Civil Infrastructure for
Productive Discourse
Transform how your organization approaches critical thinking and meaningful dialogue. DebateBase provides the structured framework and AI-powered tools to elevate discussions, whether in classrooms, boardrooms, or community spaces.
One Platform, More Than One Way to Disagree Well
DebateBase is civil infrastructure for productive disagreement. Underneath that sits a simple idea: structured controversy, where people are assigned opposing sides and have to argue them properly.
Debate
The classic head-to-head. Two sides, one proposition, arguments scored on quality rather than volume. Available in the DebateBase app and in Community.
PEARS™
A five-stage format that ends in agreement rather than a winner: Prepare, Exchange, Advocate, Reverse, Synthesize. Built for classrooms and teams that need a decision, not a scoreboard. Available now in the LTI app, coming to the rest of the platform.
More formats will follow. The infrastructure is the product; the formats are how you use it.
The PEARS Format
Five stages that take a group from opposing positions to a statement they can stand behind together.
Prepare
Each side builds the strongest case it can for its assigned position, with a thesis, reasoning, and evidence. Research and argument coaching are available. The other side cannot see the work yet.
Exchange
Each side lays out its case in turn. The listening side’s job is to understand and ask clarifying questions, not to rebut.
Advocate
The constraint comes off. Both sides argue hard, probe each other’s evidence, refute, and defend.
Reverse
Each side argues the opposing position as persuasively as it can, sincerely and not as a strawman. This is the comprehension test, and the stage that breaks attachment to a position someone was simply assigned.
Synthesize
Advocacy is dropped. The group works toward one joint statement it can stand behind together. Each member affirms it or logs a dissent with a note. Unanimity is not forced, and disagreement is recorded rather than buried.
Available now for Moodle
PEARS runs as an LTI 1.3 activity inside your course. Rosters sync from your class list and scores post back to your gradebook. It works in real time for a single class period, or asynchronously across a week.
DebateBase Community, Free and Public
Community is our free, public home for the Debate format. Anyone can create an account, join a debate on a live topic, and have their arguments scored on quality rather than volume. Open to everyone, with no school, license, or invitation required.
Go to CommunityResearch-Proven Impact of Structured Debate
Decades of educational research demonstrate the measurable benefits of structured intellectual conflict and debate education.
Everything You Need for Meaningful Dialogue
DebateBase combines research-proven methodologies with modern technology to create engaging, structured discussions that drive real results.
Structured Framework
Research-backed debate structures that guide participants through meaningful dialogue and critical analysis.
AI-Powered Insights
Advanced analytics and real-time feedback help participants strengthen their arguments and reasoning skills.
Progress Tracking
Comprehensive dashboards show growth in critical thinking, communication, and collaborative problem-solving skills.
Perfect for Every Organization
Whether you're educating students, engaging employees, or building community, DebateBase adapts to your unique needs.
Education
Transform classrooms with research-proven debate education that improves critical thinking and academic performance.
Organizations
Enhance team collaboration and decision-making with structured dialogue frameworks for the workplace.
Non-Profits
Strengthen advocacy campaigns, build coalitions, and engage stakeholders through structured dialogue frameworks.
Dynamic Tools to Keep You Thinking
Experience interactive features designed to evolve with your perspective and deepen your understanding.
Your Voice, Your Choice
Gauge your stance on debate topics with our dynamic sentiment scale, which you control as you explore arguments and evidence. Your perspective evolves—now, so can your vote!
Ready to Transform Your Organization's Dialogue?
Join forward-thinking organizations using DebateBase to enhance critical thinking, improve decision-making, and foster meaningful conversations that drive real results.