Philosophers in Debate | Ethics & Critical Thinking Activities Grades 8-12
Students recognise names like Kant, Mill and Rawls, but often struggle to explain how those ideas shape an argument. This resource turns each thinker into a practical framework: a central idea, key concepts, common debate uses, a guiding question and a clear application.
Philosophers included
Immanuel Kant, John Stuart Mill, Jeremy Bentham, John Locke, Thomas Hobbes, Jean-Jacques Rousseau, John Rawls, Aristotle, Robert Nozick, Martha Nussbaum, Peter Singer and W. D. Ross.
What is included
- Quick comparison chart for the 12 philosophers
- 12 student-friendly philosopher briefs
- Independent philosopher research challenge
- LD framework builder
- Philosopher face-off comparison sheet
- Resolution match challenge
- Framework cross-examination sheet
- Teacher discussion guide with useful pairings and possible matches
Suitable for Lincoln-Douglas debate, ethics, philosophy, argument writing, gifted education or advanced ELA. Grades 8-12. Format: digital PDF download.
Questions about this resource
Wondering if this is the right fit before you buy? See what other shoppers asked, or ask Jerin your own. You don’t need to have bought anything.
Sign in to ask a question
Sign in so Jerin’s answer can reach you. You don’t need to have bought anything from ClaimLore.
No reviews yet — be the first to leave one.
Hi, I'm Jerin Parker. I'm a debate and public speaking coach with almost ten years of teaching experience. Through competition, I earned the National Forensic League Quadruple Ruby, and I competed in debate and public speaking through high school and university in the TFA, UIL and NFL systems. I now coach World Scholar's Cup and SPAR debate. My ClaimLore resources use the Steelman Method: students argue the other side's case before making their own, so they learn to reason, listen, and speak with confidence.








