Philosophy Debate Topics — page 27

2,288 debate topics, all ages. Debatable motions with arguments for and against. Open the arguments below, pick one at random, or present them full-screen.

All agesDebatePage 27 of 46

1301.
Invisible things can be seen
For
It is definitely camouflage, but suppose that the invisible man that we determine to be in the movies was actually just camouflaged. Under that, he can definitely be seen as the one in front of the objects without being noticed. You are seeing whatever he projects.
Okay, say that there is a vase behind a person, but the vase that you see happens to be part of someone that is projected for you to see while the person is camouflaged. When you look at the vase, what you are actually seeing is part of the person's body. It would kind of be…
Against
Sadly, PRO has again chosen not to post arguments. Not only has he failed to demonstrate that anything "invisible" can be seen, he has failed to demonstrate that, in the case of camouflage, we are seeing the item behind the camouflage.
I see that PRO has chosen not to make arguments this round. I will sit tight and wait for his final round comments.
1302.
Categorical imperatives do not exist
For
Thanks to Conservativepolitico for his response. Counter-Argument It appears that my opponent has cold-dropped my argument from Round 2 and has instead proposed a plan in which I rebut his, but he never rebuts mine (from Round 2). Furthermore, and more importantly, my…
IntroductionHuman beings do not obey moral laws like matter obeys the laws of physics. Physics sets laws in the form of boundaries. Thus obedience of these occurs within the realm of SHALL. (You SHALL do X, for there is no other option.) Obedience of moral laws occurs within…
Against
My opponent bases most of his counter arguments off of the fact that I gave no reaons for why these things exist. The Reason The idea of a categorical imperative exists when bound to an underlying moral force that connects all people together. For the sake of my argument we'll…
IntroductionIn order to fulfil the requirements of this debate I must show that categorical imperatives do indeed exist. To do this I will simply lay out the premise of a categorical imperative and show how it indeed does exist. I am going to lay out my argument here first.…
1303.
Modernity has done more harm than good
For
"1. Pornography is *not modern. You can see it from the ancient Egyptians to the Indians (even have temples devoted to sexual positions), etc." I'm talking about modern sex not sex that happened back in the Egyptians day and sex has changed over the last years. Right now I can…
I know I wan't really clear but yes i did mean modern sex and they desotry family and friends because its every where. There are subliminal messeges in alot of products (few examples: http://www.youtube.com... but not everything is sexual related). I meant all drugs that are…
Against
1. "I'm talking about modern sex not sex that happened back in the Egyptians day and sex has changed over the last years. Right now I can go to google and type in "porn" and get 218,000,000 links that deal with porn. Now if i can go to Google and find that many links in less…
1. Pornography is *not modern. You can see it from the ancient Egyptians to the Indians (even have temples devoted to sexual positions), etc. 2. Kids not paying attention in school is their own problem. Obviously if they pass the tests given in sex-ed class (after sex ed is…
1304.
Heroism is possible in the modern world
For
Considering pro has not made his/her position clear, I cannot post a sufficient argument.
Your position (Con) does not match the statement you gave above, but I will debate this to the best of my ability. As pro, I assumed I would be saying there are heroes in the modern world, but con seems to be saying that. I will debate which ever side my opponent does not…
Against
Many people, infact,believe that heroes existed only in the past .However, this belief is wrong because nowadays there are many heroes such as doctors,firefighters, etc they are all saving our lives so anyone can be a hero in the modern world
1305.
Language meaning is entirely relational
For
ttttttttttea
prose?
Against
Your poor prose means nothing you cowardly cunt.
Tea? What are you babbling about now you filthy whore? Just get it over with and bleach your insides. The world will be bettered by one less moronic cunt. I pity your children, that is, if that hole between your legs actually allowed admittance to a human member. I'd imagine…
1306.
Morality is objective and universal across cultures and eras
For
In spirit of the debate, I will also only refute Con"s arguments and not create new ones. Con suggests that my proof of a single intrinsic moral is "incredably vague" and that it is flawed insofar as individuals will develop their own views on morality around it. I don"t deny…
First I will state my argument, then I will respond to my opponent's arguments. Self-evident truths People make moral evaluations about phenomena all the time, usually based upon justification by appealing to a more basic moral evaluation. For example, one may say 'The death…
Against
I shall now offer my Rebuttals. As he will not have the chance to counter any new cases, I shall only rebute. Counter-Argument I: Self-Evident Truths Pro has attempted to convince us that because all morals derived from a singular intrinsic moral. The problem with this moral…
Before I begin, I feel I should give the definitions we shall use. Morality: Principles which concern the distinction between right and wrong. Subjectivity: Based on, or influenced by, the the personal feelings, tastes, or opinions of the person or group of people in question.…
1307.
