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Health Debate Topics

1,072 debate topics, all ages. Debatable motions with arguments for and against. Open the arguments below, pick one at random, or present them full-screen.

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  1. 1.

    Banning tobacco sales is not in America's best interest

    For

    • I realized what you meant after I posted that argument. Sorry. :) 4. "The healthcare industry is losing a considerable amount of money because of the negative effects of tobacco, despite campaigns to warn the public. People are hospitalized with cancer, emphasemza, and some…
    • *I actually did take the right side in the debate. It may seem wrong, but I took the right side. I am supporting the fact that, "Eliminating tobacco rights is not in America's best interest." I am going to now counter each of the Con's arguments in reverse order. 4. "The…

    Against

    • (Medicar not being paid, by the way. ) =Rebuttals= 4. "Second, again, the healthcare industry ACTUALLY doesn't spend as much money on tobacco users as anticipated" Well, then, we must recognized what is anticipated and discover if in your statement the cost is higher or lower…
    • (Heh, I admitted in the "Comments" tab that I was wrong. That's why I dislike using negatives (not) in a resolution, but that's getting off the point. I apologize for the confusion. ) =Rebuttals= 4. "There is no "health care deficit"" Allow me to rephrase that then: The…
  2. 2.

    Increasing health aid to sub-Saharan Africa would reduce malaria cases

    For

    • We should increase out giving because malaria is a treatable and preventable diseas and action must be taken. Every min. five children will die from malria. With a smiple package of commodites we would be able to stop these needles deaths. Plan 1. Require that the funding of…

    Against

    • Well, under the rules of a Policy debate, my opponent conceded every single attack, and agrees her plan isn't inherent, cannot solve, is not justifying the resolution, and has no advantages. For these reasons, I urge a vote in negation. Thank you.
    • Well, under the rules of policy debate (the format that softball06 made this debate in) Pro just lost. She just, technically, dropped all arguments... and in policy: "Silence Is Compliance". However, this isn't the exact same as Policy debate, and so I'll give her the benefit…
  3. 3.

    GMOs should be banned from all food products

    For

    • GMOs (genetically modified organisms) are living organisms whose genetic material has been artificially manipulated in a laboratory through genetic engineering. According to nongmoproject.org, GMOs are in as much as 80% of conventional processed food.A growing body of evidence…
    • U.S. consumers inaccurate believe that, unless the FDA (Food and Drug Administration) had approved every GMO food through hard and well designed, long-term studies, GM food ingredients would not be allowed in our food supply. But the reality of it is that the FDA has no GMO…

    Against

    • The majority of my opponent's argument reads like this: "We don't know much about GMO's, therefore it should be illegal."This would actually be a valid argument for a consumer if it were changed to "I don't know much about GMO's yet, therefore as of now I will not eat it."…
    • Many people all over the world do not like GMO's. Political cartoon, public figures, the average consumer; almost all of them condemn GMO's. However, not many of them actually understand what GMO's are. GMO stands for Genetically Modified Organism, meaning the DNA of the the…
  4. 4.

    Everyone should donate their organs after death

    For

    • I won't continue debating this, You obviously just want to win it and you don't want to be reasonable about the topic. Should doesn't mean must, maybe this will help you understand the differences better : http://english.stackexchange.com... Donating your organs means signing a…
    • I never said organ donation should be mandatory. "All you have to do is sign a form."- I argued that donation your organs is the right thing to do and everyone should do it, I never said everyone should be forced to donate their organs. Of course not all organs are health, but…

    Against

    • Pro has not clarified his resolution.Nevertheless, I still followed Pro's resolution when Pro clarified it in Round 3, so I am confused as to why Pro claims I am unreasonable. I will attempt to try again to appeal to Pro's preferences.Rebuttal: So in this round, this is what…
    • Rebuttal:"I never said organ donation should be mandatory...I argued that donation your organs is the right thing to do and everyone should do it, "-If you say "everyone should do it", then you are obviously saying it should be mandatory. Allow me to define the term…
  5. 5.

    A vegan diet is healthier than low-carb diets

    For

    • IntroductionIn his opening argument my opponent presents two arguments against veganism, both of which I will address in this rebuttal.The Health ArgumentP1) A low carbohydrate diet is more healthy than a vegan dietP2) We should do what is healthier for our body.C1) We should…
    • IntroductionHello people of DDO! In this debate I will argue in favor of veganism over low carb diets (hereafter LC). My opponent acknowledges the possibility of a vegan diet and a low carb diet to not exclude eachother. However, from his clarifications and his comment I take…

    Against

    • As per the structure of the debate, it is not my obligation this round to refute my opponent's case. I will of course address his argument in the third round. I am clarifying this so that my opponent cannot accuse me of dropping his argument. I will now formally present my own…
    • Resolved: A vegan diet is superior to low carbohydrate diets.Now I would like some clarifications:1. I know that veganism isn't mutually exclusive with low carbohydrate diets. That isn't the point, we are talking about a typical fruit(quite a lot of carbs) and vegetable filled…
  6. 6.

