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Philosophy Debate Topics for Students — page 25

1,989 debate topics, students. 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. 1201.

    Hope is the only thing people can hold onto in despair

    For

    • Sure no problem. Why not debate it though?
    • extend

    Against

    • Thanks, I needed this for something
    • A person does not only have to hold onto hope to get out of their situation. Hope can be the key to survival, but just hoping won't do anything. Maybe a little more effort into getting out of despair will work, but clinging on hope will help less.
  2. 1202.

    Universal brotherhood matters more than patriotism

    For

    • I agree that we need internal brotherhood before universal but what does that have anything to do with patriotism? Definition for patriotism:Web definitions: love of country and willingness to sacrifice for it; That has nothing to do with loving for each other. Only our…
    • I will be arguing Pro for Universal Brotherhood. Yet, I don't believe World Peace is possible, I still wish it was and think it is important. Argument: Patriotism CAN lead to thinking one's country is supreme which leads to conflict. One could argue that Hitler and the Nazi…

    Against

    • My knowledgeable opponent you know what's going on in our country. There are lots of terrorism.....you know why, why it is....because we never make internal brotherhood. Our own politicians are not aware of what is going in the country, then universal brotherhood is very far…
    • I would like to inform you that when we are unable to achieve brotherhood even in our own society, our own nation...then how can we go further for universal achievement.....universal brotherhood is a very big platform. Firstly we have to create the feelings of patriotism in our…
  3. 1203.

    Nobody can understand a person better than that person themselves

    For

    • This time the whole argument has been lifted from here (http://intjforum.com...) and yet still hasn't responded to my case. In fact, it doesn't even affirm anything.
    • My opponent's entire argument is plagiarised. It is sourced here:. http://psycnet.apa.org...The paper he is sourcing is "SelfKnowledge of Personality: Do People Know Themselves? " also viewable here: . http://www.simine.com...Also, none of that is relevant to my case, and is…

    Against

    • sn't it the case that in the process of understanding yourself, you are understanding yourself as you imagine that you were as opposed to how you may have otherwise been and, more importantly, how you are in the present? The process of attempting to understand yourself would…
    • The intuition that we have privileged and unrestricted access to ourselves – that we inevitably know who we are, how we feel, what we do, and what we think – is very compelling. Here, we review three types of evidence about the accuracy of self-perceptions of personality and…
  4. 1204.

    Socialism is morally justifiable

    For

    • Opponent's concession:I'd like to point out that my opponent basically conceded that socialism isn't immoral. They said it right here in their second to last sentence in round 2:"Socialism in itself is not immoral, but modern day applied socialism, mandated without consent, is…
    • I can within the next 3 hours or so, so if you respond within that time and give me sufficient time to respond, then I can tonight. Otherwise, I'll respond tomorrow probably 18-20 hours from now.

    Against

    • Firstly, thanks for accepting. I'd like to start with the standard definition of socialism, to clear up any confusion and establish the base of my attacks and points. Socialism is by definition a political and economic theory of social organization that advocates that the means…
    • Last guy I challenged was a troll- 5 Rounds, no BOP, debating as to whether or not socialism is a moral political philosophy, both in theory as well as practice. Con- Socialism is immoral Pro- Socialism is moral
  5. 1205.

    Life is pointless for the average person

    For

    • Whether or not they believe their life is pointless is moot. The debate topic is that in the large scale, the average person is forgotten in the lesser part of a century. Therefore in the end, the average Joes life is pointless. I think my life has a point but the best source…
    • I will first like to apologize for not posting. I lost track of time. "[E]veryone has the ability to make it big no matter where they are from." This is technically true however this is an extreamely rare case. But even if this happens, those people do not end up in the…

    Against

    • E]veryone has the ability to make it big no matter where they are from." This is technically true however this is an extreamely rare case. But even if this happens, those people do not end up in the histiry. Given enough time, though they will not end up in the history books.…
    • I would like to say that since Dr. Noble failed to post anything all my points go un-refuted. My points again were as follows: Everyone can make it rich so being an "Average Joe" doesn't really mean anything. The people we call "Average Joes" are our main workforce, without…
  6. 1206.

    Human nature is fundamentally good

    For

    • I forfeit this debate. I think I picked an unfair topic. It seems impossible to refute.
    • Good point, however, that does not refute the confirmation bias.

    Against

    • Confirmation bias is difficult to refute, as few people are sufficiently open-minded to accept all ideas and information at face value. With extremely opinionated people, this is doubly the case; they are often unwilling to admit the validity of an opposing or alternative…
    • On this debate, I propose that anyone with an opinion on human nature post an opinion, which I will subsequently refute. Rules: 1. No unsupported arguments or bland idealism. 2. No purely emotional arguments.
  7. 1207.