All conscious beings are fundamentally one
For
Since the last debate of this same title wasn't going anywhere, and you said in the comments that you were interested in discussing this topic, I'd like propose we discuss this topic together. See if we can make some interesting headway. To get some grounding I'll state points…
Cheers again CaptainShiny Thanks for the Ship of Theseus"link, it exactly sums up the paradox I was toying with and cheers for pointing out the trap I had set for myself where I contradicting myself in the beginning. I won't use this round to debate further because the debate…
Against
Well all right then. First off I'd like to say that I come from a heritage of both pagan and taoist beliefs, in which this idea, in some shape or another, is a central concept, so I've been having this discussion for a while. Unfortunately, though, I don't believe the…
Alright, we'll call that a wrap. That was certainly engaging, and I'm more than happy to continue down any tangents you fancy starting, they all look fascinating. I would probably agree for the most part with that article. Thanks for an awesome debate!
1308.
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.
1309.
Forcing equality on society is immoral
For
Definitions: Equality: the state of being equal - the state of all qualities between two or more entities being the same (at least in a particular area). Force: The use of private or governmental coercion would be considered to be the use of force. Morality: The field of study…
My opponent forfeited - please just vote for a tie or don't vote at all. I don't deserve having this count towards my wins.
Against
i accept the challenge, fellow debater. however i would like to propose my definition of equality as a state of society where every person has equal opportunities for his goals
1310.
The principle that something cannot come from nothing is well supported
For
To be honest my opponent won this.
Same to you.
Against
My opponent in his last round said "same to you". That doesn't address my objections sufficiently.
"t is okay but what I am saying is that no matter what you will keep thinking nothing is something..."How so? If nothing exists, then I think nothing exists. Not something. "...when in reality it's all an illusion because nothing and everything are just states of being."If…
1311.
Something created the universe
For
I believe the universe had to have been created by something. Logically, something (matter, the universe, anything) could not have come from nothing. At some point there has to be a "creator" that created the universe. The method of creating and what was originally created…
My opening remark was pretty clearly made in the first post, but I will restate. The existence of matter, energy, anything, everything had to have a start, it seems almost absurd to think that it could have just been there. A creating force outside our universe had to give…
Against
Ok, i'm in.
But why. :(
1312.
The analytic-synthetic distinction is not rational
For
A is A - ergo, I have fulfilled my BOP. I extend all previous arguments. I win the debate. Q.E.D.
My opponent argues that, since "bachelor" can be substituted for "unmarried man" in the proposition "a(n) bachelor is an unmarried man", the proposition is true by definition, and, therefore, tautological. He then goes on to say that "all bachelors are messy" is not analytic…
Against
My opponent's argument rests on the assumption that there is no difference between analytic and synthetic propositions. If I could come up with a way to systematically and objectively separate propositions into two categories, and if those categories perfectly matched the…
An analytic proposition is essentially a tautology. For example, saying that a bachelor is unmarried is like saying an unmarried man is unmarried, because "bachelor" literally means "unmarried man". An analytic proposition is thus in some sense unnecessary, because it says…
1313.
Moral nihilism is a defensible ethical position
For
1.) The Apology...First off, I would like to apologize for not posting a previous round, and sincerely thank Con for being accommodating. 2.) Scientific MoralityThese debates I like to think of more as a discussion. I found it very interesting how morality is now being analyzed…
These past few days, I've been insanely burdened with work. I humbly ask that I be able to forfeit this round, as I have a lot of pressing matters to attend to. The next round I will post an argument, but not in this one.
Against
Thanks Pro for your short rebuttal. However, I regret to say from Pro's questions my opening may have caused some confusion. I'm not sure how to answer Pro's question about "Objective morality." "Objective morality" and "moral nihilism" are metaphysical constructs. Metaphysics…
Thanks for bringing an important subject to the debating floor. In our modern age, the scientific method has become inseparable from human endeavor; hence, the subject of morality is now under the microscope of science. I take the Con position relative to "Moral Nihilism is a…
1314.
Less intelligent people are generally happier
For
My opponent has forfeited his round. Vote Pro. Forfeit, you lose.