    Using artificial body parts in medical training dehumanizes medical practice

    For

    • If I were to cry about it would I then be making the issue more human in the process.
    • As a design student it is not really and issue that affects me (therefore I am already over it), more than something that would have been interesting to argue with someone over the age of 5.

    Against

    • cry about it
    • Get over it
  7. 7.

    Introduce a system of universal healthcare

    For

    • Healthcare has been recognised as a right
    • Current health care systems are not sustainable

    Against

    • Universal healthcare is not affordable
    • Universal healthcare stifles innovation
  8. 8.

    High schools should provide a designated smoking area

    For

    • From an outside point-of-view, I am also very pleased with the maturity and grace with which you spoke. Let me continue as your opponent. 1. Free Choice. I think you are right in saying that a school is an, "institution dedicated to enhancing the knowledge, health and…
    • Hello and good morning, afternoon or evening. This is my very first debate of this kind so, as many others on this site seem to plead, be gentle with me. My argument is about tobacco use, albeit tailored to a more specific issue. I wish to argue that a high school where…

    Against

    • Welcome to the site. Thanks for posting the debate. 1. Free Choice While all smokers have the right to choose whether or not to smoke, it does not seem logical to have an institution dedicated to enhancing the knowledge, health and well-being of its students to condone and…
    • Sorry to see Marvel couldn't make the last round. I'll conclude with a summary of the debate. The only advantages Pro claims from installing smoking sections are the containment of smoking and a controlled area for young smokers to fulfill their addictions. First, I…
  9. 9.

    People who self-harm are not necessarily mentally ill

    For

    • Mental Health plays a major role day to day lives, according to google search,"1 in 4 adult Americans suffer from a diagnosable mental disorder in a given year. "That's 57.7 million people! and that is not counting children and teens. "Depression is the leading cause of…
    • The definition of crazy is,"mentally deranged, especially as manifested in a wild or aggressive way." stated by google. I agree, there are people that do it for attention, but the people that do it for attention most likely had something wrong with them as well. I take a…

    Against

    • Any type of self harm is indeed crazy. Normal people on the streets do not cut themselves, or jump off of towers, and it's certainly not a normal way to express your self, you have expressions. If you are to harm yourself, you don't grasp how important a life is, and that you…
  10. 10.

    Veganism is less healthy than a non-vegan diet

    For

    • Cool story bro!
    • Yes, meat can be bad for you raw... That is why you cook it. Additionally, I find it ironic that you claim I have no life because I debate online with anonymous people, considering you joined a debating website in which the sole purpose is debating with anonymous people (which…

    Against

    • Okay then....
    • dude, as far as i'm concerned you're a robot. you took everything i said so seriously like jesus christ man when i say "get laid" where i come from it usually you means you're really uptight and boring and you should loosen up but i guess i didn't make that clear. my bad mr…
  11. 11.

    Food advertising should be restricted for children and teens

    For

    • Thanks, Con.I'd like to provide three key voting issues for today's debate.1. EmpiricsLooking at the debate, it's clear which side supports their arguments more effectively. My opponent provides claims of "research" done by "scientists" but then states that it's a personal…
    • Apparently my opponent copy-pasted their Round 1 arguments.

    Against

    • I am very sorry about last round an incident occurred where I tried deleting the text in the box but it wouldn't let me delete it. But food advertising shouldn't be targeting children. Kids are growing up way too fast. On kids shows like Drake and Josh or Icarly they advertise…
    • "MOMMY BUT I WANT IT! I WANT THE SPONGE-BOB CHOCOLATE BAR!" Have you ever heard that from your child? Do they ask for sugary, high-in-fat foods a lot? Do you buy it for them a lot?" Now are they getting a little bit chubby? Do you want to know what is causing them to ask for…
  12. 12.

    Fast food sales should be banned

    For

    • Nowadays, fastfood industry is quickly developing and raising. With it raising a count of deseases and death. FastFood should be banned for saving new generation!!!

    Against

    • /end debate
    • Unfortunately my opponent has been on but has not posted an argument. I will post a simple argument against this resolution (it will technically be a strawman, since my opponent did not make an argument, it is my only chance at making this debate something). 1) Fast food does…
  13. 13.

    Tobacco should be heavily taxed to fund public healthcare costs

    For

    • cars and beds are not something that can be considered 'culpable'. tobacco is a bad habit, the other things are a part of life. though, i wouldn't be opposed to a gas tax to recuperate the losses there. the hobby lobby case is irrelevant to this issue. and, besides, the ruling…
    • it may be a lot more cost prohibittive, but that'st just life. it will help deter some from smoking so much. it is merely recouping what they cost in health care. im sure if you ask any of them, they would all say theyd like health care in their last days or for illnesses…

    Against

    • The US health care system is modeled so that people thaw choose more don't pay more. If you want to go down that road them why not tax diabetics our people born with diseases as they will cost more money. The system that you propose just isn't viable and unrealistic. The…
    • If you want to go down the path of taxing people for things that will hurt them than we will have to tax things like cars and beds. A car can crash and make you rely on the health care system and a bed, you can fall out of and break both your legs and arms. You cannot go down…
  14. 14.

