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Philosophy Debate Topics for Kids

100 debate topics, kids. 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.

    If we lived in a simulated reality, we should fight to escape it

    For

    • I'm sorry for the word choice in my original question, I was thinking of the premise of the Matrix at first, where VR is a means of control. I might as well address that too, as that would be a bad thing for humanity as well. If we were put into a virtual reality to supply…
    • I agree, if people can be mindful of the VR use, and keep it to certain times of use, it could be a good thing. However, who's to say that people can resist the temptation of a world that could be better. It kind of depends on what the VR can do as well. If it is meant to…

    Against

    • Don't apologise for who you are. We all start somewhere. Its where we going that's important and honestly I'm impressed. You have a open mind. As for living in slavery, we already do. The method of slavery is the world monetary system and many are content to live under its…
    • Well I agree that if we could live in a virtual world that is better than our reality, we would. that's why we on this site. In my real world I have nobody in my real world who understands the concepts I like discussing. But that is not the question we debating. Your question…
  2. 2.

    Neither the chicken nor the egg came first

    For

    • This is what I understand of the argument. There is a continuum whose leftmost endpoint is labeled "Ancestral bird" and whose rightmost endpoint is labeled "Chicken". This continuum is a continuum of "Chicken Hybrids." The farther left you are on the continuum, the more…
    • When I say that your definition of "chicken" is essentialist, I mean that the DNA of any particular chicken is unique, so the exact genetic code of any one chicken cannot be the genetic code required for someone to be a chicken, otherwise there is only one chicken in the world.…

    Against

    • "This makes the assumption that any Chicken can breed with all Chickens and no Ancestral birds, and vice versa. If this is not the case, we have no reason to formally make either category." im not sure i'm following you on this. can you explain it more? perhaps con is trying to…
    • the DNA point is really moot at this point, cause i admit i don't need it. the standard is whether the ancesteral chickens can breed with modern chickens or not. we have to set a limit on what constitutes a chicken. and the only way to not arbitrarily do it, is by that method.…
  3. 3.

    Nothing can be perfect

    For

    • Although you forfeited, i really enjoyed our debate. Thank you for a good time! :)
    • Imperfectadjective 1. of, relating to, or characterized by defects or weaknesses: imperfect vision. 2. not perfect; lacking completeness: imperfect knowledge.Ah yes. I have heard the term, "That's perfect!" But is it really? If someone is building a house, and they say that it…

    Against

    • Oh yeah I had a great time debating with you. I am just going to close up with this just because: This debate was perfect.
    • Thank you for giving me the definition. It also means "having all the required elements". Now that gets me thinking. There are no official "required elements". In everybody's mind, they have their own set of "required elements". They are all different. For me, the required…
  4. 4.

    Luck does not exist

    For

    • Bummer
    • Extend my argument...................

    Against

    • i shall take this offer and debate well thank you, you leed
  5. 5.

    The mind can meaningfully control the physical body

    For

    • Popular belief in the quote "Heaven has no rage like love to hatred turned, Nor hell a fury like a woman scorned," tends to support the theory that women are more prone to be malicious than men.
    • Malice as a recourse is a greater temptation for females due to their hormonal triggers.

    Against

    • A single quote (attributed by William Congreve, in the play "the Morning Bride") does not provide a large enough platform to support your assertions. I will highlight again that malice, or anything alike to malice, is not restricted to one sex. Some women may be vindictive,…
    • Accepted. I should emphasize that I find no flaws with the practice of "mind over matter", and that it's an advisable outlook for one to adopt. My main argument is directed towards your opening statement: "Malice as a recourse is a greater temptation for females due to their…
  6. 6.

    The pen is mightier than the sword

    For

    • In keeping with the general format, I am going to list my opponents arguments based on the order in which they were presented and in what order they were said. So to start off with, I would like to draw the judges' attention to her first argument off my first point, which I…
    • "I object to violence because when it appears to do good, the good is only temporary; the evil it does is permanent." Mahatma Gandhi No one has proven the point that violence is not the only option, nor is it the best option better than Gandhi. Because he was able to accomplish…

    Against

    • 1 A&B. I agree with my opponent - MOST fights that occur on the playground will not leave a child paralyzed or seriously physically harmed. However the topic of debate isn't about probability factor or which gets used more often (pen or sword). This debate is about which is…
    • My position as Con does not call for me to prove why the sword is mightier than the pen, but rather oppose the resolution that the pen is mightier than the sword. In this round I will refute all four of my opponent's arguments and prove why, according to his reasoning, the pen…
  7. 7.