I hope that this will be a fun one, as this is my second debate. First, let me address my opponent's arguments. "Self critique can lead to advantages later. It may push to do more with your life then settle for what's ever around. " I agree. Self critique can lead to advantages…
Against
According to a scientific, pchycological study, stupid people seem to be more happier, hence the famous quote "Ignorance is bliss". The studies in social science are not that credible. They could never know if people are actually feeling happy all the time; dumb people may be…
1315.
Truth is the same as knowledge
For
you lose
have faith in your god
Against
your points are non existent just like your ding dong
Boi you and you're buck tooth havin arse if you say shart about the bible like that again ima quickscope you
1316.
Utilitarianism is the best available ethical theory
For
My argument, unrebutted, is here:. https://www.dropbox.com...My apologies for not posting it on DDO.
My opponent forfeited this round.Extend my arguments.
Against
I accept the terms and look forward to finally starting this debate. It should be quite an interesting one...
J'accepte
1317.
Humankind is a parasitic species
For
Thank you Con. To quote yourself "Pro seems to think that his new definition has somehow won him the round" I'm afraid Pro's definition has been the same from the initial argument: "Humankind or mankind are a parasitic species" This has not changed therefore please retract this…
Thanks for your input. I have to accept your definition of a "parasite" but if you read my statement closely you will see my reference to humankind is that of "parasitic": Parasitic: 1. Of, relating to, or characteristic of a parasite. So my argument stands that we are "like a…
Against
================== =The Definition of Parasite= ================== (Provided by PRO) Parasitic: Of, relating to, or characteristic of a parasite. (Provided by CON) Parasite: an animal or plant that lives in or on a host; it obtains nourishment from the host without benefiting…
Pro seems to think that his new definition has somehow won him the round. I fail to see how; it changes nothing. We kill the environment, we kill animals, we kill all that benefits us. That's PRO's own argument. This makes us fundamentally different from parasites. Parasites…
1318.
Nothing is universally good or bad
For
I've been trying to explain this to you, but it seems like you may not be understanding what I'm trying to say. In the eyes of the law, yes, bank robbing is bad. But, in the eyes of the robber, bank robbing is good. Neither of those two things alone or together are universal.…
I would like to start by saying that those definitions may be in their own respect completely solid, but the way people use those definitions to define other things is very skewed. To go back to what my opponent said about Robbing a bank: The robbing of a bank may be bad for…
Against
I'm going to go ahead and break down this entire debate by using the title. 'Nothing is universally good or bad.' Universal- adjective: used or understood by all. What pro is purposing then is that nobody can understand what good is, and nobody can understand what bad is.…
This debate is getting to repetitive, and i frankly am losing interest, however i don't see how somebody can agree to two different definitions, and still try and claim they are the same. There is a definition for good, there is a definition for bad. The bank robber, in the…
1319.
Idealism should be valued over pragmatism in conflicts
For
Via forfeit extend all arguments....
This debate brings up the old questions of: Is it better to aim high, and not reach, or to aim at average and reach it? Is it better to be good or fair? Is it better to be optimistic or pessimistic? If you are good you see people can change. If you are fair you value absolute…
Against
Edmund Spenser once said "He that strives to touch the starts, oft stumbles at a straw. "[1] It shall be my job to prove the truth of this statement as we look at idealism, pragmatism and the conflict that they present. Before beginning, it is imperative to understand the…
R2 is for constructive speeches. R3 is for rebuttals. R4 is for closing arguments. This is a philosophical debate in the Lincoln Douglas style. Please ask any questions you have BEFORE accepting the round.
1320.
The human soul likely does not exist
For
I have chosen Peili for this debate.The Human Soul Likely Doesn't ExistDefinitions:Human Soul: the spiritual or immaterial part of a human being that enables them to be aware of the world and their experiences, to think, and to feel; the faculty of consciousness and thought.…
My Case Against the Soul It seems Con misunderstands all three principles. Some is a trivial misunderstanding, others are a critical misunderstanding. P1: Con agrees this principle is sound, yet says it's unimportant. I wouldn't call it unimportant, because if this principle is…
Against
While I think that Pro is being overly strict with the guidelines for debate, I will honor his approach. This round is for defense of my original argument, which I did (apparently incorrectly) in round three. There is no need to restate that defense in detail. I will close with…
Thank you for your well thought out response. First let me look at Pro"s opening argument. P1 seems sound, but unimportant. Yes, the physical brain sends signals to the body which cause the body to move. That is not in question. The question is if the actions originated in the…
1321.
