DEBATE TOPICS

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Should voting be mandatory in democracies?

Discussing whether compulsory voting strengthens or weakens democratic participation.

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technology

Is cryptocurrency the future of money?

Examining whether digital currencies will replace traditional financial systems.

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science

Should genetic engineering of humans be allowed?

Debating the ethics and implications of CRISPR and genetic modification technologies.

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ethics

Is cancel culture harmful or beneficial to society?

Exploring the effects of public accountability vs mob mentality in social discourse.

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science

Should nuclear energy be part of our clean energy future?

Weighing the benefits and risks of nuclear power in achieving carbon neutrality.

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politics

Is universal basic income a viable economic solution?

Discussing the feasibility and impact of providing guaranteed income to all citizens.

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technology

Should social media companies be held liable for user content?

Examining platform responsibility for misinformation, hate speech, and harmful content.

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education

Should college education be tuition-free?

Debating whether higher education should be publicly funded like K-12 education.

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technology

Is remote work more productive than office work?

Comparing productivity, collaboration, and work-life balance in remote vs traditional office settings.

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technology

Should artificial intelligence be regulated by international law?

Exploring whether AI development needs global oversight to ensure safety and ethical use across borders.

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psychology

Deep focus is becoming a superpower in the attention economy

Some argue that as distractions multiply, the ability to concentrate deeply becomes increasingly rare and valuable, giving focused individuals competitive advantage. Others contend this view romanticizes difficulty—that multitasking and rapid context-switching are adaptive modern skills, and nostalgia for sustained focus is misplaced.

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health

Social isolation should be treated as a public health emergency

Proponents argue that loneliness causes health impacts equivalent to smoking 15 cigarettes daily, affects millions globally, and contributes to significant mortality—warranting emergency public health interventions. Opponents contend that loneliness is a personal responsibility issue, that government interventions into social relationships are overreach, and resources should focus on physical diseases rather than emotional states.

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environment

Small-scale local food systems cannot feed growing populations

Agricultural realists argue that industrial farming efficiency and scale are necessary to feed billions of people, and that romanticizing small farms would cause food shortages and higher prices. Local food advocates counter that industrial agriculture is unsustainable, destroys soil and health, and that diversified local systems can feed populations while building resilience.

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culture

Preserving dying languages is worth the economic cost

Preservationists argue that languages disappear regularly, half of all languages may vanish this century, and linguistic diversity is as important as biodiversity, justifying major investment in documentation and revitalization. Pragmatists contend that language consolidation enables communication and economic opportunity, and that resources would better serve living people than preserving unused languages.

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education

Parents device use harms children more than kids own screen time

Research suggests that parental distraction by phones during play and meals correlates with worse cognitive and social outcomes in children. Others argue that blanket parent-shaming ignores legitimate needs—parents use devices for work, family coordination, and mental health breaks—and that kids direct screen exposure matters more.

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psychology

Social media platforms should be liable for youth mental health harm

Advocates argue that platforms knowingly design addictive features targeting adolescents, contributing to teen mental health crises, and should face liability like tobacco companies. Tech defenders maintain that correlation does not prove causation, that underlying social factors drive mental health issues, and that censorship and liability would destroy beneficial platforms.

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politics

Declining civic engagement is a greater threat than polarization

Some believe that dropping voter turnout, declining volunteer rates, and increased harassment of officials signals democratic collapse more serious than ideological division. Others argue that low participation reflects rational disengagement from ineffective institutions, and that quality of engagement matters more than quantity.

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politics

Echo chambers are the primary cause of political polarization

One view holds that social media algorithms and self-selected information sources create isolated ideological bubbles, driving division and extremism. The opposing perspective argues that polarization reflects genuine ideological differences, and that underlying structural inequalities—not information silos—are the root cause.

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social

Adult children should be legally required to care for aging parents

Traditionalists argue that filial responsibility laws would address the elder care crisis by restoring traditional family obligations and reducing state burdens. Opponents contend that forced care creates abuse situations, that not all parent-child relationships merit such obligations, and that professional care with public funding is more humane and effective.

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social

Rebuilding local community requires less digital connection, not more

Digital skeptics argue that online interaction substitutes for genuine local relationships, and that revitalizing neighborhoods requires reducing screen time and prioritizing face-to-face gathering. Digital optimists counter that online tools enable local organizing, that geographic community is less relevant in mobile societies, and that technology enhances rather than replaces local bonds.