    A game without rules is impossible

    For

    • The game has rules. This source confirm it . http://www.solitaryway.com... Your argument is nullified, nuff said.
    • Lol calvinball consist of too many rules. Soo i guess it supports me instead ^^

    Against

    • On the contrary, that's only major league calvinball. Thereare no rules for the minor league.
    • Nope, calvinball does not have rules, they don't keep score, no referee. And you make it up as you go along
  8. 8.

    There are such things as stupid questions

    For

    • Yo do they have those in real life{{{{{when he said those he was not referring to tactical insertions in general he was reffering to the box that respawns human beings ergo the question itself becomes stupid. it was not to tease or annoy. he asked a seriously stupid question. i…
    • ok so heres how it goes. I am playing black ops with my cousin. now just so you have an understanding my cousin is not 5 years old or 10 he is in grade 11. Now hes watching me destroy people and then he sees me drop a tactical insertion which is basically a little box with…

    Against

    • I'm not sure how I can debate you on this subject.Based on the debate prompt you posted and the question and information you gave me, I maintain that A) your cousin's question was not, in itself, stupid. Your cousin obviously really wanted to know if those existed.B) Questions…
    • YO DO THEY HAVE THOSE IN REAL LIFE?-Yes, they do.Obviously there is no known technology capable of "respawning" humans at a set location after they are killed.That said, the fact is that Tactical Insertion(s) do exist. Tactical Insertion is typically the military process by…
  9. 9.

    Physical strength is more valuable than intellect

    For

    • brawn gets u lots of women if your a guy and lots of males when your a women depending on your sex brawn gives you the hot body nice looking face when your in town and a fem/mal looks at you they want to see someones beutiful face but when u see someone that is not good looking…

    Against

    • All of my arguments are left standing therefore making me the winner of this debate (regardless of whether or not you think I did a good or bad job). YAY, my first finished argument on Version 3!!!
    • I really wish I had time to provide the uber "be all end all" contention I had intended to provide, but my Internet service provider is being a jack@ss right now and I'm not sure about whether or not my Internet access will be functioning properly at any point before tomorrow.…
  10. 10.

    Rainbows do not exist objectively

    For

    • Hi Furyan5, I accept the Pro position here, ie I am defending the declaration that rainbows do not exist objectively.
    • Furyan5 states: You say that rainbows do exist objectively.(Con)Furyan5 states:'(1) My argument is that our perception of reality is a function of the human subconscious and therefore not subjective. (2) This all occurs in our subconscious and therefore should be considered as…

    Against

    • A rainbow is defined as a multi coloured arch which humans percieve when its raining. Exists objectively is defined as existing without our involvement.
    • I've already had that debate. 3 people may think they see the same rainbow, but if each person has 2 eyes they percieve 6 different representations. Objectively there is no arch. So please stop evading the issue. This debate concerns the objective existence of a perceived…
  11. 11.

    Respect should be earned

    For

    • With your comparison of Basic Respect and Personal Respect I believe you are mistaking politeness with respect "Respect" according to Merriam-Webster is "a feeling of admiring someone or something that is good, valuable, important, etc" - http://www.merriam-webster.com... So…
    • The reason why respect should be earned is simple, not everyone is a good person, not everyone deserves to be held in the same regard as everyone else. Should we respect the feelings of those who have inflicted harm on others for no good cause? If a Scientist and someone who…

    Against

    • Nope. Judges you can entirely throw PRO's definition in the trash can. He has accepted my definition by accepting the round, which includes politness and anything partaining to basic respect. No where do I say we should admire everyone. My definition stands, his isn't allowed,…
    • The burden of proof is shared in this debate. I would like to go back to the definition of respect in this round. The definition of respect is not, looking up to someone, or being overly nice to them. Its simply giving every person the common courtesy they deserve. The paradigm…
  12. 12.

    Something can be so awesome that it is good

    For

    • My argument is very simple. I will be taking the stance that a movie, television show, or video game can be so mindbendingly "awesome" that you ignore its flaws and declare it a pinnacle of movie-making. I will consider visual arts as a part of this, because this is where most…

    Against

    • Yeah
    • Yeah he did
  13. 13.

    Money is more important than love

    For

    • No, I'm not an adult. And still i have not seen you attack any of my arguments and is still waiting for you to attack my arguments.
    • Well you don't need to do that and my arguments still stand while me opponent as not really had any arguments. But to attack that argument is that the only thing that you have to say that is useless in life when doing that can't support your life. Thank you and please vote me..

    Against

    • You have been trolled.
    • Ever did a Mississippi Mudflap in a crappy 1-star hotel?
  14. 14.