Supporting life and creating change gives life its meaning
For
I see your point about prey not "giving itself up" to its predator, but my point is not about animal or human instinct but more or less why there is life and why life has any point; not whether death supports life. Therefore, wouldn't the only reason life continues be because…
If no living thing supported other life their would be no life. For example leaving a child in the wilderness but plants and animals could not support the child the child would have nothing to eat and therefore die. If plants could not feed other living things animals of all…
Against
My reponse in round two will suffice as a closing.... Thanks to all for reviewing!!!
You: I see your point about prey not "giving itself up" to its predator" Me: Cool You: but my point is not about animal or human instinct but more or less why there is life and why life has any point; not whether death supports life. Me: This is understandable, but not your…
1322.
The sword is mightier than the pen
For
RE: Only One Country Has Physical Dominance Coveny claims that because there is one country / government that is MOST dominant (i. e. , the USA) no other government can exhibit dominance. That is silly. China, Russia, North Korea and Iran are just a few examples of countries…
Coveny opens this debate by claiming the pen encompasses the sword, while the sword does not encompass the pen. That is wrong. Indeed it is the other way around. * * *Rebuttal - Part 1 1. Con's first point is that, "It is much more effective to follow the laws that have been…
Against
***Aside***Thank you for round 4, that was what I look for in a debate. Really wish rounds 2 and 3 would have been that good, but I'm greedy. :) I'd also like to offer you a moderator spot at ForDebating.com, just let me know if you're interested. Round 4 was awesome, thanks…
Pro is arguing "Note that I do not have to argue that physical dominance is always preferable or moral - merely that it is more EFFECTIVE than verbiage alone." Further stating "it is might: the power for physical dominance that compels people to EFFECTIVELY carry out the ideas…
1323.
The only thing to fear is fear itself
For
Alas, my opponent has forfeited. I thank him for the debate.
Well, Rolyatleahcim, first off, you have the weirdest screenname in the world. Regardless, you aren't proving the topic, because you aren't rebutting by disproof of the topic. The story about your little sister is explained under the scientific research I provided. Let me do…
Against
My little sister has an irrational fear of spiders. This was started one day when she saw my mom scream bloody murder when there was a spider on our kitchen table. My little sister was not afraid of my moms fear but only at whatever the spider represented that my mom was so…
I am arguing against the statement "The only thing to fear is fear it self." Scientist have shown that when you are in danger, say a lion is standing in frount of you, you have a an automatic fight or flight response and your brain quickly releases adrenalin.
1324.
Destiny is a matter of choice, not chance
For
That was indeed a rather strong argument Con and it would have been effective HAD I said that destiny was equivalent to our desires but I had not and it is not. My definition defines that destiny is "a predetermined course of events [caused by an act of choice] often held to be…
As my Resolution is posted above, I will begin by quoting Merriam-Webster's dictionary to eliminate all sources of personal bias or otherwise opinionated versions of the definition. M. W. states that destiny is "a predetermined course of events often held to be an irresistible…
Against
Any event is indeed caused by some kind of action, any action is an act of will, and will is merely a choice. But is it possible to say with absolute certainty that any specific event will occur in the future? No, it is not. Maybe we would be able to say destiny is a matter of…
Destiny is a matter of chance. If destiny is your choice, than it is within your control. Destiny by definition is something (an event, or a series of events) that will inevitably occur in the future. Nobody can ever be sure that something(s) will inevitably happen in the…
1325.
A maximally great being exists in no possible world
For
Rebutting My Opponent"Of course, there is a vast difference between "possible" and "imaginable.""I would disagree to a certain extent. A sphere is the most round object anyone can imagine but it is also the most round object possible. Also, a perfectly round square is…
Refuting My Opponent's Argument"My opponent suggests that if the MGB exists, it must be perfect because perfection is greater than imperfection. This sounds accurate at first glance, however we must remember that the definition of maximally is "the greatest or most complete or…
Against
So I shall address some of them (but keep it short) and then summarize the debate, before passing on to the voters. The important thing to note is that, while in R3, my opponent concluded that "Perfect" was limited to what is possible in that it only applies to what is possible…
I'll break this down into two segments, first, a summary of the important parts of my opponent's argument, and second, a continuation of my argument. First, I thank my opponent for clarifying the word "perfect. " There are many different views of the word, ranging from nothing…
1326.
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…
1327.