    Unvaccinated children should be homeschooled

    For

    • I would like to clarify my viewpoint. I believe that parents have the right to vaccinate or not vaccinate their children. I also believe that those parents who decide not to vaccinate their children, should not be denied an education but should be denied the ability to…
    • Although it is ultimately up to the parents on whether they wish to vaccinate thier kids, I think it breaks a social contract to exclude your child from vaccination and place them into an environment that may put your child and other children at risk. Vaccinations have proved…

    Against

    • Since my opponent has forfeited the final round, I have nothing else to say, refute, or add. I will close with a statement I whole heartedly believe.All children should have the right to a quality education regardless of circumstance.
    • "That being said there are other methods of learning and accessing a proper education outside of public school also this debate is nothing more than hypothetical scenario for me. I will further support my points below." Public School is the Most widely accessed form of…
  15. 15.

    Banning moderate alcohol consumption would harm public health

    For

    • 1. If they are not mutually exclusive, which we both seem to agree on, then there would be additional health benefits if you consume both alcohol and black tea. You would get the benefits of both, while you would only get half the benefits if you chose to drink only black tea.…
    • 1. I apologize for unnecessarily dividing my arguments. You are incorrect about your interpretation of the debate, it is about whether prohibiting moderate consumption of alcohol would negatively impact health. 2. Although drinking black tea may decrease the risk of coronary…

    Against

    • Pro argued that there would be additional health benefits from a combined consumption of both black tea and alcohol. Yes if you stack health benefits upon health benefits, of course you get more benefits. But that doesn't mean that if you don't exaggerate that your health will…
    • My opponent has completely failed to address the issue at hand.1. The interpretation of the resolution I gave is correct, and even if I gave a wrong one, Pro has not done anything to prove my case wrong. She has not explained how not consuming alcohol impacts the health…
  16. 16.

    Contraception should be legally protected as a right

    For

    • When you said that contraception is a left, not a right, you were trolling. I will not change my mind on contraceptive rights. This is my body. I have the right to choose what to do with my body.
    • No trolling allowed on MY debate.

    Against

    • Since you continue to call me a troll... It is a left and not a right. You'll do what you want with your body? Interesting...
    • I didn't troll. I gave you several legitimate arguments as to why contraceptives are not a right. You did not respond.
  17. 17.

    Chocolate milk is harmful to children's health

    For

    • I couldn't really be bothered reading that, so all I'm going to say is this: I firmly believe in the right to drink chocolate milk. It is delicious, and I am shocked that anyone would want to rid us of one of God's greatest inventions. Thank you, and good night.
    • mmmmmm chocolate..... I don't drink CHOCOLATE milk for the calcium, I drink it for the CHOCOLATE and as you know, CHOCOLATE tastes good..................................

    Against

    • What does the research say about sugar and flavored milk? Sugar is a contributor to the health problems that are harming our kids. Sugary drinks are often called "liquid candy", and are an easy way for kids to consume large amounts of added sugar. Several studies have shown…
    • Okay, Chocolate may TASTE good to some people but the calcium cannot be absorbed! Meaning, you get NO calcium from it!
  18. 18.

    Cigarettes should be displayed openly for sale

    For

    • None of that is a problem if they were banned. Advertising isn't illegal. Cigarettes aren't illegal. Outlawing advertising of cigarettes is downright silly. If they are deadly, and they are, BAN THEM!
    • This is another example of bad to counter-act very bad. If cigarettes are legal product the sale and advertisement of them should be legal as well. If they are a deadly drug that nobody should have: ban them outright. This nonsense where the first amendment is crimped and…

    Against

    • Did you know that Most stores that sell cigarettes place them on counters between things kids like....candy, pretzels, and chips. Why do you suppose they do that???? Because tobacco companies pay them A LOT of money to keep cigarettes there. The tobacco industry tricks kids…
    • this house does not support cigarettes being displayed for sale. Read this . Do you want your society being polluted by the utter disturbance from cigarettes? well the display of cigarettes in shops definitely encourage this. In the United Kingdom, there have been talks about…
  19. 19.

    Single-payer health care is the best system

    For

    • con cites lots of figures but does nothing to put them into perspective. con ignores when i did.... we spend eighteen percent on health care per GDP and other single payer countires spend ten percent. insurance spends thirty percent of income on profit and administration, while…
    • single payer health care is optimal health care system i am borrowing this debate from else where. please use this link to find working links in this debate http://www.debate.org... The right single payer system would cover everyone, while yielding better results, and saving…

    Against

    • I've outlined my opponents points in bold below and address them accordingly.con cites lots of figures but does nothing to put them into perspective.Please let me know which figures you would need perspective on. After reviewing, all of my numbers are not only accurate, but…
    • At first glance, many Americans might find the idea of single-payer health insurance appealing, given current economic conditions and high health insurance costs. However, before we accept such a drastic shift in national health policy, we should examine how single-payer health…
  20. 20.

