Philosophy Debate Topics — page 33

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.

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1601.
Every human action has moral consequences
For
Thank you for your reply. If you look at all the moral codes, all of them eventually will lead to moral consequences from actions. When you stated "It is equally possible that no one will find out if he murdered the rapist", does it matter if someone will find out? No it does…
You are assuming that "stealing" is morally wrong in some society. But what if every person can take other people"s belongings and all of them share their things in that society. Again, every action contributes to the society and that is through their actions which eventually…
Against
"..., does it matter if someone will find out? No it does not, it is still a moral consequence, revenge." Well, Revenge is an action where person is trying to find pleasure through pain. If you justify this act then you are equally justifying all other horrendous acts like…
"Notice that every society has different set rules on what morals are, there is not one set of rules of morals that is universal, except maybe murder" From your part of argument, I totally agree that there is no single right answer by which action can be called moral, as it…
1602.
Gödel's incompleteness theorem leads to meaninglessness
For
Con answers "A statement is either true or false. If TRUTH (the set of all true statements) is a subset of PROVABLE (the set of all statements which can be proven by the axioms of a mathematical system) and PROVABLE contains statements which are not contained in TRUTH, then…
Con Did not answer my question ie what Godel says makes a mathematical statement true you say "Why the meaning of truth is irrelevant: As my opponent's source Peter Smith says, Godel doesn't rely on the notion of truth, but rather the notion of proof. If a system cannot prove a…
Against
Since either a statement or its negation are true (law of excluded middle) and Godel's proof shows that neither the statement nor its negation can be proven to be true while remaining consistent with the axioms, what makes a mathematical statement true is irrelevant to Godel's…
A statement is either true or false. If TRUTH (the set of all true statements) is a subset of PROVABLE (the set of all statements which can be proven by the axioms of a mathematical system) and PROVABLE contains statements which are not contained in TRUTH, then PROVABLE…
1603.
The fine-tuning argument fails to demonstrate an intentional designer of the cosmos
For
I wasn't planning on making this a debate about my "intellectual standard", this is just a debate regarding whether the fine-tuning argument demonstrates an intentional agent/ intelligent designer or not (I apologise for the typo, and for any confusion). Either way, I will…
I will arguing that the fine-tuning argument fails to demonstrate an intentional, intelligent designer of the cosmos and life itself (the argument also plants the seeds of it's own refutation). First, I will review each premise to see if they can really add up to a solid…
Against
Sorry about my putrid forfeit"P1: This particular combination of physical constants within the universe which are capable of sustaining life are necessary or have a necessary part (the physical necessity of being capable of sustaining life over other conceivable…
OH MY GOD, You destroyed my argument.Meaning it succeeds on your levels atleast to the degree to compell you to totally debunk it.P1) "Lets say I was to accept this as fact[...]" - said by Awesome PersonSeems like an innocent hypothetical question, yes?I beg a differ.This kind…
1604.
Logic alone without experience cannot achieve certainty
For
My opponent forfeited the round so there is nothing to argue. Furthermore, examining his previous post I was sad to realise that it was assembled in its totality by copy and pasting from his sources. This is extremely annoying as I actually spend my time rebutting his copy…
Therefore I simply must thrust my arguments in and my opponent must still prove his point. I could simply refute his claims and the debate would be lost him but that is ok. So my opponent makes the argument put very simply that outside mathematics we need experience. " I am not…
Against
The BOP is on PRO. Therefore I simply must thrust my arguments in and my opponent must still prove his point. I could simply refute his claims and the debate would be lost him but that is ok. So my opponent makes the argument put very simply that outside mathmatics we need…
The master of Fools is a master of logic Pro: Logic is of course valid as a means of manipulating symbols and producing logical results. The Fool: Yeah this is what I was expecting. Your concept of logic is way off. I know somebody who could help you. Just wait here I go and…
1605.
Human life has inherent value
For
No, The fact is not this way. Sure enough some people don't care about the environment, But many do. People go inventing as I said before, But that helps the place instead of destroying it. The inventions change our life, Like solar or wind energy. Many are trying to save our…
Thanks for your response. Actually I think most people agree that they do not want to stay at home with no goals. That would make our brain degenerate. Moreover we are useful to the planet. Scientists are already finding effective ways that can save us and Earth. And what do…
Against
The fact is? Facts can be proven, And you provide none, You make a claim and provide no evidence, Americans are they more wasteful people on earth that is a proven fact https://www. Weforum. Org/agenda/2017/04/these-charts-demonstrate-how-wasteful-america-has-become the west id…
Look around you, How careful or conciencious are people especially Americans? Why do you think so many dolts deny climate change, They don't care, They want to continue to drive their big cars live in their big houses and drink their super gulps, Gluttons pigs, They don't…
1606.
An objective morality can be discovered
For
Okay, this is my first debate on this website, so bear with me. I wish to debate whether or not an objective morality can be discerned. Obviously, I will be outlining exactly how I believe this morality can be discerned, and my opponent will counter this (taking a nihilistic or…
Thank you Con for the debate. As the final round is for closing, I won't be rebutting what Con has said. Instead, I'll be restating why I think that my argument still stands. Con should do the same. My initial argument, as far as I can tell, still fully stands. I'll restate it…
Against
It is not the objective of the 'con' to prove the existence of anything. I do not think that the 'pro' has shown the possibility of an objective morality being discernible. 1. Firstly, my question should be asked again, maybe someone can answer it in the comments: Where do you…
"Circumcision and flaying are two entirely different things." This is wrong. As an infant, the foreskin is actually attached to the head of the penis. Ergo, the surgical peeling of the foreskin back is literally flaying. This next argument could also be made for lions, but I…
1607.