The golden rule is unclear when applied in practice
For
"Physical intervention is only one way in which someone can intervene. For example, simply talking Bob is intervention, as John would be providing Bob with reasons not to do cocaine, but is still intervening that is still only one way of intervening. he could not intervene at…
you tried answering the hypothetical but there was no reason your answer was superior. he could intervene cause he views cocaine as wrong, or could not cause the guy doing it views it as non debateably okay. there is no clear answer to the question about what he should do given…
Against
Once again, Burden of Proof is on you to show that the Golden Rule is in fact unclear in application. It is not on me to show that it is clear. The arguments that you have provided do not affirm the resolution. Your main method of argument has been questioning. This is Shifting…
You've given no argument as to how my response is inadequete. In what way is it "inadequete"? "your whole response seems to revolve around how you seem to think you answered the hypo". How else is my response supposed to work?" he could intervene cause he views cocaine as…
1328.
Only the present is real; the past exists only as records
For
The future becomes the present.
I'm still saying it existED. Just that it's not, you know, THERE. Everybody knows this so I've won. Who can challenge that.
Against
future is ahead of now whenever you read these words on your screen its now
records is of what existed.. records exist to prove that
1329.
A personal first cause or necessary being exists
For
1)Whatever begins to or already exists has a cause/explanation for its existence, either in the necessity of its own nature or an external explanation. 2) The Universe has an explanation/cause for its existence, and that is grounded in God (a necessary being). 3) The Universe…
Against
I can't attempt to find flaws in my opponent's rebuttals if my opponent doesn't provide rebuttals.....
Pro's Argument: This is more of a FYI, but Pro's well-formed formula is a complete mess, and is hence logically invalid. I assume that premises 1, 3 and 5 are the premises with information (I.e. Require positive support) and premises 2 & 4 and the Conclusion follow deductively…
1330.
One is never the same person twice
For
I too hope that it will be fun. It seems to me that a large part of this debate depends upon how 'person' is defined. I will make a rudimentary definition, though I wish it to be clear, I am not adverse to amendments upon definitions. Person: A biological (physical) entity,…
I shall be arguing that with the passing of every second, every unit of time, even at every individual instant, one is a different person. To be fair, this shall act as a clarifying statement only, and the first round will be devoted only to acceptance, greetings, etc. Greetings!
Against
I hope that it will be a great learning experience for me. I accept the definition, and without more ado will go to the meat. .. The changes Pro is talking about actually has a probability to occur again. Low, I know, but still a probability. Thus it is possible that one can be…
I will assume that the BoP is on my opponent. I hope for a fun debate. I think this will have some use of semantics. I will not define them, leaving it to Pro to do so. Greetings!
1331.
Hedonism is ethically consistent
For
Unfortunately I do not have much time for this round and i apologize for that. I will not be talking about the ethics of hedonism but rather how i will be defining it. Feel free to contend this definition. You state that hedonism is pleasure vs pain. I do not disagree with this…
I have already done a similar argument, however it was unresolved and so i wish to repeat this argument and i hope it will be more successful. I will be arguing that hedonism is ethically consistent amd morally correct. I ask my opponent to take the position that hedonism is…
Against
The debate is about whether or not Hedonism is ethically consistent. This debate is not about if Hedonism could inspire a code of ethics.My case is tha tHedonism actually supports every single code of ethics except ones that involve suffering as the end-goal or pleasure as…
I believe, like Hedonists, that pleasure is UNDENIABLY the better outcome than pain when both are viable to get. I agree with this basis of Hedonism and I got not issue with it at all.What I'm going to do is explain that if you do not add another layer to your system, in other…
1332.
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…
1333.
Loving and losing is better than never loving
For
I was shocked and dismayed to learn that, contrary to his general air of respectability, Cuthbert is in reality a murdering nonce. Or is he? We have to question my opponent's statement and consider the possibility that he has a motive for tarnishing his brother's reputation…
The hero of this story is a young man: a modest, kind, intelligent, witty, charming, tall and handsome chap called Cuthbert. Cuthbert excelled at sport, drove a convertible sports car, lived in a penthouse apartment in central London and had a well-paid job. Now, one evening,…
Against
"I put it you, ladies and gentlemen, that my opponent and Felicity became lovers and when she was faced with divorce proceedings they conspired together to deprive Cuthbert of his fortune and use the money to set up a new life together."I have been found out by the ProYes its…
Cuthbert is no hero ladies and gentlemen, I am his younger brother and I have known him all my life, what people see on the outside is everything the Pro has described, but I for one have seen that Cuthbert for the kind of person he really is... I admit that his life was pretty…
1334.