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social

The decline of traditional marriage strengthens rather than weakens families

Progressives argue that diverse family structures reflect positive freedom and adaptation, with outcomes depending on resources and support rather than marital status. Traditionalists maintain that married two-parent households provide optimal child outcomes and social stability, and that normalizing alternatives harms children and society.

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economics

Information overload requires right to disconnect workplace laws

Workers rights advocates argue that constant connectivity creates cognitive overload, stress, and burnout requiring legal protections for off-hours communication boundaries. Business interests counter that flexible work requires flexibility in both directions, that mandating disconnection reduces productivity, and that individuals should manage their own boundaries.

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economics

Breaking up tech monopolies would harm consumers more than help them

Free market advocates argue that large tech companies provide superior products, economies of scale, and innovation that fragmentation would destroy. Antitrust supporters counter that monopolies stifle competition, exploit users, suppress wages, and accumulate dangerous political power requiring aggressive breakup.

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economics

Strict zoning laws do more harm than good for housing affordability

Reformers argue that restrictive zoning creates artificial scarcity, blocks density, and drives housing costs to crisis levels requiring deregulation. Preservationists contend that zoning protects neighborhood character, prevents overdevelopment, and that the real problem is speculative investment and wage stagnation.

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media

Traditional journalism is essential for democracy despite declining trust

Defenders argue that professional journalism with editorial standards, fact-checking, and accountability remains crucial for informed citizenship despite trust erosion. Critics contend that corporate media bias, agenda-setting, and gatekeeping justify the shift to decentralized citizen journalism and alternative sources.

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media

Combating misinformation justifies restricting free speech online

Supporters believe false information threatens democracy, public health, and social cohesion, requiring content moderation and fact-checking even if it limits expression. Critics argue that determining truth is subjective, censorship creates dangerous precedents, and the cure of restricting speech is worse than the disease of misinformation.

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health

The addiction crisis requires treatment expansion, not tougher enforcement

Harm reduction advocates argue that overdose deaths require treating addiction as a medical condition through expanded access to medication-assisted treatment and safe consumption sites. Law-and-order proponents counter that tough enforcement, interdiction, and accountability—not enabling use through treatment—are needed to end the crisis.

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health

Governments should regulate ultra-processed foods like tobacco

Public health advocates argue that ultra-processed foods constitute a large portion of modern diets, drive chronic disease epidemics, and require aggressive regulation including warning labels and marketing restrictions. Industry defenders counter that personal choice should prevail, that food regulation is paternalistic, and that affordability and convenience make processed foods necessary for working families.

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health

Lack of sleep is the biggest preventable health crisis

Advocates note that sleep deprivation affects tens of millions, causes massive productivity losses, and contributes to leading causes of death—making it an urgent addressable health crisis. Skeptics argue other factors like diet, exercise, and healthcare access have larger health impacts, and that personal sleep choices should not be medicalized or regulated.

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social

Society has a moral obligation to house aging citizens

Advocates argue that elder homelessness is increasing significantly, and a wealthy society must prevent this through guaranteed housing. Opponents maintain that unlimited housing guarantees are economically unsustainable, create dependency, and that family or community—not government—should care for elders.

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philosophy

Life's meaning is created, not discovered

Some argue that meaning is not inherent in existence but rather something each person actively constructs through choices, commitments, and creative engagement. Others believe meaning exists to be discovered—through spiritual truth, natural order, or recognizing one's place in a larger whole.

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relationships

Conflict strengthens relationships more than harmony

Some argue that working through disagreements builds deeper understanding, trust, and authentic connection between people. Others contend that harmony, mutual support, and avoiding unnecessary conflict create stronger bonds and more stable, nurturing relationships.

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philosophy

Intuition is more reliable than rational analysis

Some argue that gut feelings and intuitive insights draw on deep pattern recognition and wisdom our conscious mind cannot articulate. Others contend that rational analysis, evidence, and logic are more reliable guides, as intuition is often influenced by biases and limited experience.

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philosophy

Awareness of mortality enhances life's value

One view holds that recognizing life's finitude makes each moment more precious, motivates achievement, and provides existential clarity. The counterargument suggests that mortality awareness can create paralyzing anxiety, prevent present enjoyment, and that imagining unlimited time would actually increase life's experimental and creative possibilities.