    Every person is fundamentally unique

    For

    • "1.The fact that many people share the same genders" This is true but like I said earlier not a single finger print, tonuge print, etc is like anyone elses. Not even identical twins are just alike. "2.The fact that many people share the same sexuality" This is true but no one…
    • Everyone is unique. Ever heard of the saying two heads are better than one? . . . No one thinks exactly alike. Everyone's body is unique . . . Not one finger print, tongue print, etc. is like anyone else's. We all have different gifts & talents. Everyone has an individual…

    Against

    • In the start of the debate Pro said that I had to start "reasoning" why humans are not unique and then Pro would rebut them, and so I did. I gave 3 reasons: "1.The fact that many people share the same genders" And Pro's response to this one in Round 3 was: "This is true but…
    • Unfortunately my opponent has failed to properly rebut any of my reasons in Round 1. In Pro's Round 1 she asked me to provide reasons why humans are not all unique. In round 1 I was meant to give reasons why humans are not unique and so I did, in short the reasons explained…
  15. 15.

    Rules should never be broken

    For

    • Ikaw si con eh.
    • Sa totoo lang wala akong magpaliwanag sa dahilan na nawala mo bago ko sinabi dapat kang bumoto para sa pro kaya hindi ko na kailangang magpakilala ako nanalo na hindi ko alam kung bakit ito sa Filipino

    Against

    • Pro broke the rules repeatedly. I have not except the one understandable time from when I was confused about what he said in round 1. It was a poorly constructed sentence that had 2 different possible meanings.
    • One is a number. If any rules were made by pro I disapprove of them. Rule 1: Con may speak in English again. Rule 2: Con must translate last round for me because I'm too lazy. Rule 3: Con may not forfeit.
  16. 16.

    It is better to act than to do nothing

    For

    • My opponent has asked what would be considered doing something. Let us say for the sake of this debate that doing something would be to perform a voluntary action. So by replying to the argument you are doing something. You voluntarily chose to reply to my argument meaning that…
    • I don't think I need to say anything else so I will drop them microphone, as the kids say.

    Against

    • Well if you truly believe that doing something is better than doing nothing and you posted this argument why would you expect someone doing nothing to argue with you if by your definition of doing something is even engaging in a conversation, then would that be a call to…
    • What exactly is considered doing something? If the mere action of doing anything at all as well as involuntarily actions of the human body, such as the heart pumping blood cells as well as breathing. The brain is always in activity at certain points the activity is lower such…
  17. 17.

    Every human being is unique

    For

    • "First off, I concede that 'a family of a murdered child can only be fully compensated [by the knowledge that] their child is returned to life.' Consequently, it is possible 'for the murderer to return [a] 6 year old [child] to the family' in place of their murdered child, as…
    • Resolved; Every human is unique. This argument hinges on the idea that humans are sentient. That they have a inner reflective self that is capable of observing the world.I argue that this must be true not only because we as humans can know it ourselves when we reflect on our…

    Against

    • Not every human is unique. This conclusion can be reached both logically and because our moral and legal structures that we take for granted require it to be false. This round, however, I will just respond to Pro's arguments. "1.) If a 6 year old child is murdered, it is not…
    • "the argument that since a person, and a society, can feel a matter has been resolved, that it has been resolved in principal. Just because society has been deceived does not address the problem presented to you." Again, the problem with Pro's logic is that it is impossible to…
  18. 18.

    Intelligence is more valuable than physical strength

    For

    • I will bring up one simple scientific fact. The body cannot survive without a brain. My opponent cannot argue against this fact because it has been proven a thousand times over. A homo sapien sapien can survive with no muscle mass, but it cannot survive without a brain. Even…
    • 1v1 me no sweg u b #chiken if u no eksept mi chalenj

    Against

    • You cannot survive without muscle mass. If you had no muscles, you wouldn't be able to get the water, food and shelter a person would need to survive. If you were in a jungle or Hunger Games scenario, you may be able to outwit your opponents, but you would not be able to…
    • Breng it Jay. Show meez yo sweg.
  19. 19.

    Freezing time would destroy many aspects of the world

    For

    • Pleasure to be debating with someone as experienced as you.My mistake. I'm still new here. My definition isn't too far out.I will define the terms now. I am talking real-world, not Futurama. Also, in the last episode of Futurama, they did not freeze time, but rather send…
    • Good luck to anyone who accepts.

    Against

    • Greetings DebateDotOrg. My name is Logical-Master and I'm here to preside over today's debate! Today, I will demonstrate to you that not only would "freezing time not destroy many aspects of the world", but that it wouldn't destroy even a single aspect. Before proceeding, I'd…
    • Sure, I accept. And since the instigator has not defined the terms and conditions of this debate while simaltaneously asking for the first round to comprise of acceptance on my part, I'm going to readily assume that he's talking about the idea of literally freezing time, akin…
  20. 20.