The ends matter more than the means
For
"Please do not take examples of toilet or your bathroom." >Why not? My point stands. "these are my views on the topic-" >I would hope so... >Con plagiarized. Con copied and pasted the entire argument from here (thanks to Puck): http://www.soul-healer.com... "Read the other…
All that matters is the end result. For example- MY GOAL (END): I want to go to my bathroom. HOW I CAN DO IT (MEANS): 1) Walk 2) Crawl 3) Run CONCLUSION: It doesn't matter how I get to the bathroom, it only matters that I get there.
Against
Please do not take examples of toilet or your bathroom.Try to make the debate more serious.these are my views on the topic- Why the "Means to the end" is more important than the end? That is, how you try and realize a goal or desire will have a big impact on the scope of the…
It is the means which is important and not the final result.
1335.
What cannot be cured must be endured
For
In any of the cases above, whether or not the affliction could be "cured" was indeterminate. The original argument was not "I believe that anything can be overcome with human ingenuity, and thus nothing cannot be cured, making the aphorism functionally irrelevant", it was "I do…
I disagree with your statement of the basis that implies that the fight should be continued for wholly performative means, i.e. so that others won't look down on you, which, quite frankly, asserts that the person in the position has already conceded that what was unable to be…
Against
Let us rewind the time a bit, say some thousand years ago. What we find is that some cavemen hunting in the forest trying to gather food and fighting with nature for their survival. Now we come to our present time. We find human beings producing their own food and even making…
I do not agree with this philosophy that "what cannot be cured must be endured."I beleive in fighting up for one's life so that others don't take you for granted. So all the best to my opponent.
1336.
Imagination is more than a product of the physical brain
For
The reason is because children have more energy than adults and that why they can imagine things that adults cant see. But sometime Children who play imaginary games or listen to lots of fairy tales, stories read aloud from books, or tales spun by those around them tend to have…
Imagination is rea. Tots play pretend games and they believe in things like fairies exist. Unfortunately as children grow up they lose their imagination and they come a place where reality. Imagination is very important in everybody life.
Against
You posed the debate almost like a question "Is Imagination Real" but then support that with "imagination is rea (I'm assuming you meant real).Next you phrase "tots play "pretend" and they believe in things liked "fairy-tales" exist." (which in my mind that means they don't…
Is what we imagine real until we grow up? Why call this pretend if it's real? Kids can imagine differently than adults? And what they imagine is real until they grow up?
1337.
Karma is a psycho-spiritual reality for all conscious beings
For
Weak.
I will be using the same argument as I did the last time I initiated this debate: In the Buddhist tradition, Karma is a different concept than what we believe it to be in the West, and I'm trying to explain that. Karma is Sanskrit for Action, so when a Buddhist tells you that…
Against
Although I do agree with your side of the debate, I'll accept and take the con side just to explore this topic a bit more.
My opponent has failed to properly address the problem of slavery. He has failed to prove how a person born into slavery has consciously intended to experience mental anguish by being born into slavery. I believe that I have fulfilled my task in this debate which was to prove…
1338.
The ontological argument for God should be abandoned
For
I don't think that Con has replied to my argument though. Even if you consider the magical box a God, the argument can still be put forword by saying that the magical box prevents any OTHER Gods from existing, and thus the argument stands.A. Our understanding of the magical box…
I do see a major flaw in your argument.i) The illogical leap between B and C Imagine this. A magical box that is omnipotent, omniscience and omnipresent. This box has all possible power. It also has the amazing ability to prevent any deities from existing. The Ontological…
Against
The ontological argument is as follows:A. Our understanding of God is a being than which no greater can be conceived.B. Beings that exist are greater than beings that do not exist.C. Therefore, God exists.A justification of the leap between B and C is included below in the form…
Pro's logic is incorrect. Since God is defined solely in terms of power (our understanding of God is a being than which no greater can be conceived), the magical box he describes that "is omnipotent, omniscience and omnipresent[,] has all possible power[, and] has the amazing…
1339.
Humans possess an immortal soul
For
Firstly I would like to address the beginning of your argument which is totally contradictory and therefore invalid. Firstly a quote from yourself "Consciousness, not just our own but other higher mammals are a composite illusion created by the HUMAN brain". According to this…
Well the first thing that I will look at is your claim that buddhism has been teaching that our brains can produce the illusion of consciousness due to evolution. If this is not the case and you are simply stating that buddhism and modern science came to similar conclusions…
Against
Thanks Pro: Though First I'll take your Irrational Interjections into Account:# Pro's Statement: <"Firstly I would like to address the beginning of your argument which is totally contradictory and therefore invalid. "> No, because you consider it contradictory with your poor…
Thanks Pro:Your other concept was right, when re-reading my own statement after already posting it, I notices a passage had been accidentally cut and pasted above where it was meant to be. Giving you the incorrect impression that I claimed Buddhism knew of Evolution. I keep…
1340.
