resolved: Mathematics was discovered, not invented.
2020 Nationals Final Round
Resolved: Objective morality exists.
2019 Nationals Final Round
Resolved: Humans are primarily driven by self-interest.
2018 Nationals Final Round
Resolved: Humans are fundamentally different from other animals.
2017 Nationals Final Round
Resolved: Science leaves no room for free will.
As a coach and educator, I like Big Questions because it allows students to discuss big philosophical ideas in a format that all levels of students can attempt. In a time where teachers are constantly told to increase the rigor and broaden the curriculum, this style of debate offers debaters and teachers an opportunity to do both.