    Ghosts are real

    For

    • It was not windy, I felt a chill down my spine and that's when my feet slipped off my bike peddles
    • Let's see how you explain these two experiences from me then, a few years ago, I was rolling blading home with my siblings when all of a sudden I fell, the wheels were too thick to be stopped by a tiny pebble, I would've had to have been pushed, cause I was really good back…

    Against

    • Wow you're good I had my first debate I was tricky to . I used a debate I was sure I would win and I did. So you're a good one. ;) congrats in your debate. I surrender
    • Ok let me think, first, I should ask. Was it windy that day? And I didn't understand what you said. But I'm definitely winning this freaking debate
  21. 21.

    Striving to become a better person leads to happiness

    For

    • :) thank you
    • Thank you very much i appreciate it a lot :) I actually believe that someone can became a better person through love ( and also that he cannot became better, without understanding love), because love is the best and the most positive emotion a person can have. So i am happy…

    Against

    • What a sweetheart you are. I love what you wrote. All of it! I could care less if I lose this debate or not get any points, because it is worth it to agree that the path "we choose" for our own truth, is in fact, the only truth. Yours you call "becoming better", mine I call…
    • "It's surprising how many persons go through life without ever recognizing that their feelings toward other people are largely determined by their feelings toward themselves, and if you're not comfortable within yourself, you can't be comfortable with others."– Sidney J. Harris…
  22. 22.

    World peace will eventually exist

    For

    • "Let's say if humans did die will their be world peace? Are humans the only thing fighting on this plant. Animals all fight for survival and some like humans will fight each other. "I mentioned humans because we'd be the most likely ones to escape any initial disaster or…
    • My burden is to prove that world peace will occur. Peace, as above, can be defined in three definitions. When these conditions are applied to the world (also defined above), world peace will occur. The physical Earth will come to an end at some point. When it does, there will…

    Against

    • Humans won't give up that easily, and will always keep trying to find ways to survive. Let's say if humans did die will their be world peace? Are humans the only thing fighting on this plant. Animals all fight for survival and some like humans will fight each other. And even if…
    • Depends on your definition of fighting. Fighting can be arguments. Arguments are started from different points of views. Different points show that not everyone thinks the same. For everyone to have the same point of view would mean everyone thinks the same and there is no…
  23. 23.

    One should seek answers before asking questions

    For

    • This debate relies on a very simple principle; to have but not need is better than to need but not have. If we apply this principle to the context of this debate, we come to the realization that while one can gather lots and lots of knowledge (seemingly useless in the present…
    • I will keep arguments top secret until you have accepted and it is too late to run away! Oh yes!

    Against

    • extend
    • That is such a wonderful argument. Literally, knowing the answer first than asking the question is not what we usually do everyday, for people ask us first, so we know what to answer. " one can gather lots and lots of knowledge (seemingly useless in the present tense)" Who's…
  24. 24.

    Silence is more valuable than speech

    For

    • My opponent speaks too much... Silence is golden
    • Shhhh...................

    Against

    • This isn't even a debate. I will speak very little then.
    • All my opponent has to say is "Shhhh. .. .. .. .. .. .. ." Alright then?
  25. 25.

    Black should be considered a color regardless of definition

    For

    • Are rainbowws where spectrum come from yeah yeah ye?
    • why does spectrum matter you coksucker

    Against

    • Rebuttals"why does spectrum matter you coksucker"Sunlight (White, in particular) is composed of all colors. Sunlight transmits electromagnetic radiation, in which depending on its wavelength (The distance between two crests), it has a color. So, the rain droplets then reflect…
    • Rebuttals"black is color regardless of definition of color"Incorrect.Evidence to back up my claim The electromagnetic spectrum is the range of wavelengths and frequencies over electromagnetic radiation. Wavelengths are distances between two crests. Depending on the wavelength,…
  26. 26.

    The world is not so bad

    For

    • With racism still occuring in small communities, it doesn't make it an error in our world and society. The "evil" does not outweigh the good. You only provided further reasoning for my situations, and a little bit more "evil". The goods still come. We have ways to stop the…
    • A lot of people wonder about this question. Is the world REALLY cruel, though? If you think about it, sure. In some ways, the world and society has failed over the years. School shootings, hatred, bullying, suicide, and many others. And some may think the world has failed as…

    Against

    • Racism doesn't only occur in "small communities." It's exacerbated by the federal government that's supposed to guarantee equality." The leader of the free world said that Mexicans "are rapists." Furthermore, look at the incidents of police brutality in the past few years and…
    • The world is a cruel place. Countless numbers of crimes against humanity such as child trafficking occur every single day whether they're shown on the news or not. Although it's easy to look at the heartwarming stories online and see the world as a great place, the simple fact…
  27. 27.