    Vegetables are healthier than fruit

    For

    • I think vegetables are healthier. Many fruits have lots of sodium, potassium, and sugar. Many people people say fruits are healthier. But, have you ever noticed that most vegetables have more calcium, protein, vitamin C, and so on.
    • People hate vegetables. Some people to be exact. But they should know that they are healthy, even though they taste bad

    Against

    • Firstly I'll preface this by saying I'm pro vegetables and can say I eat them more than fruits. However you need to define your idea of 'healthy' more precisely. Fruits are more often eaten as they naturally come to us, whereas vegetables usually undergo the cooking process…
  21. 21.

    Glasses are better than contact lenses

    For

    • Well from the lack of response I will take it that this debate is over. But I shall leave you with some parting words. Glasses are better than contacts. From a physical aspect, they change your style each time you get a different pair. But from a more important level, vision. I…
    • Hope all is well. Shall we continue?

    Against

    • First off I never said wearing glasses are unprofessional. I said that they can cause you to lose your peripheral vision which is not good for many professions. Your sister now that is a rare reaction. I wore contacts for four years and never once had a problem. You have to…
    • Contacts are then glasses because when it rains you do not need to have an umbrella. Contacts allow you to use your peripheral vision, unlike glasses which you must turn your entire head to look at something. This is not good for many professions. I want to be a police officer…
  22. 22.

    Organic food is better than conventional food

    For

    • Thanks for accepting my debate, I wish you great luck :) Unfourtantley, I would like to state that I find all of your points irrelevant because of the fact that they are from wikipedia. According to(http://www.associatedcontent.com...) Wikipedia is not a reliable source because…
    • Organic" is a term that I would like to refer to as producing food without the employment of chemically formulated fertilizers, growth stimulants, antibiotics, or pesticides. Though organic foods may be pricey, overall they have great benefits. Not only benefits for your own…

    Against

    • Wikipedia is often the best source of information on the net. It is one of the biggest websites in existence. Because of the fact that anyone can edit it, it stays up-to-date and correct. Also, experts can easily and quickly post their knowledge. Some articles are…
    • Thank you, Saamanthagrl, for posting this debate. Organic food may not necessarily be organic. A product which bears the label "USDA organic" has only to be 95% organic. This means that the farmer could use pesticides in small amounts, artificial fertilizers, antibiotics, or…
  23. 23.

    Modern government policies have made humans physically weaker

    For

    • ok darwins theory of natural selection shows that organisms that are best equiped to survive will. with government they destroy threats aganst the weakest. such as we have vacciens for the flu. say two ppl get the flu and one dies well ththe stronger one lived but with a…
    • With a government there are rules and consequences and since these rules protect everyone this takes out the survival of the fittest saying which mean that the stron will prevail. But with laws and consequences the weak make it through societ reroducing more weak people. by…

    Against

    • Extend arguments. I thought as much. My opponent has failed to negate my arguments. My arguments stand. Thank you.
    • Darwin's theory of natural selection also states that I'm going to win this debate because my arguments are longer than yours. Before I tear down your arguments, I will again point out that you have provided a whopping total of 0 sources of evidence. Therefore, you have nothing…
  24. 24.

    Mental health is just as important as physical health

    For

    • I couldn't disagree with you more. I respect that you think more people suffer physically however you don't know how many people are mentally suffering and too scared to speak up due to the fact they think that they won't get any help because they have been brought up to…
    • Mental health is just as important as physical health and it really bothers me how so many people fail to realise that. From past experience, I've broken my arm and been sent home from school but then I've had a mental breakdown and just been forced to stay in school with no…

    Against

    • I would like to stress the fact that I do care about mental healthcare. But when you look at the statistics it says that 26.6 % of the american population has mental problems, while 35% of Americans suffer from physical problems, and don't really think it is a problem. I think…
    • I appreciate that you care about these people, and they need more help and importance. But this is a debate on importance. There are more people that are physically hurt everyday, and you can look these statistics up. According to the Kim foundation, you can see that only 26.7…
  25. 25.

    Genetically modified foods are harmful to human health

    For

    • First of all, welcome to DDO! I hope you enjoy your time here and stay a while.As Pro I will be arguing that yes, GMOs or Genetically Modified Organisms are harmful to humans. I understand that when refferring to GMOs we will be refferring to food that humans consume in which…
    • Thank you.

    Against

    • I will be arguing that the consumption of genetically modified organisms by humans is not harmful for human health. I am new to the site by the way and so I don't know all the rules sooo please let me know if I am not doing something or doing something wrong. Looking forward to…
    • Rebuttal to: "Reproductive Toxicology" First, it was mentioned that this study tested for "dangerous" chemicals in the blood of women. Below is the selected quote used from this paper: To our knowledge, this is the first study to highlight the presence of pesticides-associated…
  26. 26.

    Public health concerns justify overriding pharmaceutical patents

    For

    • I affirm the resolution "Public health concerns justify government violation of pharmaceutical patents". I offer the following definitions: Pharmaceutical patent- a patent granted by the government referring to either pharmaceutical drugs or the related medical technology…

    Against

    • Indeed, my opponent is speechless! My opponent failed to respond to my counterargument, therefore my conclusions stand unchallenged.
    • My opponent failed to respond to my counterargument, therefore my conclusions stand unchallenged.
  27. 27.

