Debate Club – Friday 11th November

By Oliver Long (Year 13)

Topic: “This house believes that Robin Hood is not a hero”

Last week debate club held a more jovial debate which challenged the traditional view that Robin Hood was a heroic individual. This was an interesting debate as members didn’t just contest whether Hood’s personality allowed him to be a hero, but which factors should be taken into consideration when assessing him: are historical sources or canonical works of fiction more important in defining who he was?

The proposition, led by Adam H and Johann G, laid out a case using Kantian ethics that stealing is an immoral action regardless of victim or intention meaning that Hood cannot be considered a hero. This was countered by Thomas N, who argued that depending on the situation, it is alright to challenge authority. Gabe H furthered this point by applying a utilitarian perspective; Robin Hood is doing the best thing for the most people. Aiden Ma and Adam of the proposition then perused a second line of argument, using sources such as the Ballad of Lyttle Geste to argue that Robin Hood was an evil person who committed atrocities. The opposition rebutted this line of argument, with Ben B positing that the proposition’s source was obscure, and that the most important feature of Robin Hood is the widely known folk tales in which he is portrayed as a hero.

Although the debate was close, the proposition were declared the victors for their excellent use of sources and application of ethical theories. Ben was awarded star debater for his important contributions to the opposition’s argument throughout the debate.