    Honesty is the best policy

    For

    • lolwut
    • MMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMM hm

    Against

    • First, I think we should agree that honesty is defined as the whole truth and nothing else. We often use honesty as an excuse to hurt or harm someone. If we are always honest, it would be impossible to maintain and grow relationships with other people. We would use total and…
    • I'll be starting my debate with the argument being that honesty is not always the best policy. There is a time for honesty, and a time for you to lie. Also, just some information: This is my first debate on this website, so I'm probably not that good. Ground Rules: Round 1 will…
  28. 28.

    Showing cowardice is something to be ashamed of

    For

    • I'm on vacation.
    • Nothing more to say.

    Against

    • I have officially lost this debate.
    • Pro can present their case in round one.If they don't then I will have nothing to rebut for round two...Pro must prove their case beyond reasonable doubt whilst I must render their case ineffective as to the purpose of removing doubt of the resolution.Pro can come up with any…
  29. 29.

    We should live as if we only live once

    For

    • Hmm, didn't know I was that entertaining now.
    • About how this is a total waste of time? Or maybe not? xP

    Against

    • Its not much of a waste of time because im talking to u. :-P
    • Wht do you wnt us to debate on? ;-)
  30. 30.

    Art is essential to a good life

    For

    • Art is essential to life becouse we almost can not imagine the world without art. Art makes the world the real world . Besides, every native person is known with its arts that comes from their own ancestors such as painting is most striking example.pictures that is painted by…
    • There is another evidence that will prove it . According to Alicia Henderson"Art teaches us that everything around us is art and we should notice it. Education without art is like a stem without the flower. Our art is like butterflies, they are all beautiful, but they are all…

    Against

    • "Art is essential to life becouse we almost can not imagine the world without art." Can you provide evidence to support this claim."Art makes the world the real world." This claim is absolutely ridiculous."Besides, every native person is known with its arts that comes from…
  31. 31.

    Open-mindedness is always a good thing

    For

    • Open-mindedness is a virtue, there is no doubt in my mind that that is true. Being open-minded has led to many societal and scientific achievements. It is also one of the traits that makes a good leader or judge. Even the very existence of this website is because of…
    • Definitions: Open-minded: willing to consider different ideas or opinions, the opposite of closed-minded. (. http://www.merriam-webster.com...) Closed-minded: unreceptive to new ideas or information, the opposite of open-minded. (. http://www.urbandictionary.com...)

    Against

    • I accept the challenge and will argue that open-mindedness is not always as good as it appears. I also accept the definitions provided above, and look forward to an enjoyable debate.
    • In this last post of this debate, I will respond to my opponent's arguments in Round 3. 1. Definitions. I don't see the distinction of willing to consider versus actually considering other viewpoints. I think they are pretty much the same. Therefore, I leave it to the…
  32. 32.

    Being honest matters more than being nice

    For

    • You say, "...how can it not be worse for someone to lie rather than tell truth in the first place..." You obviously never read my first argument. You never stated the rules. I can be nice and Honest, as you never stated otherwise. I do get your point, however. Another thing I…
    • I was only trying to help you. I'm sorry if I was at all rude. I was being nice, by letting you know about all of your spelling errors, not honest, because honestly, I want to win this debate, and if I hadn't pointed that out, I would have had a larger chance at winning. "...if…

    Against

    • I totally disagree with your previous argument first of all a doctor lying to a patient is just ridiculous full stop expesially if it is something as serious as 50% to 80% chances of death I find this to be a great injustice. This would be unfair to this woman she should have…
    • Is your argument so week that you have to point out something that is not currently relevant to the issue in hand and waste time for the both of us. Well you contradicted yourself in you previous argument by being honest about my spelling yourself instead of being nice and…
  33. 33.

    Love is the cure to evil

    For

    • Rebuttals:The novel gives us insight into beliefs through time; I see it just as relevant as your mention of the Bible.People in prison have committed crime; crime is often regarded as immoral behaviour, which is what the definition in round one set out: "Evil: a person who has…
    • The current approach to dealing with 'evil' people in the developed world is to place them in prison for a number of decades. The reoffending rate in the USA, after completing a full prison term, is higher than two in three -- almost 70%. [1] The conditions in these prisons…

    Against

    • Although I have appreciated and found your argument very entertaining and almost a beautiful read :) I fail to see how a novel proves that love cures evil when we looking at the reality, even if the novel has some degree of realism. You also only using an example of prisons but…
    • Firstly love is the cure to evil is an absolute statement. As per your definition of compassion and affection, if that could cure evil, there would be no evil. However we observe evil by actions; harmful and vindictive ones. If we were to take a look at a religious example for…
  34. 34.