    Faith and reason are irreconcilable

    For

    • (1) Faith and Reason are Irreconcilable Faculties of Acceptance Faith, properly defined and understood is the acceptance of something for which there is no evidence. To have faith, then, is to believe and accept in the absence of evidence. To know, is to believe and accept on…
    • RESOLVED: FAITH AND REASON ARE IRRECONCILABLE.Background:It has been almost ten months since I have engaged in a debate, but this a topic that I am invested enough in to discuss at length with anyone who is up for the challenge.My interest in this topic began out of this forum…

    Against

    • I would just like to use a couple of definitions. Faith -- My definition of faith comes from Hebrews 11:1, "Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen. " (NKJV) As Pro is a Christian himself, using the Biblical definition is appropriate for…
    • I understand that the claims of Christianity are not on trial here. But saying that Christians have faith without any evidence is clearly incorrect. At least incorrect of a good number of Christians, and I would not trust a Christian to defend his faith who did not have any…
  8. 1208.

    Objective reality does not exist

    For

    • If reality is an illusion, then it isn't real, again by common usage. Using dictionary.com, I looked up illusion: 2.the state or condition of being deceived; misapprehension. 3.an instance of being deceived. In fact, I've shown that the very things my opponent calls real are…
    • My opponent invokes the sense of touch, and cognitive ability as evidence of reality, but they are neither. Consider that humans will likely one day have the ability to stimulate nerves in such a way that it fools the brain into thinking a computer generated object is real.…

    Against

    • Just because something does not follow the rules of general physics does not mean that thing is an 'illusion.' How are these things deceiving us? It would be our fixed notions of how things should act that are deceiving us. That gold atom is not deceiving us. General physics is…
    • My opponent has not bothered to define reality, either. We are therefore talking about what is 'real' as common usage would suggest. Common usage of the word is on my side. We are real, gold is real, etc. To not be real, something must not exist. This is by default definitions…
  9. 1209.

    Anthropocentrism should take priority over biocentrism

    For

    • I choose to forfeit this debate, as I do not plan on using DEBATE.ORG. I have found a better online debate community.
    • Thanks in advance to the person who accepts this debate. This was a recent UIL topic that I enjoyed debating and wanted to try it out as my first debate on this site. Ld Structure please (including CX) William Baxter, the Professor of Law at Stanford University, stated that…

    Against

    • My opponent has forfeited all but one of his rounds.
    • Please extend all arguments. By now, you have no other choice but to negate. Thank you
  10. 1210.

    Having no beliefs is a strength

    For

    • yes you win, its that easy
    • sure

    Against

    • My opponent has stated "sure" during his last round, implying he agrees with my prior statement.As far as debating is concerned, that counts as a concession.
    • I. ExtensionPro continues to bring up more irrational connections between words. Further harming his case, he fails to form as muhc as a single logical sentence.He has failed to rebut my refutations, therefore his intitial argument, and the round 2 carbon opy of it, remain…
  11. 1211.

    Rawls' veil of ignorance achieves justice better than Nozick's entitlement theory

    For

    • yup
    • = Road Map = 4. Road Map - duh 5. Framework - I will extend my framework, and show it preempts Con arguments. 6. Rebuttal - I will respond to Con's refutations in a line-by-line rebuttal 7. Highlights - I will highlight the important issues which may have been lost in the…

    Against

    • 1st contention; Application of a true veil of ignorance Applying a true veil of ignorance is not possible. We cannot make a pure objective decision. Even If it were possible it could not apply to justice. Contention 2: subjectivity vs. objectivity How is justice determined?…
    • =Road Map= 1. Rebuild my contentions. 2. Refute my opponents arguments. 3. Voting Issues. 1. RECONSTRUCTION: My opponent states in (a) on contention one, that I lack warrant of the inability to make totally objective decisions and offers the court room analysis. In response,…
  12. 1212.

    Kant's categorical imperative is superior to J.S. Mill's utilitarianism

    For

    • A. Any moral philosophy tries to grasp what is and what should be in terms of reality. J. S. Mill and his philosophy however are based on a major flaw with what is. He bases the ideal of Utility on happiness which means that individuals are classifying an act as good or bad.…

    Against

    • apply my arguments from before. because the pro has not refuted ANY of these points, they all flow con. because of this, you must vote con. HOWEVER, i would still like to hear the pro's response.
    • The pro did warn me that he might be unable to post his rebuttal. because of this, i would urge you to consider his next post (as long as he answers by the next one) as if it were on the previous round. I still contend i'm right for the reasons above.
  13. 1213.

    Happiness depends on standards and expectations

    For

    • "a shirt IS the color it is. It is a FACT that light of only certain wavelengths will reflect from the fabric in the shirt." It is true that only certain wavelengths will reflect from a fabric in a shirt. But the jump from this objective reality to the perception in the brain…
    • There are several things wrong with your argument You say that happiness has some objectivity because there is objectivity to pain and pleasure. But this statement is wrong. Take the example of a masochist. They enjoy pain during sex. They enjoy pain, therefore pain is…

    Against

    • "Frequencies and wavelengths of light are objective things. All observers will measure them to be the same." Exactly my point - what does it matter that you and I call the same color by different names??? Is the shirt blue or is it azul? This experiment by Asch depends on…
    • You attempt to poke holes in my argument by applying verbal technicalities doesn't work. In order to actually FEEL pain or pleasure, it must have a cause. Clearly, this cause cannot be subjective, else one would be able to simply create happiness out of nothing. And if this…
  14. 1214.