    This house would ban smoking everywhere

    For

    • While I agree with my opponent that I only talked about in public places, I thought it would be evident that the damage done by cigarettes is a detriment to persons. Like I previously stated, there are 480,000 deaths a year due to firsthand smoking. There comes a point where we…
    • First and foremost, I accept you challenge. On many points, I agree with you. Every single persons rights are important, and a government restriction on what we can and can't do is a terrible idea. I think that people should do what makes them happy. But let me ask you this. If…

    Against

    • Before going on to my argument, I will first rebut and refute to what the proposition has stated. Yes, I agree that smoking and secondhand smoking will damage people, and kill, to a certain extent. Yes, I certainly would not like an axe murderer who is happy, and I certainly…
    • In this place called Earth, there are an intelligent species called humans. These humans have a set of rights that everyone must keep. And because of this, smoking must not be banned. Before moving on to my arguments, I will first define some important terms in the motion.…
  28. 28.

    K-12 schools should ban junk food sales

    For

    • This debate is about how I believe we should remove vending machines and the junk food they sell in the lunch room because it is unhealthy. The vending machines should be filled with healthy snacks and bars, the drinking machines can be filled with waters, gatorades, vitamin…
    • Many elementary school, middle school and high school all have vending machines, soda machines that are filled with chips, pretzels, chocolate and caffeine filled drinks. Also the food they sell during lunches are also very unhealthy. All of this is really bad for the students…

    Against

    • Hmmm. Removing vending machines and replacing the foods in them with healthier options are different things entirely, so in my opinion you're deviating from your side of the debate a little by making that suggestion. It's not a terrible idea of course, I would welcome it, but…
    • Hi, thanks for setting up the debate, it should be interesting. First, I would like to clarify exactly what the debate is about. I am assuming it is purely that "The vending machines should be removed", rather than "Junk food is bad for kids", because the two statements are not…
  29. 29.

    McDonald's should be banned

    For

    • I see you don't want to take into account the hard reality of this unbelievably unhealthy food. Not only did I read what I copy and pasted into my argument but it is what I agree to as well, one mistake I did do though is I did not put my sources and I apologize for that. If…
    • Originally founded by Dick and Mac McDonald as a barbecue drive-in in the 1940s, the McDonald's Corporation now boasts annual profits of more than $21 billion. Known for its signature french fries, the corporation trains more new workers annually than the U.S. Army, and an…

    Against

    • "I see you don't want to take into account the hard reality of this unbelievably unhealthy food."I see you don't want to take into account the hard reality that getting rid of McDonald's would do absolutely nothing for our obesity rates, the economy, or anything else."If…
    • My opponent has directly quoted (yes, verbatim) virtually all but the last four lines of his round without citations. I have all of the sources below to show the original text. This is blatant plagiarism. (1, 2, 3, 4) Anyways, nothing my opponent has obviously regurgitated has…
  30. 30.

    All Americans should be entitled to health care

    For

    • To begin: -In this debate health care shall be defined as a universal government run health care system -I would like to refrain from arguing specifics of health care provisions but I will fully accept arguments on the effectiveness of government health care Resolution: All…
    • Thanks to theLwerd for accepting this debate To begin, I would like to focus on what this debate ultimately comes down to, whether or not all Americans have the right to health care. In the first paragraph offered in the previous con argument, con states that because there are…

    Against

    • Many thanks to my opponent for beginning this debate. Pro begins by saying many Americans are unable to pay for their health insurance through no fault of their own. While that may be true, indeed there probably are people who are unable to pay through absolute fault of their…
    • My opponent has forfeited the final round, so there's really not much I can say. He also didn't have the character space to respond to my 7th, 8th and 9th points so I'll extend them. In short, I'll conclude this debate by providing a re-cap of the arguments I've made in…
  31. 31.

    The minimum smoking age in the UK should be lowered to 16

    For

    • The hubbub about passive smoking is another of the Nanny state's big lies. Numerous studies confirm this. There is no medical connection between secondhand smoke and disease.

    Against

    • As your forfeited the last round, I will give you a few facts to conclude my debate. 1. A single cigarette contains over 4,800 chemicals, 69 of which are known to cause cancer. 2. About 69% of smokers want to quit completely. 3. Exposure to Secondhand smoke causes nearly 50,000…
    • What numerous studies? You have no proof that "numerous studies" have been put to the cause. Smoke is harmful, second hand smoking is realising smoke. And also real studies say that it's harmful: http://www.webmd.boots.com... 18 is an age when you can get a lot of privileges…
  32. 32.