    Life is mainly about responsibility

    For

    • and why would you do that clearly you are wrong to though
    • non sense, and i dont see how life is not about responsibility in that case

    Against

    • Because people hate to take responsibility, they like to blame others and project their problems onto people in power. Also you are pro and have burden of proof and have yet to prove anything therefore you lose the debate.
    • You can reproduce without being responsible and then you can make other people sculpt them, lacking responsibility.
  35. 35.

    The process is more important than the result

    For

    • Here the process, I mean by the path of you doing something; and for a result, I mean by what you get from finishing doing something. So from your statement, "If someone focuses on the process too much, They may lose sight of their goal, The result, " I want to clarify my topic…
    • Thank you for accepting my topic. I agree with you that the process does not exist without the result, I get what you mean here that how the process would be not valuable if the result has no means. However, As you"ve stated, "If there is no result, Then the process had never…

    Against

    • The result teaches a lesson. Say someone wants to achieve their goal, So they go through a process to get to it. When their process is done, They get their result. If the result is what they wanted, Then they know that their process is good, And they know it works. If the…
    • I do not mean the other way around. Any action has a reaction, Or a result. If there is no result, Then nothing has happened. Simple as that. Also, You are correct that someone shouldn't care too much about the result. But the same is true for the process. If someone focuses on…
  36. 36.

    'Maybe' is a powerful response when no answer exists

    For

    • ..
    • ..

    Against

    • thank you for making my first debate so delightfully successful! It's ok to see life with indecision.
    • You are holding five behind your back. We all have five. Let's see, the definition of "true" is correct in accordance with fact or reality". I know my reality, at least at this present moment? What is yours?
  37. 37.

    Knowledge is more powerful than wealth

    For

    • yea and without knowledge you would have no power at all out brain gets over loaded.. i leave this to the voters
    • then the knowledge of a sniper rifle is the empowered advantage he has against the enemy with a sniper rifle

    Against

    • Yes, right knowledge is power, random knowledge is a blocker. Some more examples are a nuclear scientist knowing all about archaeology, or an astronaut knowing all about law. We all store useless knowledge thinking some day it will come in use, but the fact is our brains get…
    • Oh why did you accept vi_spex... The sniper would lack bazooka blast power that he would have never used. Wouldn't it be better he knew the parts of a sniper rifle? Another example is a doctor knowing about all endangered species but he being a human doctor, he has no use.…
  38. 38.

    Kindness is more valuable than competition in modern society

    For

    • It seems the contender has run away. Come on I want to debate more. Kindness is a way of life. All the "Rishis" of Indian ethnicity said that kindness is the ultimate way to humanity. Chanakya quoted: शान्तितुल्यं तपो नास्ति न सन्तोषात्परं सुखम् । न तृष्णायाः परो व्यधिर्न च…
    • I had already told you what you have to do in the previous argument. Never mind if you did not observe. This explores your stupidity and vulgarity. I don't mind if you don't believe in god. Its your problem. Please don't keep writing off any ignorant things which comes to your…

    Against

    • It is good to believe in god but what if i don't believe in god. Their are many who don't believe in god and i think i was born because of my parents not because of god. But I dont know how you born. And if you believe their is god than why are we worrying by the corruption,…
    • Well if you think about that we are losing our moral value than i think its totally wrong as do you dont luv your parents ? Do you not still respect your parents and elders? Do you not caring about your ethical values now a days ? I think we all do these but way is changing…
  39. 39.

    Beauty is in the eye of the beholder

    For

    • Beauty is in the eyes of the beholder. Beauty- the quality present in a thing or person that gives intense pleasure or deep satisfaction to the mind, whether arising from sensory manifestations (as shape, color, sound, etc.), a meaningful design or pattern, or something else…

    Against

    • None of the proportions of my opponent's profile picture are remotely close to 1.618, the Golden Ratio. Unfortunately for PRO, this means that she has a face not even a mother could love.
    • Just add the previous two digits together to get the next digit in the sequence: 1 - 1 - 2 - 3 - 5 - 8 - 13 - 21 - 34 - 55 - 89 - 144 - 233 - 377 - 610 - 987 - 1597 - 2584 - 4181 - 6765 Select any 2 consecutive numbers from the list. Divide the larger number by the smaller one.…
  40. 40.