The non-aggression principle is a flawed moral position
For
I was seriously rushed for time in this response but I figured it was better to post something rather than concede it. I know I don't address all his points but I miscalculated on time so I'll just post some of the notes I have jotted down. 1A) I don't believe in meta-ethics.…
Addressing the earlier points: 1. NAP suffers similar pitfalls to other deontological theories. It fails to contextualize, and due to the variability of human experiences it can easily become morally incorrect to follow these maxims regardless of circumstances. Our reasoning…
Against
Let me begin by pointing out that Pro has dropped both of my constructive arguments - the justification for the NAP and the problems with relying on ethical intuition. This should mean an auto-win for me. To summarize Pro's case, he expects us to just agree with utilitarianism…
Pro's entire case just begs the question. He repeatedly asserts without justification that secular ethics is about maximizing utility. But why? I've offered arguments against this position while he has offered none for it. Moreover, Pro doesn't even take his own position…
1341.
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.…
1342.
Only the present is real
For
zzzz
without time experience cant exist, so experience is time I am me=space time being I am an all knowing creator, the only one that has ever been worshipped time is matter, as matter is space and space is time, like the invisible thing I breathe there is no time in the future and…
Against
Okay, then. All my arguments stand.
"without time there can be no experience, so experience is time" Our experience and consciousness is just a byproduct of matter and time. Time wasn't created specifically for our experience. Time probably wasn't created for any reason, actually. Experience is just a perception…
1343.
Humans can have a soul
For
I'll keep this short since my opponent is unable to respond.My opponents objection to the given definition of soul is an odd objection because it's ultimately an argument better represented by a linguist than anyone else. Why do we call anything by any name? Why is the word…
I was a bit concerned that I wasn't going to have time to respond to my opponent. There was a family emergency this weekend, and I only now, with 14 hours left, know that my opponent has forfeited, or had their account terminated for other reasons. I'll cover the objection to…
Against
The characters was mentioned for the voters, it was not a contention of debate. The first premise still begs the question, you have to assume that a soul exists in order to be able to evaluate it on the concept of freewill. Certainly, we cannot conclude based on the evidence…
3000 Characters Only, Unreasonably short. This argument will be focused on Quantum Indeterminism since it underlies his case. No explicit burden of proof is stated therefore I interpret the burden of proof is on the affirmative. The first premise of the argument is simply…
1344.
Moral right and wrong are subjective
For
To keep this fair, you may use your final argument to respond to my last post. I wish you the best of luck and hope that you return promptly. Good debate.
I hate to explain this to you, but the laws of nature described by physics are in no way analogous or synonymous with the concept of morals. McHitler can say "killing people for no reason is right" or "killing people for no reason is wrong" as well as having no opinion on the…
Against
Sorry I forgot I was in this debate.I hate to explain this to you, but the laws of nature described by physics are in no way analogous or synonymous with the concept of morals.You misunderstand. Morals proposed by man are descriptions of an objective moral law. Invalidating…
How does that prove subjectivity? Man still has his own will in objective morality he can make up morals, but that doesn't refute objective morals. A subject like physics has objective truths and a man can come around and say doing physics this way is correct. He is wrong…
1345.
John Lennon's song Imagine describes a desirable utopia
For
(I note that my opponent says I made an argument without supporting evidence. I'll try to correct that, but I cant suppress You Tube thumb nails, so the page looks rather ugly. I apologise, and hope the readers can parse out where the links should go.) Well, first- it is a fact…
Thank you for offering this debate, I am happy to accept. Among other things, it gives me an excuse to listen to this extraordinary song again, and to clear up a misconception Con holds in common with many people who criticize atheistic/ skeptical/ free thought. John Lennon…
Against
Firstly, I still very firmly believe that noting to kill or die for does mean no point in living. My opponent mentioned that no nation can make you die for anything. What if you want to die for your nation? What if you want to give up your life to protect your country? My…
Lyrics to the song are in the following link: http://www.lyrics007.com... Imagine has ranked as the number 23 song in the UK in the year 2000. It's been played on New Year's Eve in 2005 before the ball drop. It's been played in all countries around the world. Whilst this may…
1346.
