Raft Debate
A judge presides but the audience decides...
who will survive for the sake of humanity?
Monday, October 28, 6:30 p.m.
Sadler Center, Commonwealth Auditorium
Free & open to the public | Reception to follow
What is the Raft Debate?
What is the Raft Debate?
Described as a "delicate balance of comedy and lecture", the annual Raft Debate features four W&M faculty members from diverse disciplines, stranded on a desolate island with only a one-person life raft for escape to civilization. Which faculty member should survive for the sake of humanity? Based on the volume of applause, the audience chooses the sole survivor as the professors cajole, plead, pontificate, and resort shamelessly to props and costumes.
Faculty participants represent the Humanities, the Social Sciences, and the Natural, Physical and Computational Sciences. The Devil's Advocate, who argues sarcastically that none of the academic disciplines are worth saving, has on occasion emerged victorious.
Previous Debates
Take a glimpse into the arguments from W&M's 2019 Raft Debate!
You can also check out the 2018 Raft Debate and the 2016 Raft Debate.
Meet the 2024 Raft Debaters!
Humanities: Jessica Paga
Associate Professor of Classical Studies
Professor Paga specializes in Greek archaeology and history, particularly of the Archaic and Classical periods. Her research is primarily focused on ancient architecture, political history, and religion. Professor Paga is also an active field archaeologist and has worked all over Greece and Italy. When she isn’t digging in the dirt and hugging rocks, Prof. Paga likes to hike, bake, read fantasy novels, and binge-watch The Office.
Sciences: Josh Erlich
Professor of Physics
Professor Erlich specializes in elementary particle theory and cosmology. His research topics include quantum gravity, particle physics interpretations of cosmological data, and the interplay between gauge theory and string theory. In his spare time, he tries to be entertaining as a cast member of the Magic à la Carte dinner show and other local magic events.
Social Sciences: Jennifer Stevens
Associate Professor of Psychological Sciences
Professor Stevens specializes in the cognitive neuroscience of representation in perception and action, the effect of surrounding space on cognition, and neuro-aesthetics, with particular emphasis on the influence of art and architecture on brain and behavior. While never formally a member of any debate team, her confidence in prevailing as this year's winner is grounded in rigorous athletic training from her youth, most notably baton twirling, tree climbing, and tennis playing. She is also able to read and chew gum at the same time.
Devil's Advocate: Joshua Gert
Leslie and Naomi Legum Distinguished Professor of Philosophy
Professor Gert has published a pair of books on rationality and reasons, and can now explain in great detail the various ways in which his own behavior is irrational. He has also published a book and numerous papers on color, defending the philosophically controversial views that grass is green and blood red. His current work in philosophy of language attempts to dispel philosophical mysteries by focusing on the language in which the mysterious claims are made.
Judge/Emcee: Trey Mayo
Assistant Dean for Graduate Studies, Arts & Sciences
Assistant Dean Mayo (Ed.D. '22) oversees the Office of Graduate Studies in Arts & Sciences. His areas of responsibility include getting 'em in (admissions), getting 'em through (academic progress), getting 'em out (degree conferral), helping 'em along the way (graduate student services and communication, fellowships, grants, and awards), and, of course, other duties as assigned (like committee work and playing a faux judge). He returned to William & Mary in January 2024 after serving in administrative/professional roles at Virginia Tech and Old Dominion University. Outside of his bureaucratic work and playing a faux judge, he enjoys spending time with his fur-daughter (cat), Chewie, watching classic television episodes of Bob's Burgers, Family Guy, and American Dad, and sometimes wondering what tomorrow will bring.