    Everyone should be treated as equal

    For

    • the nordic nations have beeen social democratic for almost 100 years no seriously their democratic socialist governments came to power in the 1920s and 1930s and have stayed in power most of that time, Not all the time because they are democtatic the people decide who is in…
    • I think i made my point by equal i mean equalish

    Against

    • Well that's great. The problem with your argument is it is impossible to everybody to be equal. Every single person is born different, Into different cultures, Families, And wealth classes. In a capital country like the United States, There will always be inequality. There is…
    • I think you need to better explain what you are trying to say. . Living equality? Economic equality? The list could go on.
  41. 41.

    Love is the most powerful force in human life

    For

    • Love provides a stimulating positive morale boost, due the happiness it provides, so is the most potent in battle situations. In daily life, it provides stimulating positive effects and as well as a rush of pleasure, therefore it increases survival and so it is the most potent…
    • I did not say Love is the most potent, I said it is the "greatest emotion a person can have." Love and fear are different. Fear promotes negative things, love promotes health and happiness. I've proved this.

    Against

    • This argument is about the emotion that is most potent in battle situations, daily life, and overall abilities. Love may be the most positive emotion that a person can feel, but it does not "Conquer all." My debate was that it was not the most effective emotion that a person…
    • If you are taking a biological standpoint, fear is more of a potent chemical release. It allows the body to do more more efficient, and more quickly. Phobias are mental disorder tat a person is irrationally afraid of something, be it an animal or an inanimate object. It throws…
  42. 42.

    Fairy tales can be possible in the real world

    For

    • Definition - "an incredible or misleading statement, account, or belief" Example: "His story of being a millionaire is just a fairy tale" To confirm what I meant, this is the definition I had in mind I am arguing that an incredible statement, account or belief is possible.
    • I believe that Fairy Tales are possible in the way that you can get a happily ever after ending. I'm not arguing that there are such things as mermaids, witches, talking mice, a spinning wheel that can put you in a sleeping curse or be able to make yourself look like a an old…

    Against

    • I will assume that by 'Definition' you meant fairy tale even though it was not spelled out. Your example contradicts your own point of view. If his story is a 'fairy tale' the statement you provided is saying that he is in fact NOT a millionaire. Therefore it is impossible that…
    • Since pro did not state the definition of Fairy Tale or Possible, I will define the terms below. Fairy tale- "a children's story about magical and imaginary beings and lands." Possible- "able to be done; within the power or capacity of someone or something" (New Oxford American…
  43. 43.

    There is no such thing as an immovable object

    For

    • Actually, there is one assumption to that hypothesis and that is objects themselves cannot exist without the "observer". My questions are these, "Does the universe continue if there was no living conscious able to observe it?" If it does not, then why do things happen that is…
    • My argument is that there is currently no such thing as an 'Immovable Object'. I argue that is physically impossible to be an immovable object. We are technically traveling through space at an "x" miles/per hour, thus concluding that every object known in existence always…

    Against

    • For your fist paragraph you misunderstood my meaning about the 'observer' as in not a being that watches but as the thing that you take a frame of reference from. If two meteorites are hurling toward the moon at the same speed they'd appear as if they were floating still next…
    • Einstein's Theory of Relativity argues that everything is in motion in relation to the observer so it depends whether or not you are determining whether or not that object is moving around in space or space is moving around it or the observers perception of the stationary (or…
  44. 44.

    The chicken came before the egg

    For

    • In the rules for the debate, Con stated that definitional games were not allowed. I stated I would hold him to that, and it appears I will need to do so. First, Con argues genetics. It is important to note that he does not refute that according to the dictionary, the definition…
    • Con has asked that we 'not get anal over definitions'. I agree and plan to hold Con to that, using only common dictionary provided definitions for the terms without trying to redefine terms or split hairs with definitions from odd sources. The classic formulation clearly…

    Against

    • I must contradict you in that. You seem to imply that the chicken would hatch from a Hybrid Junglefowl Egg. However technically, the egg from which the chicken is born is actually a chicken egg. Let me explain. Evolution is caused by random genetic mutations which happen to…
    • Rules: No getting anal over definitions of chicken and egg, and this applies only to the folowing classic problem: What came first, the chicken or the egg? And also, we're talking sctrictly non-religious. Since whoever will be pro has the burden of proof, he can go first. Good…
  45. 45.

    A person's past does not determine their future

    For

    • As an example Id like to use Dylan Roof ( church shooting) I recently read an article talking about how he had a "hard childhood" and it seemed to focus primarily on the happenings in his early life insinuating that's why he turned bad. . . The hard childhood consisted of his…
    • Please be committed to complete the debate if you accept. I will be arguing that a persons trials in life and specifically childhood does NOT determine how a person will turn out later. Con will be proving the opposite.