The argument that the universe is obviously designed is flawed
For
I don't think I articulated my argument well enough. If there is a supreme designer (in the traditional triomni conception), then there is no such thing as a nondesigned thing. You cannot point to the paint spill and say that it is an example of a non-designed thing because an…
All rounds are for argumentation. I will first bring up the point that this argument is impossible, because if everything is designed, then we have no example of a non-designed object to compare anything to. The argument becomes akin to trying to paint in the fourth dimension.…
Against
Pro, for understandable reasons, forfeited. Thanks for a quality debate.
A spilled can of paint would show the order common to all of the natural world. However, a portrait contains a level of order not present in a paint spill. (I assume no one would disagree with this much.) When we know the cause, order is a sign of design. The less design put…
1347.
Absolute truth exists
For
If there is no absolute truth then that is an absolute truth. Either way you argue sir you have lost. If you argue that no absolute truth exists then that is an absolute truth. If you turn around to argue that an absolute truth does in fact exist then you are debating yourself.
>>>Let me point out a contradiction in your arguement. I see you said that, "If there is no absolute truth then that is an absolute truth." I also have come to see, however, that you have said this as well. "If you turn around to argue that an absolute truth does in fact exist…
Against
Rules 1) You must prove that "absolute truth" exists. 2) If your "absolute truth" can be used against you on round one, then you have lost the debate and must post that you have lost the round. 3) The argument must be posted on this debate only, for if absolute truth exists, we…
Let me point out a contradiction in your arguement. I see you said that, "If there is no absolute truth then that is an absolute truth." I also have come to see, however, that you have said this as well. "If you turn around to argue that an absolute truth does in fact exist…
1348.
Evolution explains the reason for human existence
For
I am skipping this round since my opponent fortified.
So in this debate I will explain why Evolution a better reason for our existance than Creationism. I will start by explaining what "Evolution" and "Creationism" mean. I will directly paste what is said in wikipedia. Evolution: Evolution is the change in the inherited…
Against
In fact, your claims are either of these three hypotheses, or perhaps all of them, aren't they? First, the laws of nature are the causes of all beings. Second, all that exist happens to exist by themselves, self replication or self creation. Third, things happen as the causes…
1349.
Striving for objectivity tends to promote demonizing opponents
For
Thank you for participating in this debate. I will be arguing in favor of the view that the concept of (detectable) objectivity promotes demonization.Detectable - Able to be discovered or identified either directly or indirectly.Objectivity - Utterly free of and existing…
Thank you for joining this debate. I'm not sure exactly what your argument is, so I will be paraphrasing you in order to attempt to clarify your approach. Please add your own notes in the next round if you believe I have misunderstood your intent.You might be trying to say that…
Against
you lead to demonization n demonizing at the arrival of this word "objectivity" im not sure what to tell ya. try being more objective like i am. you see this is undebateable matter otherwise my action prove your magick trap there. im not gonna demonize or even conclude.
Hi, also looking forwards to a civil discussion. Diving right in. Given the definitions we are using I truly am struggling to see how objectivity could lead one to demonize people whatsoever, it seems to me that there is some confusion on your part between people believing…
1350.
Reality is objective and exists independently of minds
For
1) There is an objective reality that is independent of our senses. For example, quantum mechanical phenomena such as virtual particles, entanglement and tunnelling are aspects of the Universe that are not affected by our senses. Furthermore, the Universe manifested geometric…
It's true that the anatomy of the eye determines the type of light we experience, however when you speak of black holes, remember that these objects are not something we humans can perceive with our senses. According to general relativity, a black holes is an object so dense…
Against
Things can only be defined insofar as we can perceive them with our senses, or imagine them abstractly. What I'm saying is that without the abstraction (math, geometry), there's no way to understand anything. But those abstractions, though real in the sense that they reveal…
I will take the Con position and say that the languages by which we understand reality are not independent of the mind. Einstein said that imagination is more important than knowledge. The word "imagination," obviously, is rooted in "image." Both 'black' and 'hole' are images…

How to use these debate topics

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

Run them live

Want every person to answer on their own phone, with a timer and a live leaderboard? Use these questions in an EngageSlide Vote · Discuss · Revote — free to start.

Tick questions on any page — your set is kept while you browse (or take the first 10 here) — and they become ready-to-play slides. What is EngageSlide?

Philosophy Debate Topics — page 27

How to use these debate topics

Run them live

More question collections