    Homeopathy and alternative medicine are ineffective

    For

    • You missed out a part of the story too- "Because medical practice of the time relied on ineffective and often dangerous treatments, patients of homeopaths often had better outcomes than those of the doctors of the time.[59] Homeopathic remedies, even if ineffective, would…
    • First of all, it is not my BELIEF that the results shown are due to a placebo effect. It has been proven by respected scientists. A quick Wikipedia search will tell the tale, and you have more than enough good references: Quote: "The scientific community regards homeopathy as…

    Against

    • While quoting wikipedia, you neglected the rest of the story: Because medical practice of the time relied on ineffective and often dangerous treatments, patients of homeopaths often had better outcomes than those of the doctors of the time.[59] ... The relative success of…
    • You have contradicted yourself. First you classify the idea that alternative medicines not working as a belief. Then, you claim that they do not have a scientific basis - while admitting there are results. Then you resort back to your "belief" that any scientific results are…
  33. 33.

    Remaining smallpox virus stocks should be destroyed

    For

    • Hello. I am here to argue that the last strains of smallpox (currently in labs in the US and Russia) should be destroyed. Please cite your points or they will be ignored. Thanks, and good luck.

    Against

    • I guess there was no debate from Pro.
    • Wellp, don't really need to post anything else yet.
  34. 34.

    Cigars should be made illegal

    For

    • By the way I was using a mobile device and it automactically copy and paste and plus this is my first debate I am only getting used to this debate website. Most chemicals in cigars also may pass on to others near the main smoker. This causes double the deaths because of carbon…
    • They should have by now but they haven't. Should they make cigars illegal? It kills many and makes them waist a lot of money. They also cause cancer and make it harder to breath. I don't think they should make it legal. True they cause cancer after a while but they also have…

    Against

    • Firstly, regarding passive smoking. This is why smoking in public places is already illegal, it is not a reason to completely make cigars illegal if smoked privately with other consenting smokers."If a smoker wanted to still smoke he could still move to a different country to…
    • The entire first paragraph of my opponent's round two speech has been copy and pasted from round two most evident by the same misspelling of the word 'waste' as 'waist'. I already rebutted this and shall not be doing so again since this would be quite pointless and trivial.The…
  35. 35.

    Prescription medicines should be free

    For

    • Con says there can be no improvement in medicines without the public paying for them.Of course,there can be improvement in medicines and medicines can still be produced WITHOUT the pubic paying for them.('them' referring to medicines) The hospitals can increase the treatment…
    • Medicines are and continue to be one of the most important necessities(next to oxygen,food and water,clothing and shelter). Everyone has the right to get good quality medicines.If a poor man is sick,he cannot remain sick.He has to be treated.So,this man should have the right to…

    Against

    • 1. Rebuttals: Firstly, there has been a very fundamental doubt in the topic of the debate itself, which I would like to clarify. In one of the rounds, Pro wants to "remind Con that this debate is just about medicines being made free; not about treatment costs or medication. "…
    • 1. Rebuttals Pro always gives some examples of poor people suffering with disease and states the argument. But, the fact is that less than 10 percent of the world's population is living in extreme poverty.[1] Pro is taking one extreme example and stating the arguments; and one…
  36. 36.

    Universal health care should not be implemented

    For

    • You gave me nothing other then your two examples to go after. "honestly, I don't see why this wouldn't work if the governments of the world could unite, and find a group to do the work." Well i dont see how anything wouldn't work if everyone united in a happy little utopian…
    • The Red Cross is a private charity...if you want to provide UHC through private charity then be my guest. What i take issue with is forcing other people to pay for that system through taxes. The WHO is little more then a bureaucratic entity at this point. To turn it into an…

    Against

    • I didn't say we would need a perfect world, and that every single government in the world would have to put their differences aside, and do the right thing, this could be done without every single government in the world, also, funding could come from other places, charities…
    • So... all you have to say is that the two examples I gave are bad, and that because my funding is present, and accessible in every form of bureaucracy you are right? Moving on, I did not mean that the agency had to be the Red Cross, or the WHO, those were just examples of…
  37. 37.

    E-cigarettes should be banned in public places like cigarettes

    For

    • Nicotine is derived from tobacco. I am not saying that people should not be allowed to use these devices, I am saying they should not be allowed to use them in public around other people potentially putting other's health at risk. They have not proven that these devices are not…
    • The FDA is actually proposing extending its authority to cover additional products that meet the definition of a tobacco product under the proposed rule: Tobacco Products Deemed To Be Subject to the Food, Drug & Cosmetic Act. Currently FDA regulates cigarettes, cigarette…

    Against

    • The initial reason for the electronic cigarette was for people to stop smoking. Personally, I have seen so many people that benefited from it. Although it has nicotine, it does not have tobacco, and it doesn't burn. Vaporizing is and should be allowed in smoke-free places. Also…
    • No, because it is not an actual tobacco product
  38. 38.

    We should wash our hands regularly

    For

    • Splish splash splosh sploosh.
    • Splish splash splosh.

    Against

    • Washing our hands is a knid of event people would do every day, And a habbit is already created. However, I personally disagree washing our hands since it wastes water terribly. We may use moist towellete instead. Also, Washing our hands creates pollution whereas hand sanitizer…
  39. 39.