    Truth usually lies between two extreme positions

    For

    • This argument is about whether or not this statement is true: "Most truths in reality are not Black and White. Rather, most truth is somewhere in the middle of two extremes." When talking about 'black and white' and 'extremes' it refers to two very polar viewpoints on a topics…

    Against

    • My opponent, Pro has not presented any evidence or relevant premises to support his assertion, "Most Truth in reality is in the middle of two extreme options" and have forfeited the remaining rounds. I am justified in making the claim to vote Con. Thank you for your time and…
    • 2 + 2 = 4
  15. 1215.

    Science is ultimately based on faith

    For

    • The debate boils down to this . I say you canot prove reality to exist outside of our minds so all the experiments are based on faith that the world exists outside of our minds. I say science is based on the faith that our observations are true. My opponent says the world is…
    • My opponents argument goes like this : Quote: If we assume reality isn"t real then what"s the point of having physical bodies? If you belief that reality is not real, walk in front of a fast moving car, or jump from a 100 story building (matrix jump it). You will not do either…

    Against

    • My opponent"s augment is that since he does not know if the world is real or not, our experiments (science) are based on faith. The problem with this assumption is that premise A (science is based on faith) and premise B (world might be fake) does not equal premise C (science…
    • 1.Quote: "For your argument to make sense you have to prove that we have physical bodies" 1.Counter: We have physical bodies because we can (for the most part, since they sometimes take short cuts to help reduce stress on the brain) trust our senses. If you would like to say we…
  16. 1216.

    The problem of evil is a sound argument against God

    For

    • General criticismsContradictaries: In his response, Con, at various times, holds 3 distinct positions:(i) God cannot act to prevent gratuitous evil (denial of P1)(ii) God acts to prevent gratuitous evil and we know His means (theodicy)(iii) God's actions are completely beyond…
    • IntroductionIn this round, I'll be defending the argument I laid out in R1. Defending P1Put simply, P1 states that if God exists, gratuitous evils do not.This seems necessarily true. God, as defined, would have both the means and the motive to prevent this kind of evil, if He…

    Against

    • Contra-P1 Resolution ArgumentMotivation: Just because an agent has Love for his creatures presently, doesn't imply that there wasn't an overriding motivation necessary to instantiate such creatures in the first place. This prior motivation would require a resolution of divine…
    • Outline + All Sources + DefinitionsContra-P1 (Pro's Incompatibility Claim) Resolution Argument http://www.robkoons.net... http://debate.org... Prior Resolution of Divine Non-Interference *With Exceptions, [*R]: A contract whereby God's effective freedom to intervene in the…
  17. 1217.

    Debates are an unreliable source of truth

    For

    • Debates are unreliable sources of truth because the contenders contradict each others statements, no matter how smart ones argument is the other guy will probably contradict that with another smart sounding argument. Isn't all the debates out there enough proof. Sure there are…
    • 'The statement above is clearly false because by saying: My opponent is arguing. .. He has proven my point: In debates, what occurs is that one contender states his/her argument while the other states his/hers witch contradicts the statement of the first debater. The first…

    Against

    • I am not necessarily arguing that this debate is an unreliable source of truth. I am arguing that if this is an unreliable source of truth, then my opponent can't prove debates are an unreliable source of truth because his arguments are unreliable, and if this is a reliable…
    • My opponent is arguing that debates are an unreliable source of truth. Since this is a debate, my opponent is arguing that this debate is an unreliable source of truth, thus my opponent is arguing that what he is arguing in this debate is an unreliable source of truth. Since my…
  18. 1218.

    One moral system all humans ought to follow exists

    For

    • lol: give me conduct, but don't vote on anything else. I think that's fair. >:DBut on a serious note, vote CON. Good luck later on in teh tourney.
    • I am going to concede, partly because I am questioning the whole motion itself whenever I read it, but mostly due to personal lack of time. Too many debates, school starting, and other commitments are causing too many problems. Vote TUF.

    Against

    • Yes sir!
    • Thankyou Stephen_Hawkins for the honorable concession. I ask the voters share him a conduct point.I look forward to debating you sometime in the future.
  19. 1219.

    The phrase equal opportunity refers to probability, not possibility

    For

    • Con puts forward a good argument that shows why possibility should be accepted in the definition of Equal Opportunity (EO). However this debate is not about which word should be used in the definition the words individually, but rather what the phrase refers to.Take for…
    • Accept.

    Against

    • I. Probability doesn't make sense The literal Definition of "Equal Opportunity" is having the same quantity of favorable circumstances to create a possibility. (n) measure, quantity, amount (how much there is or how many there are of something that you can quantify) [1] I will…
    • (adj) equal (having the same quantity, value, or measure as another) . http://wordnetweb.princeton.edu...(n) opportunity (a possibility due to a favorable combination of circumstances). http://wordnetweb.princeton.edu...This debate was started over a disagreement of the meaning…
  20. 1220.