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philosophy

Consciousness extends beyond the individual self

Some argue that consciousness is a shared or universal phenomenon, connecting all living beings or existing as a fundamental feature of reality itself. Others maintain that consciousness is a property of individual brains, an emergent phenomenon of neural processes unique to each person.

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philosophy

Reality is fundamentally subjective rather than objective

One perspective holds that reality is constructed through individual perception, language, and cultural frameworks, making objective truth inaccessible. The opposing view argues that an objective reality exists independent of human perception, even if our understanding of it is necessarily filtered through subjective experience.

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values

Leaving a legacy should be a life priority

Some believe that creating something lasting—through children, work, art, or contribution—gives life significance beyond one's mortality. Others argue that focusing on legacy is ego-driven and that finding meaning in present moments and immediate relationships is more valuable than concern for posthumous recognition.

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values

Sacrifice for others gives life meaning

One view holds that serving others, contributing to something larger than oneself, and making sacrifices for family or community provides the deepest life satisfaction. The opposing perspective argues that self-development, personal fulfillment, and authentic self-expression create genuine meaning, and excessive sacrifice leads to resentment and lost potential.

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social

Communities should prioritize unity over diversity

One perspective holds that shared values, common purpose, and cultural cohesion create strong, functional communities. The counterargument maintains that diversity of perspectives, backgrounds, and approaches makes communities more resilient, creative, and just.

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psychology

Solitude is essential for personal growth

One view holds that time alone is necessary for self-reflection, creativity, and developing a strong sense of self independent of others' influences. The opposing perspective argues that growth happens primarily through relationships, dialogue, and seeing ourselves reflected in others' responses.

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culture

Life transitions should be marked with ritual and ceremony

Some believe that formal ceremonies and rituals for life transitions (birth, adulthood, marriage, death) provide essential meaning, community support, and psychological closure. Others argue that personal, informal acknowledgments are more authentic, and elaborate rituals can feel empty or constraining.

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psychology

Aging brings more losses than gains

One perspective sees aging as primarily a process of physical decline, lost opportunities, and diminishing possibilities. The counterargument holds that aging brings wisdom, perspective, deeper relationships, freedom from youthful anxieties, and the ability to appreciate life more fully.

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philosophy

Youth is wasted on the young

Some argue that young people lack the wisdom to fully appreciate their energy, opportunities, and freedom, only understanding youth's value in retrospect. Others contend that youth's spontaneity, idealism, and fresh perspective are perfectly suited to that life stage, and the regret is actually wisdom looking backward inappropriately.

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psychology

Identity should be fluid rather than fixed

One view holds that embracing multiple identities and allowing the self to evolve freely leads to richer human experience and adaptability. The opposing perspective argues that a stable core identity provides necessary continuity, meaning, and psychological coherence across a lifetime.

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ethics

Consistency in beliefs and behavior is overvalued

Some argue that adapting beliefs and behavior to different contexts shows wisdom and growth rather than hypocrisy. Others maintain that consistency reflects integrity and authentic values, while frequent changes suggest shallow convictions or unprincipled flexibility.

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philosophy

We are defined more by our choices than our circumstances

One perspective holds that personal identity emerges from the decisions we make, the values we choose, and how we respond to situations. The opposing view argues that circumstances—culture, family, economics, historical moment—shape who we fundamentally are more than individual choices can.

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psychology

Ignorance can be a form of protection

One view suggests that some knowledge brings only pain or anxiety, and strategic ignorance of certain truths may preserve mental peace and relationships. The counterargument holds that knowledge is always valuable, even when difficult, as it enables informed decisions and authentic living.

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philosophy

Wisdom comes from experience, not education

Some believe that true wisdom is gained through lived experience, making mistakes, and learning from life's challenges rather than formal study. Others argue that education provides essential frameworks, accumulated knowledge, and analytical tools that experience alone cannot offer.

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art

Creativity requires constraints and limitations

One perspective holds that boundaries, rules, and restrictions actually fuel creativity by forcing innovative solutions. The opposing view argues that true creativity flourishes only in complete freedom, where imagination can explore without artificial limits or predetermined structures.

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art

Art must have meaning beyond aesthetic beauty

Some argue that art's value lies in conveying ideas, emotions, or social commentary beyond mere visual appeal. Others contend that beauty itself is a profound form of meaning, and art can be valuable purely for the aesthetic experience it provides without requiring deeper intellectual content.

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