Historical Figures Debate Agents for Claude Code

This repository contains custom Claude Code sub-agents that allow historical figures to debate contemporary topics while Claude acts as a neutral moderator.

Quick Installation with leamas

The easiest way to install these agents is using leamas. After leamas has been installed you can run:

# Install historical figures debate agents for Claude Code
leamas agent@agents-historical-figures

From your project directory to install all of the agents and then begin you discussion. Once installed, the agents will be available in your Claude Code environment and can be invoked using the Task tool with their agent names.

Installation via GitHub

To install from GitHub to your global Claude Code instance:

cd ~/.claude/agents
git clone https://github.com/leamas-ai/agents-historical-figures.git

Or to install only to your project, change into your project directory and run:

cd .claude/agents
git clone https://github.com/leamas-ai/agents-historical-figures.git

If you do not have a .claude/agents directory, then create it before running the git commands.

How to Use

Basic Historical Debate Setup

Start a debate on any contemporary topic:

I want to organize a debate on [topic] between historical figures. 
Please use:
- The debate-moderator agent to facilitate
- [Choose 2-4 historical figure agents] as participants

Example debate prompt:

Please organize a debate on "The role of artificial intelligence in society" with:
- debate-moderator as the facilitator
- socrates-agent, aristotle-agent, and marie-curie-agent as participants

Have them discuss AI ethics, benefits, and risks from their unique perspectives.

Advanced Usage

1. One-on-One Philosophical Dialogue

Have Socrates and Aristotle discuss the nature of knowledge, 
with the moderator guiding their conversation.

2. Historical Advisory Panel

I need advice on [modern issue]. Please convene a panel with 
Einstein, da Vinci, and Marcus Aurelius to provide their perspectives.

3. Cross-Era Scientific Discussion

Have Marie Curie and Albert Einstein debate with Leonardo da Vinci 
about the relationship between art and science.

4. Ethical Dilemma Analysis

Present this ethical dilemma to Socrates, Marcus Aurelius, and Aristotle:
[describe dilemma]
Have them explore it from their philosophical frameworks.

5. Innovation Workshop

Use Leonardo da Vinci and Einstein agents to brainstorm solutions 
for [contemporary problem], with the moderator synthesizing ideas.

Features and Capabilities

Debate Structure

The moderator agent follows this format:

Opening - Topic introduction and participant introductions
Initial Positions - Each figure states their stance
Rebuttals - Responses to initial positions
Open Discussion - Guided free-form debate
Closing Statements - Final thoughts from each participant
Synthesis - Moderator's balanced summary

Agent Characteristics

Authentic Voice: Each agent maintains their historical personality and speaking style
Philosophical Consistency: Arguments align with their known beliefs and methods
Modern Adaptation: Can engage with contemporary concepts while maintaining historical perspective
Interactive Depth: Agents respond to each other's arguments dynamically

Special Capabilities

Cross-Temporal Understanding: Historical figures can grasp modern concepts when explained
Philosophical Integration: Different schools of thought interact meaningfully
Practical Application: Historical wisdom applied to contemporary challenges
Educational Value: Learn philosophy and history through engaging dialogue

Example Commands

Quick Start

"Moderate a debate between Socrates and Einstein on whether truth is absolute or relative"

Complex Scenario

"I want to explore the ethics of genetic engineering. Please organize a panel with:
- Aristotle for virtue ethics perspective
- Marcus Aurelius for Stoic view on nature
- Marie Curie for scientific progress angle
- Leonardo da Vinci for innovation and human enhancement
Let them discuss for 5 rounds with the moderator guiding."

Educational Use

"Help me understand different philosophical approaches to happiness by having 
Aristotle (eudaimonia), Marcus Aurelius (Stoic contentment), and Socrates 
(examined life) explain their views in a moderated discussion"

Tips for Best Results

Be Specific: Clearly state the topic and which agents you want to use
Set Context: Provide background on contemporary issues for historical figures
Guide Direction: Tell the moderator to focus on specific aspects if needed
Multiple Rounds: Request multiple rounds of debate for deeper exploration
Ask for Summaries: Request the moderator to synthesize key insights

Extending the System

To add new historical figures:

Create a new .md file in the agents/ directory
Include sections for: Core Identity, Speaking Style, Key Beliefs, Debate Approach
Ensure the agent can engage with modern topics while maintaining historical authenticity
Test the agent in debates with existing figures

Notes

Agents work best when given clear topics and debate structures
The moderator ensures balanced participation and civil discourse
Historical figures maintain their authentic worldviews while engaging modern topics
Debates can be educational, entertaining, and provide unique insights

Available Agents

Debate Moderator

File: agents/debate-moderator.md
Role: Neutral facilitator of intellectual discourse
Features: Structured debate format, balanced moderation, synthesis of arguments