    Everyone should be treated equally under the law

    For

    • You may do whatever you want, but if you look in the comments you will see why.
    • Forfeiture.

    Against

    • I am unable to provide a defense.
    • I am unable to provide a rebuttal. May I ask why my opponent has forfeited?
  21. 1221.

    Humans cannot prove anything beyond their own existence

    For

    • I will start by debunking my opponent's claims. My Opponent: "Yes. What you don't understand is that when new discoveries are made the person is usually allowed to name them right there. If you want to define something which is blue as red go ahead. But you are wrong." My…
    • I will first start by undermining my opponent's arguments, then I will get to defending my own. My Opponent: "So how can I win against you at all if I can't even prove anything existence? " You should of thought about that before you accepted this debate, that's not my problem.…

    Against

    • "What I am basically trying to say is, just because we define something to be a certain way, does it make it that way? No." Yes. What you don't understand is that when new discoveries are made the person is usually allowed to name them right there. If you want to define…
    • So the idea is that I, as a Human Being, cannot prove anything beyond my own existence. First, I present the definitions of certain things: Human: http://dictionary.reference.com... Being: http://dictionary.reference.com... Existence: http://dictionary.reference.com... So Being…
  22. 1222.

    Selflessness does not exist

    For

    • Clarifications/rebuttals: "This is a fair statement, although morality is defined as "principles concerning the distinction between right and wrong or good and bad behavior." [1]. Just so we can be clear to a definitive, objective definition." This is a perfectly valid…
    • My opponent has offered several good points and examples, all of which add nuance to the discussion and require a somewhat deeper analysis than my earlier points. They lead excellently into my next points by introducing another essential factor of decision making, specifically…

    Against

    • Continued Rebuttals: "This is a perfectly valid definition, though I feel the need to emphasize how this demonstrates that morality itself is not objective, because it inherently relies upon subjective terms like "right and wrong" or good and bad"." I wasn't suggesting that…
    • Intro: For my rebuttals I will just take out snippets from Pro's most recent entry as there is a lack of structure to address point by point. Rebuttals: "The concepts of morality and ethics only have meaning with respect to a specific goal. For most of humanity, this goal is,…
  23. 1223.

    It is impossible to know anything with absolute certainty

    For

    • The statement that you believe to know with absolution is that 'it's impossible to know anything with absolution', or that you can't know anything without doubt. You also stated that not knowing if we're right or wrong doesn't dictate if we're right or wrong. But the argument…
    • You have provided little evidence for your original statement. You assumed that either something else could be proved through, witch would obviously mean you win, or nothing can be proved through, making the original statement true. But since you haven't provided evidence for…

    Against

    • This is going to be the easiest round in my life. My opponent is pro for the resolution "It is impossible to know anything with absolution". My opponent said at the end of his last round". .. , but it isn't impossible that we might know something with absolution". Effectively…
    • Sad day, another forfeit.
  24. 1224.

    Utilitarianism is an untenable moral theory

    For

    • The Mere-Addition Paradox P1 - According to Utilitarianism, a society with more total pleasure is preferable to a society with less total pleasure. Ex. A society with 100 hedons is preferable to a society with 99 hedons. For an explanation of how hedons are calculated under…
    • Full resolution: That the consequentialist theory of ethics known as Utilitarianism is false in all of its forms.Definitions:Consequentialism: Any normative theory which states that the ethical course of conduct is necessarily the one which produces the best…

    Against

    • Refutations:Mere Addition ParadoxP1 – Conceded.Ex. N/AP2 – Rejected.Ex. Inferiority or superiority is a measure of worth of an object. Utilitarianism states that the action which produces the greatest overall pleasure is the most ethical action. This does not specify whether or…
    • I eagerly accept, and look forward to a fascinating debate.
  25. 1225.

    Conditional statements can be true even if their conditions are false

    For

    • (Since Mangani has declined to accept this challenge 3 times, even while boldly and falsely proclaiming that my YECS argument's major premise is not true, and I am currently advised that he is not accpeting challenges at this time, I am opening up the challenge to anyone who…
    • I recently affirmed the proposition offered here again for your consideration. Some seemed to be lulled into believing that posted, incomplete effort by TSH rebutted my simple truth claim regarding the fundamental, true principle accepted amongst critical thinking authorities…

    Against

    • A. The resolution, that conditional statements may be determined to be true whether or not the conditions are true, is interpreted to mean the following:"ALL CONDITIONAL STATEMENTS MAY BE DETERMINED IRRESPECTIVE OF WHETHER OR NOT THE CONDITIONS ARE TRUE"Note that "determined"…
    • Conditional statements can allow people to argue from positions that are not their "home turf" I love them. It is my contention that conditional statements are neither true or false but rather valid or invalid At the core it is the difference between "fact" and "belief". This…
  26. 1226.

