The Bathtub Debate is one of Swarthmore's most anticipated and beloved annual traditions that brings together faculty from the natural sciences, social sciences, and humanities for a lively, good-natured competition. 

Each year, professors respond to a thought-provoking prompt designed to spark conversation across campus. Previous debates have tackled questions like: Which division would be best equipped to help humanity rebuild on a new planet after an apocalypse? or Which field would be most effective in preventing extraterrestrial life from destroying Earth? While the topics are hypothetical, the arguments are rooted in each discipline's unique contributions to understanding the world (and, occasionally, saving it).

2026 Topic: The Trump Administration has outlawed higher education and jailed all professors. Which department is best suited to navigate this situation? 

The event follows a three-part structure. Professors begin with opening statements, often using slides or visuals to make their case. This is followed by a student-led Q&A session, where the audience poses questions to challenge and clarify the arguments presented. The event ends with closing remarks, after which the audience casts their votes. The winning professor claims intellectual bragging rights — and takes home a large rubber duck as a lighthearted trophy.

Drawing one of the largest student crowds of the year, the Bathtub Debate highlights the strong sense of community between faculty and students and exemplifies the collaborative and interdisciplinary spirit that defines Swarthmore.

Recent winners include Professor of Statistics Pat Devlin (2026) Professor of Philosophy Sabeen Ahmed (2025).

If you're a professor and would like to represent your division in the 2027 Bathtub Debate, please reach out to us at debate@swarthmore.edu.