Before Longwood University hosts the U.S. vice presidential debate later this year, it will host another debate with life or death consequences — rhetorically speaking.

The fourth annual Raft Debate, which mixes serious academic discussion about the value of the liberal arts with sarcasm, wit and humor, will be held Tuesday at 7 p.m. in Wygal Auditorium. A reception will follow.

In this event, which is open to the public, three shipwreck survivors — professors arguing the merits of their respective disciplines — debate which of them deserves to take the only remaining life raft to safety. A fourth faculty member, called a “devil’s advocate,” argues for sinking the raft. Audience applause determines the winner.

This year’s representatives are Dr. Julian Dymacek, assistant professor of computer science; Dr. Christopher Jones, associate professor of special education; and Jeffrey Spicer, lecturer in English. Dr. Alec Hosterman, assistant professor of communication studies, will play the devil’s advocate.