    A glorious defeat can be more valuable than victory

    For

    • Some situations where surrender works where futile struggle does not.
    • Accepting defeat for a greater victory.

    Against

    • Implies that you don't really care about your cause.
    • You'll block off your route to the Perfect Clear.
  27. 1227.

    Faith is not a valid basis for belief

    For

    • ok, let me be specific, dictionary.com says faith is belief that is not based on proof i gave an example of how something that is belived to belive without any evidence is actually using evidence. now, i will admit that you win this debate if you can give me one example of a…
    • ok, when i say faith, i mean beliving something, anything without evidence many religious people say that you have to have faith to belive in god so they claim to belive in god without evidence. this isnt true because they do have what they belive is evidence, wether it be a…

    Against

    • "ok, let me be specific, dictionary. com says faith is belief that is not based on proof. " My definition stands above his for two reasons: 1>>> You cannot define words in the last round of a debate. It would be a shifting advocacy, in which case you reject the argument. 2>>>…
    • "ok, when i say faith, i mean beliving something, anything without evidence" He did not provide a definition in R1, so I provided one. This refutation here does not fit under the definition of faith for this debate and on top of that, I cite a source and he doesn't. All in all,…
  28. 1228.

    If omniscient beings exist, free will cannot exist

    For

    • You say that it is one thing for a ship to go 15 knots, while it could go 20, and for a ship to go 10 knots because it cannot go 15. If God knows that the ship will go 15 knots, and because he is not fallible, is it truly possible for the ship to go 20 in that same trip? If it…
    • I abstain from saying God because it is impossible for him to be omniscient and omnipotent. If x being is omniscient, then it knows the future. If it knows the future and, (let's assume x being is not fallible) is never wrong, then it knows y event will happen. For example, if…

    Against

    • Thanks fer' playin' http://www.youtube.com...
    • PRO has not addressed my first contention regarding foreknowledge, nor has he responded to my second contention regarding Molinism, either of which would be sufficient to negate the resolution. However, for the sake of the discussion, I'll respond to his objection regarding…
  29. 1229.

    The human soul exists

    For

    • "First lets decide what do you want the soul to be. Do you want it to be the processor, the hardware or the software? I am really confused. This debate can be immaterial as you cannot take this site out of this computer screen, but will it mean it has a soul?" I'm saying the…
    • The Immaterial Soul Well yes I'll agree with you that the immaterials might be stored in our brains. But this doesn't mean that they aren't immaterials because they're stored somewhere. Numbers are abstracts that physically don't actually exist. Like the shapes "1, 2, and 3"…

    Against

    • First lets decide what do you want the soul to be. Do you want it to be the processor, the hardware or the software? I am really confused. This debate can be immaterial as you cannot take this site out of this computer screen, but will it mean it has a soul? As for knowledge…
    • Well so you define the soul as an immaterial part of us. You account knowledge, belief, thoughts etc. for the existence of soul. But then all these go on in our brain, how do we know soul actually carries on, and is not just another idea? As for my question about memory, what I…
  30. 1230.

    The burden of proof lies with the side taking a controversial position

    For

    • stand4something has not only committed completely unwarranted ad hominem, but has clearly missed the point of this debate. I ask him to concede and to apologize for his outlandish behavior. The winner of this debate is clear. I shall say no more.
    • This is my opponent's first debate on this website, so I understand if he is confused. However, that does not distract from the fact that my opponent has not addressed my resolution. He believes that my position is that "One debater always has a greater burden of proof than…

    Against

    • uh oh...my opponents feathers are a little ruffled......perhaps he is attempting to distract you from the fact that he has no substance surrounding his resolution. The winner of this debate is clear. PoeJoe believes that he can make a confusing claim about the RULES of debate,…
    • OK. .. .this probably isnt the most entertaining debate on this site. .. .primarily because my opponent isnt very sophisticated in the arena of communication, and we have a pretty sloppy dialogue here. By the way, contrary to my opponents observation. .. this is not my first…
  31. 1231.

    Anarcho-capitalism is not a form of anarchism

    For

    • Opening Argument:As stated in the introduction, my premise is that:1) Anarchism is (and will be in this debate) defined as: opposition to authority and hierarchy.2) Capitalism is centered around hierarchy.3) Meaning, anarchism is inherently anti-capitalist.4) Thus,…
    • Because of full forfeit from my previous opponent, I have decided to make a second attempt at this debate. I have made it impossible to accept, so if you're interested then leave a comment saying such. Introduction:This debate will be centered around the idea that…

    Against

    • My opponent's arguments are predicated on a number of axioms that he uses to draw his conclusion. Unfortunately, both of his premises are invalid. His first premise is that anarchism is anti-hierarchical. However, anarchism is not anti-hierarchical so much as it is…
    • I accept. Thank you for challenging me to this debate.
  32. 1232.