    Against

    • I Do not think using an indvidual example is a good way to build evidence for a generic statemeny as this debate.Abused children are likely tohave poor mental health they ar 2.5x times likely to have mental issuesthey are 4x times more likely to be unhappythey generally have…
    • In this debate I will be using generalizations. The use of an individual experience is an outlier and thus not useful in this sort of opinion. When you are a child, you are being molded. Your life experiences good or bad will greatly form your opinion of the world. From the…
  46. 46.

    Out of sight means out of mind

    For

    • EXAMPLE SCENARIO:You illegally cut somebody's head off. You bury the body. The cops find it. You're in court over the murder. Can you see the body? No. Are you thinking about it? Yes.
    • Plz no trolling. Out of sight- describing object or person A that is not in person B's line of eyesightOut of mind- Person B is not thinking about A

    Against

    • But what of the person who was brought to trial? Everyone in the courtroom can both see and is most likely thinking about that person. Can you see the person? Yes. Are you thinking about the person? Yes. But now if the person who was being tried for murder didn't show up due to…
    • I accept
  47. 47.

    A falling tree makes a sound even when no one hears it

    For

    • The key part of that definition (that con seems to have missed) is that it CAN be heard when it reaches a person's ear, not that it has to be in order to be sound. Con argues that these vibrations would not exist if no one was around to perceive them. But this is absurd. If…
    • The definition of sound is, "vibrations that travel through the air or another medium and can be heard when they reach a person or animal's ear." In other words, the vibrations made by an object and the auditory stimulation that we receive and call sound are logically…

    Against

    • Here is a quote from Andei Linde, a physicist at Stanford university "You may ask whether the universe really existed before you start looking at it, That's the same Schrodinger cat question. And my answer would be that the universe looks as if it existed before I started…
    • you can say "what if the sound is trapped in side the trunk of a tree." if you'd like. but that's not the case. it just does not happen. because as you stated previously "The definition of sound is, "vibrations that travel through the air or another medium and can be heard when…
  48. 48.

    Money can bring happiness

    For

    • Con introduced what "he" thinks is scripture without proving their historical reliability; nor do we have reason so far in this debate to consider them the word of God in comparison to those of any other cult.? He says: "Saints don't have any misery of losing loved ones or any…
    • "more the money we possess, more is the worry and fear of losing it." Less the money, more the worry about how to pay bills and put food on the table. See, most people in the world are not like the very few saints Con goes on about in India who get free food, shelter and…

    Against

    • Pro seems to be diverting the topic from "Money can bring happiness" to "Are scriptures bonafide". It doesn't matter to me, I can defeat him in that also. I have never introduced my own scrpiture, nor do i have to because scriptures are already available. I think Pro does not…
    • So According to you do you think in India or any developing countries, we get free food and people don't go to work? We do go for work. We also live in the real world. But People who think money gives happiness are the ones who are living in the virtual world. One thing please…
  49. 49.

    Ghosts are real rather than imaginary

    For

    • If ghosts aren't real, then what happens when you die? Does your conscience die with you? Or, does it live on, as an unseen force? There are many claims of paranormal activity, and some crazy evidence too!
    • ghosts are real, if they werent, shows like Ghost Hunters and GFhost Adventures wouldn't exist. And they do, so ghosts exist.

    Against

    • There are only shows like that because that is what the people want. and that gets ratings
    • Ghosts are not real THE HUMAN BODY IS MADE UP OF NERVE SYSTEMS AND MUSCLES, NOT SPIRITS!!! I don't even believe that humans have souls, if humans have souls why don't animals, why don't we see animal spirits/ghosts. I also find it funny that ghosts mainly appear in creepy…
  50. 50.

    The half-full or half-empty question is unanswerable

    For

    • Answer: A spoken reply or response to a question. For example, 8*3 = 500. I have just given an answer, it was not right, but I still gave one. I say that the glass is half full. And now I say the glass is half empty. I have just answered. I await your response. As a side note,…
    • Thank you for posting your argument. Now I see that I will not have to use the Paradox I listed in round 2. INTRO ==================== Thank you for posting your real argument. You should have said that it is a question that can be answered correctly. I will now refute you r…

    Against

    • I will leave my argument until round 3. I guess you could say I'm a glass half full kind of a guy... ;)
    • My purpose here is not only to engage another individual(koppin), but to instill in many(internet viewers) that inside of every debate (be it this one or any another) there is a system of rules and conditions that exist prior to the controlled argument in question which affect…

How to use these debate topics

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  • 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.