    Children's programs featuring Cookie Monster promote unhealthy eating

    For

    • My Opponent often fails to realize that I am not debating on the basis of the Cookie Monster sanity, but on the basis of the Cookie Monster addiction to cookies. If he wishes to continue to use straw man arguments so be it, but they won't help them against my arguments. If he…
    • My opponent may continue to subject himself to the philosophy Epiphenomenalism. However he continually fails to realize that the Cookie Monster is indeed responsible for his own actions and his failure to control his eating habits. I am suggesting that there is a potentially an…

    Against

    • My opponent is clearly exaggerating the Cookie Monster's sweet tooth and love of cookies to the point of calling it an addiction, this is simply not true. As I have stated before, and will state again, the Cookie Monster in addition to his love for cookies have also endorsed…
    • In regards to Pro's statement that the Cookie Monster is indeed responsible for his own actions, I never stated that he was absolved or otherwise immune to being responsible for his own actions, this is a mere assumption. As for the Cookie Monster exhibiting unstable behaviour,…
  40. 40.

    Junk food should be banned from schools

    For

    • - ended my arguments with the previous one because I think it's unfair that I didn't give her the same opportunities to sell out her point as I have.Im so sorry once again-
    • okay now I have repented, and now I will talk about my last reason. The fact that freedom of choice should be given in a freely manner like that is too much. Why would there be a need for the choice of Junk food in school when the junk can be changed to something like Healthy…

    Against

    • They wont feel guilty as if they have been getting junk food then schools suddenly take it away then it becomes something they will try to get which could cause them getting in to trouble for.Having the junk food with the healthy food is supposed to teach the students a lesson…
    • By banning junk food you're just making kids more sneaky, because nobody's going to give up junk food. I mean what are they going to do, check everyone's lunch everyday to make sure it's all healthy food? That would consume so much time, why don't you just cut it down and let…
  41. 41.

    Children should eat less candy

    For

    • I think kids should eat less candy because they ccould get obese.

    Against

    • My opponent has failed to show up for the debate.
    • I forward all previous arguments.
  42. 42.

    Kids should be allowed to drink alcohol

    For

    • Children and young people are advised not to drink alcohol before the age of 18 because it kills brain cells. But what if kids could just take a test like how high of a proof can you drink?, How much? then you would know they were responsible and if they just drink to much then…
    • I say anyone should be able to drink if they want.

    Against

    • I would agree with some of the recommendations pro has made in R2, but only to a certain extent. Rather than administering tests to fully formed human children, we should study the affects of alcohol on mental development by forcing soon to be mothers to consume alcohol in…
    • Opening Argument:The current global population is simply unsustainable. Each year, humanity consumes the Earth's resources at a greater pace than the Earth can replenish them. According to Paul Ehrlich, Bing professor of population studies at Stanford University in California,…
  43. 43.

    Health plans should be required to cover contraception

    For

    • Welcome to my opponant. I will address each of your claims. You said: "No one has to have sex until they want to conceive." I say: No one has to be a parent until they are ready to go through pregnancy, childbirth, recovery from childbirth, and parenting. You said: "If they are…
    • No need to wait, just jump right in. All I ask is that you address each of my points according to the number I gave it. 1. Contraception improves the health of women by allowing them to prevent pregnancy. 2. Childbirth is much more expensive than contraception. 3. No matter how…

    Against

    • No one has to have sex until they want to conceive.If they are too poor to afford contraception, the health plan has no obligation to prevent whatever consequences may come of their voluntary, unnecessary sexual intercourse.
    • Regardless of a woman's right to her own body women have no medical need to have sexual intercourse and thus should not be forcing a health plan to fund their sexually active lifestyle (this entire argument by Pro is sexist since men need contraception too since they may be…
  44. 44.

    The Affordable Care Act has been a net benefit

    For

    • I'll be arguing on how the scariest word in American polotics, the Afordable Health Care Act, otherwise known as Obama Care, is a step in the righ direction for insuring the 47 million people who did not have health care before the law. People that paln to accepted this debate…
    • I am unfortunately unable to continue this debate so I hope we can continue this debate latter.

    Against

    • So I would just like to finish this debate by thanking my opponent for what we did argue, and I am disappointed that he had to forfeit. Now, I want to say that the scariest problem that faces the nation right now is the detrimental effects of Obamacare, average increases in…
    • That is fine by me I hope the voters will not penalize you for that, but vote on our arguments as they stand, Have a Merry Christmas.
  45. 45.

    Fast food should be made illegal

    For

    • Fast food should be illegal. It's unsafe to eat. People should vote for them so they can be closed down. An old saying is that fast food means fast death. If you eat it, you can have some medical and health problems if you have it a lot.
    • Fast food should be illegal. They come from slaughtering farms which workers are treated badly, and the quality is low and they sell rotten meat. Plus the food is really fatty. They add chemicals to taste good, but those chemicals are fatty acids. They also make meat fries.…

    Against

    • I Will gladly accept my opponents challenge. As the Con it will be my task to prove that Fast food should not become illegal. My opening statement: At the turn of the century when industrialism and agriculture was booming, the population in American and all over the world…
    • As it seems that my opponent has neglected to post his concluding arguments, I will simply rebut my points and end with a concluding statement. -A. The industry is to vast to simply ban. -B. The banning of the industry puts millions out of work. -C. Individuals have the freedom…
  46. 46.