    All altruistic behavior is ultimately self-interested

    For

    • Altruism: the belief in or practice of disinterested and selfless concern for the well-being of others.In order for an action to be truly altruistic the action must be committed with the intention to help someone else without considering the benefits for one self. If an action…
    • I must try to be brief. There really is no proof for anything so all of my statements are therefore just assumptions based on logic. But they are assumptions backed up by a lot of evidence. Some of them will be bold. Criticize if you wish.Your question P.S.2: There is nothing…

    Against

    • You seem eager to learn but you seem too anchored in your logical view of the world. Logic, as I said, is deterministic. Given inputs will only lead to the same output using logic...otherwise our logic system will be inconsistent. Therefore if we are to debate any subject…
    • I will start with the end as it is easier. :) You have presented an argument related to some neurological explanation of Psychological egoism. However, you are misleading our audience, if any (ok, it's true, you are suppose to do that in a debate, but so am I suppose to…
  33. 1233.

    Human beings are not necessary

    For

    • When dinosaurs existed the world was doing perfectly fine and after dinosaurs existed the world was doing perfectly fine but then humans the mighty humans /people had to come and ruin the world us vampires wolves and witches created. So the world you peoples created will never…
    • People just take up space in the world and they are causing global warming. People also have really negative vibes causing the world to spin slower than before.People make work hard and so that's why I think they are unnecessary!

    Against

    • People are necessary, the world would most definitely thrive without us but in many ways it would also die. You wouldn't be here to post this debate without people. You are a person you live you breath, you and the trees are in sync creating a cycle and balancing out the world.…
    • Yeah and I'm a cat, we all wish and hope, don't get false hope. For everything there is a season and now is the season for humans, dinosaurs season is over. Live in the now and don't discriminate the humans we are necessary. We help the Earth thrive on the inside even though at…
  34. 1234.

    Objective moral absolutes exist

    For

    • Absolute truth exist.

    Against

    • IM STILL HERE SON.ALL THEM MOTHA TRUCKAS TRYNA HOLD ME BACK.BUT I IS A FIGHTA, I IS A SURVIVA.I STOOD UP TO THAT WACK ATTACK.Anyway, thats my closing statement.
    • Stiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiilllllll here
  35. 1235.

    Human lives are not predetermined

    For

    • Any further points to make, Shyamjaxsnipe?
    • Okay so if I'm understanding you correctly, I think you're basing it on the presupposition that fate exists - then you go into what exactly fate is, In this case involving previous/future timelines and how these things relate to karma. I'm a little confused as to what your…

    Against

    • In order to understand the purpose of this debate you must understand the definition of fate. There is of course a dictionary definition for fate, But of course many people have different ideas of fate. I believe fate is the determination of your future, But not just in this…
  36. 1236.

    Social contract theory legitimately grounds political authority

    For

    • From my original two contentions, I think this debate has come down to three key areas of clash. The first two are the issues I identified last round - the reciprocity and consent of social contracts. The third is whether individuals have recourse. What has NOT been an issue of…
    • I must admit I'm a bit spooked by the notion that he's anticipating what I'm about to write. I wonder if his crystal ball has any accuracy. .. I said I would argue two points, which together hold that people agree to the mutual forfeiture of rights. The reciprocity and…

    Against

    • Sorry lol, I meant anticipating as in looking forward to them. .. My argument per the historical social contract has been and remains that, given no example, this remains a theoretical concept. In addition, your contention that all states operate this way is weakened by this. I…
    • Thank you for accepting larz. I will address your arguments in turn. 1. Laws are an exercise of the mutual forfeiture of rights I agree that law is a limit on what you may do, that seems elementary. However, your argument that law (and only law) can remove your rights, let…
  37. 1237.

    Good and evil do not objectively exist

    For

    • http://en.wikipedia.org...The terms of good and evil which I will use in order to avoid confusion are:Evil-Profoundly immoralGood-To be desired or approved of. In other words to be morally right.Moral- Principles concerning between right and wrongSource of definitions:…
    • Round 1) AcceptanceRound 2) Main ArguementRound 3) Each Side Gives RebuttalsRound 4) Answer to Rebuttals, Final Arguement

    Against

    • =Arguments extended= I think the vote should be obvious.
    • It seems my opponent has deactivated his account. Arguments extended.
  38. 1238.

    Reality is no more important than fantasy

    For

    • Ok to summarize my debate:Reality is no more important than Fantasy. I state this due to the following reasons. Firstly, Fantasy gives us purpose. Con stated that without Fantasy we would still have the purpose of surviving. However I argue that is neither a purpose, nor is it…
    • You state that without Fantasy we would still have the instinctual desire to survive. Tell me, what makes this desire to survive? What makes us have this instinct? Where does it come from? Freud argued it came from our desire of Pleasure vs Pain and our desire to Reproduce so…

    Against

    • In closing I would first like to inform my opponent, Pro that my position as Con, does not have the BOP, nor do I have to present an argument as to why Reality is MORE important. My position only has to disprove the BoP you put forward and offer my warrants for doing so. Lol.…
    • "You state that without Fantasy we would still have the instinctual desire to survive. Tell me, what makes this desire to survive? What makes us have this instinct?" You stated that our abilty to fantasize gave us purpose, that this purpose set us apart from the animals. I…
  39. 1239.

    Fear is a key ingredient of success

    For

    • Fear is an element that each of us face in different ways, and at many intervals during the course of our lives. We may suffer fear of physical confrontations, emotional clashes, personal and professional setbacks, declining physical or mental capacities. When undertaking an…
    • In general, people who are successful are those who have learn to take risk. In the business world, those who earn more money are those who have learned how to take greater risk. The concept of overcoming fear is based on the fact that people should learn how to get out of…

    Against

    • My opponent has returned! Huzza! The debate continues! I'm going to address what he wrote in the last round, and then explain why I won this debate. Regarding my Opponent's last Round: PRO claims that fear is "an element that each of us face" which stems from various kind of…
    • It seems my opponent is no longer with us... how dreadful. Extend all arguments.
  40. 1240.

    Compatibilism about free will is false

    For

    • Summary of dropped arguments. Con seems to have dropped his points arguing from both his point regarding determinism's relationship to the initial conditions of existence as well as the point regarding whether or not knowledge of something about to happen is compatible with…
    • First, I'd like to point out that Con has not really attempted to refute my argument. He has not challenged either the validity of the argument or the soundness of the premises. Con simply states that he doesn't think there's any reason for them to be incompatible. That's what…

    Against

    • I have a simple contention:It could be determined that we have free will. Also, entire justice system is pointless if this isn't true.That's pretty much my conclusion.
    • No, the concept of determinism isn't to deny free will.I shall explain my points and refute yours simultaneously.If X causes Y to happen then X has caused Y to happen. Yes, no worries, you will let go of the apple "X1" and the apple feels gravity "X2" then this makes "Y" the…
  41. 1241.

    Morality is subjective

    For

    • In my last round I will give a rebuttal to my opponent's case and simultaneously further my own arguments. Rebuttal Law of Nature (A2) My opponent seems to argue we cannot have moral disagreement, unless morality is objective. Here my opponent offers no justification whatsoever…
    • Extending all arguments.My opponent has violated the rules of conduct, to which he agreed to by accepting this debate. The opening arguments are to be made in Round 2, as was stated in Round 1. It's a shame my opponent has not complied with the arrangement of this debate, as I…

    Against

    • Law of Nature (A2)You did get the main point that in order to debate about morality there must be some correct objective morality. To respond to the idea if we all had the same standard there would be no quarrelling, people disagree on solutions to arithmetic problems too, but…
    • I will show how this fits in later, but now to my opening arguments. Affirmations 1. Law of Nature There is an objective morality that everyone understands including children and adults in the words of C. S. Lewis It looks, in fact, very much as if both parties had in mind some…
  42. 1242.

    Nothing can be known through empirical evidence

    For

    • I suppose that my opponent decided that he was not actually apposed to my position. Well I will write this so as not to forfeit.
    • I believe you may be mistaken as to exactly what I'm proposing. My argument is against empirical knowledge, not knowledge generally. You know that you are a perceiver and that as such you perceive images of something that resembles an outside world. Also logic presumably you…

    Against

    • Solipsism is a basic exception to this philosophically popular argument. Neitzsche originally got it from Berkely who also argues against the certainty of knowledge because of perception. However, solipsism, the belief that the only thing that can be proven is MY mind and its…
    • My argument is that the knowledge of the self that I have been advocating is, in fact, empirical. I have to experience things and processes in order to "know" myself. This is empirical data. Next, if we are concerning the outside world, the argument about relational properties…
  43. 1243.

    Might is right in times of weakness and turbulence

    For

    • Before I proceed to present anymore evidence specifically for my case, i will have to show, as DrySponge said, that power is the greater over liberty.Ask yourself this, since when has liberty been taken, before power has supported it? The answer is it never has been. Power and…
    • The republic was weak and corrupt in ancient Rome. Though I do not in the slightest agree with Hitlers idea of what makes a superior being, the truth is that the Weimar Republic was weak as well. Whether or not you agree or disagree with either of these men and their ideologies…

    Against

    • My oponenent has the BOP. He has to prove that Might is right in time of instability. I only have to disprove his points. First my opponent puts power over liberty as I see it for him being powerfull is more important than being free. Of course most people do not agree hince…
    • First I'm not the best english writter since it's not my native language. Mighty people should not take power because there mighty. People should take power because there elected. I suppose my oponent means when there is a crisis a man should take complete power to solve it. I…
  44. 1244.