    Doctors' fees are a bigger problem than insurance

    For

    • I agree there are Administrative Fees (like every other business out there) but to put the blame solely on that is turning a blid eye to the real issue. It applies to Law firms, Financial firms or any other business that interacts with other entities. Can you describe a little…
    • You are actually making my arguments !! Since you provided reasons for exorbitant fees, you have admitted that Doctors' fees are very high. We can go into reasons why they are high, but bottom line is that everyone agrees they are too much. Premise 1 : Yes the administrative…

    Against

    • "Can you describe a little about Admin fees, why are they so high?"I feel like I adequately did that in Rounds 1 and 2."Administration is not only necessary but critical too..."I didn't talk about admin fees as a whole. See Round 2 where I cite estimated 85% of admin costs are…
    • I believe the debate topic is "The problem is doctors fees, not insurance." I'm arguing that fees are high due to insurance, not doctors, thus the problem is insurance, not doctors, taking a Con to the topic.Premise 1: It is currently estimated that 31% of health care spending…
  47. 47.

    Psychiatry is a hoax and should be abolished

    For

    • I stated that psychiatry itself is a not a hoax. My opponents resolution was "Is psychiatry (as practiced today) a hoax, and should it be abolished as a medical specialty?" Psychiatry today has underwent certain changes that not only change the way it should be ran, but also…
    • Since My opponent did not message me to oppose my use of the same case, I will then proceed with the same case I used in our previous debate. My Case ++++++++++++|) ==================D While psychiatry might be looked upon with awe and revere for whatever work it may do, the…

    Against

    • Hm, interesting refutation. How does that make you feel? Better yet, what was your early relationship like with your mother?
    • My opponent states: "Psychiatry itself is not a hoax." And: "Psychiatry should not be abolished[,] as it has a place in our society." Whether or not the other complaints of the opponent are sound or not, my resolution stands, and my stance on the matter at hand prevails. Thank…
  48. 48.

    Cigars should be made illegal

    For

    • Now, to refute his last argument: Yes, it is their choice, but education has taught us that cigars are not beneficial in countless ways. You have to be mentally strong, and say no. However, there is a way to decrease smoking. By banning cigars, the ban would influence the…
    • Swell! Obviously, this will result into an entertaining debate, compared to some of my other debates. My opponent agrees with my points, but yes, you cannot argue against facts. However, let me refute his arguments. These harms should let the government know that is fine with…

    Against

    • Thank you Mr. Yugi, for your quick response. First of all, I would like to say that I was somewhat confused by several statements in the first half of this round. "You have to be mentally strong, and say no."-ethopia To whom is my opponent speaking, and what does this have to…
    • Thanks Yugi. It is clear to me that my opponent has a strong distaste for tobacco products in general, and I must admit that I am not a big fan either. In fact, I have had several grandparents pass away from smoking related illnesses. It was not easy to watch, and based on…
  49. 49.

    Smoking is as harmful as obesity

    For

    • Yes but smoking also causes lung cancer and Pregnancy growing slowing down No evidence is needed to just search or look at a smoke packet to see both theses results
    • No i haven't i have said that both dieases are about how you act and both have just a bad consquences

    Against

    • "Yes but smoking also causes lung cancer and Pregnancy growing slowing down"? Grammar? AGAIN?Obesity and smoking are equal
    • Yes you have, you have stated equall pro's in each!!!I believe obesity is worse because you become fat as well as several diseases such as Tiredness, endometrial cancer etc.Evidence: http://www.mindbiz.com.au...;
  50. 50.

    Television is harmful for children

    For

    • although you say that the violence happens outside of media, tv can influence this. tv is one of the most influential sources now days. kids will most likely learn from the characters. even though you say that children can learn by using websites such as pbs, there are actually…
    • Although you say these children are still young, they can be influenced by their program they are watching. They might think this behavior is cool and acceptable because they are broadcasting it on tv. They are still young and do not understand. Violence can also be influenced.…

    Against

    • Television isn"t the center of the world, as this is the impression I"m getting from this argument. There is a lack of statistics that you present in your arguments therefore may cost you the victory of the debate, as I did the same; I am personally speaking through a study…
    • You mention a fifteen year old, that isn"t considered as a child but instead is an adolescent. A child above thirteen who is experiencing puberty is considered as adolescents and not a child according to a study conducted by Laurence Steinberg from his text: Adolescence, the…

How to use these debate topics

  • Vote, discuss, revote. Poll the room on the motion, give 5 minutes of discussion, then vote again and look at who changed their mind.
  • Four corners. Label corners strongly agree → strongly disagree; people move, then each corner makes its best case.
  • Switch sides. Halfway through, everyone argues the side they disagree with. It sharpens listening.

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Questions adapted from args.me corpus (CC BY 4.0), edited for clarity. This collection may be reused under the same terms — see sources & licenses.