    Without negative emotions there can be no positive emotions

    For

    • I have to admit I had never thought from your angle before and I hope I don't end up contradicting myself. I think I can persuade the readers to my view but if not then perhaps you will have persuaded me. So lets get started. SUMMARRY OF CON'S ARGUMENT: He's stating that…
    • This is a philosophical debate. My argument is that if nobody in the world was ever sad, angry, annoyed, etc. there could be no happiness. As far as I see it you can't have positive without these negative emotions. If you were permamently happy then you wouldn't be happy. You…

    Against

    • Thank you crackofdawn for your well-thought out response. My opponent started by outlining two possible situations in which my argument works. I agree that situation "a" is illogical. I disagree that situation "b" is illogical. Situation "b" is that humans can feel no negative…
    • Thank you crackofdawn of starting this debate. My opponent argues that without any negative emotions, positive emotions become neutral. So happiness then becomes normal. And, without feeling sorrow, you cannot understand happiness. My opponent fails to realize there are degrees…
  45. 1245.

    Utilitarianism is less fair than it initially seems

    For

    • Morally Troubling Outcomes
    • Impossible to apply to non-humans

    Against

    • draws upon basic human needs
    • PROMOTES EQUALITY
  46. 1246.

    The end can justify the means

    For

    • Thank you so much, rougeagent21. One quick point before I get started, my user name is Lolagirl57; hence I am a girl and a "her". You referred to me as a "him". Sorry, but I felt a need to tell you that. Anyways, let me address some of the points you made about my points-…
    • The Greek writer Sophocles wrote "The end excuses any evil." In other words, the end justifies the means, and this is what I will be arguing. In this case, the end is the final result and the means are what you use or do to get to the final result. In simpler terms, this means…

    Against

    • Please extend all I have said. Given that my opponent has forfeited, I would urge a negative ballot. Thank you.
    • My argument this round will be short, sweet, and to the point. Lets begin by defining a few terms. The End- My opponent puts limitation on this as being right, moral, and correct. Excuses- pardons, makes amends for Any- Excluding none Evil- morally wrong or bad; immoral; wicked…
  47. 1247.

    The supernatural does not exist

    For

    • Thank you for the opening arguments. I begin with another definition of supernatural. Supernatural - unable to be explained by science or the laws of nature : of, relating to, or seeming to come from magic, a god, etc. [1] Here are the rules of scientific method: "Ask a…
    • Good luck.

    Against

    • most people assume supernatural = ghost or worse =imaginary being. They equate the two. however, looking closely at the definition we find that equation to be nothing more than a common slippery slope fallacy. Whatever is supernatural exists BEYOND the VISIBLE and OBSERVEABLE…
    • My resolution is that the supernatural exists. I am convinced that most believe that the supernatural cannot or does not exists, but in such belief are they found ignorant. I contend that by means of logic and rational, critical thinking about REALITY, one can surmise that…
  48. 1248.

    A creator of the universe exists

    For

    • My opponent doesn't realize he must post a case that supports his point of view(namely God doesn't exist). Proving God is unnecessary doesn't prove he doesn't exist, but even so I refuted those arguments as I will continue to do in this round. Russell's TeapotMy opponent brings…
    • My opponent has yet to post a case, refuting my arguments do not fulfill the BOP that he was given in the rules and confirmed in PM. While my opponents refutations are obviously false, it doesn't matter because my opponent has failed to justify his position. He must either…

    Against

    • Now, again, just because I didn't have a title saying "my case"; doesn't mean I haven't offered my argumentation. I have proven, scientifically, that the universe could have begun on its own accord, effectively making a creator unnecessary. A creator which needs not create…
    • First, however, I must address the matter of me supposedly "not posting" a case. Now, just because I don't have a huge title in bold capital letters saying "MY CASE", doesn't mean I haven't posted any argumentation whatsoever. As far as I recall, I explained why we know the Big…
  49. 1249.

    Consequentialism is superior to deontology in determining morality

    For

    • Okay, we can look to definitions in this debate as well as what actually come of it. For that reason, here are my official definitions: Deontological ethics: In deontological ethics an action is considered morally good because of some characteristic of the action itself, not…
    • 2nd round is a constructive case. 3rd round will be our only rebuttal. 4th round will be final statements and voters. No new ideas allowed since there will be no time to respond. Also, consequentialism is defined as looking to the ends of an action to determine its moral worth…

    Against

    • I will accept the challenge, and argue that consequentialism is not superior to deontological ethics in the determination of moral worth, but rather is equal to deontology, and not solely in regard to divining the 'goodness' or 'badness' of actions, but also in…
    • Hmmm... A forfeited closing round...anticlimactic :-( i suppose this argument really only had three rounds... Thanks to all who review and vote!!!!
  50. 1250.

    Empiricism and rationalism are both flawed theories of knowledge

    For

    • Hello. I would like to thank my opponent for accepting this argument, I hope to show that the two largest idealogies in episteomology are flawed and that a new way of looking at knowledge is needed. First, I will show the flaw's with Empiricism and to a lesser extent the whole…
    • This is a debate regarding Rationalism and Empiricism, two directly conflicting ways of gaining knowledge and of looking at the world. I will be arguing that though each of these theories have obvious pros to them, there are enough cons that we can confidently say that…

    Against

    • We've agreed to leave this a tie and redo the debate later.... with a 3 day argument deadline
    • I accept

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