Human beings have free will
For
so i was reading this christian book. it said we were like sand castles. god is the creater of the castle. our will is like a kid who comes along and wants to do things to the castle. "why can't i do what i want with my life". the decision is up to god as he is the creator, the…
Against
yey for me! I win my first debate. WHOO HOO! YEY YEY YEY YEY! QQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQ
This round was forfeitted because Pro feels sorry for con because they didn't post in the alloted time.
1608.
The 'glass half empty or half full' expression is illogical
For
Very sorry I forfeited that round. A mixture of misunderstanding and the lack of time to give a proper response rendered me unable to post a real argument. Anyway, on to my argument. Rebuttals: 1) My opponent states that half empty means half way to empty. This is not what the…
Howdy folks! Thanks for taking a look at my debate. I would deem this my first real debate, since the one I did very long ago was... ahem... bad. Enough of an introduction, onto the debate. The topic of this debate is whether or not the expression "Is the glass half empty or…
Against
INTRODUCTION: It is quite alright that my opponent missed a round; I have been guilty of doing the same from time to time -- DDO isn't exactly a priority. Moreover, I'd like to remind the audience that even though I have presented three arguments in defense of the Con position,…
Unfortunately my opponent has forfeited a round. Please extend my arguments for now.
1609.
The most evil people are probably highly intelligent
For
1. Agreed, This evil person is most likely powerful and protected. 2. we just agreed they would most likely have military support. 3. intelligence level. a) to have military support as agreed in premise 2. would require a high level of intelligence. ALSO, To be very evil and…
1. This super evil person is probably above the police in power and authority like a pope or president, I'm sure LOTS of people would arrest Obama if they could for various evils and treasons, he is just simply too powerful and protected. 2. I'm sure other rivals would kill…
Against
I honestly believe that anyone who goes into crime is a moron, no offence to any criminals out their:) 1. According to law, unless Obama had the whole US army and international support, he would with no doubt be in prison. Plus, even with that, many US troopers would abandon…
If they were intelligent, they would also know all the risks, not just from authorities, but from rivals as well. When your a master-mind criminal, 1. The police want you. 2. Other rivals would try to kill you. To make it even more promising, anyone who knows history knows that…
1610.
Belief systems are just false hope and useful moral stories
For
haha i sitll dont know why you we wasted the time here contention 1 they are being "forced" by being scared into what to belive! subpoint- i meant to also introduce the idea that mindlessly following others is wrong also (even though technically pretty much thinking anyhting…
thanks bro for taking this nonsense case My oppenent misterpreted my first contention I meant that because they use "God's" power to gain control of a persons freewill or scaring them to do what anyone wants them to subpoint A it is wrong to force your child belief system to be…
Against
"contention 1 they are being 'forced' by being scared into what to belive! " That's still not being "forced. " "mindlessly following others is wrong" Who said anything about anybody doing anything mindlessly? "but ther flaws of any belief system is enough to make it unmoral! "…
Contention 1: My opponent claims that people can control another's free will, which is impossible. Subpoint A: 1. Where is the force? 2. "Without explanation of not beliving in anything"? Could you please explain this? Contention 2: My opponent is now shifting the burden of…
1611.
A non-mental reality probably exists
For
And yet matter is no less material for having been defamed.
Highfalutin jargon defining the spaces between atoms doesn't diminish our relationship with the empirical evidence of solid mechanics. http://www.merriam-webster.com... http://dictionary.reference.com... http://www.researchgate.net...
Against
Refuting My OpponentPro states:"Highfalutin jargon defining the spaces between atoms doesn't diminish our relationship with the empirical evidence of solid mechanics."Pro hasn't shown that I am using any type if invalid jargon, and bare-asserts that we have empirical evidence…
Rebuttal My opponent says a non-mental reality exists in the form of matter; this assumes that what we call "matter" exists and is non-mental. However, there is no justification for this assumption. There are many physicists that have lived such as Max Planck (the Father of…
1612.
Reality, not divine belief, is the only valid source of answers
For
Hi Weirdman, First, thank you for accepting and responding so quickly. Understanding reality will be the key otherwise the point will be lost. What we are debating is reality vs myth. Everything stated thus far and everything that will be stated should all derive from reality…
I have found it very interesting that the human mind has accepted silly myths and old stories to answer the most basic questions that we ask as kids. This argument will focus primarily on the Christian belief simply because I was brought up a Christian and am mostly familiar…
Against
Thanks for the quick reply. For the voters, my opponents definition should not be weighed as he was supposed to provide definition during his first argument. the fact that he posted his definition during the second and last round, is a violation of debate rules. Miracles are…
Thank you for this intriguing debate. When looking at my opponents first argument, it is quite clear that the burden of proof thus falls to Pro as his job within the round is to prove that reality answer all questions without fallacies and my job as con to prove that not all…
1613.
Everyone is master of their own domain
For
Con does argue some cocks are not master of their own dunghill. It should be noted that the dunghill presented does not hold the quality of being the rooster anymore. It is an external excrement. Anticipating this as given in my opponent's thesis I also anticipated what the…
This debates resolution is from the latin, 'Gallus in suo sterquilinio plurimum potest.' First round acceptance. Con argues all or some cocks are not master over the dunghill.
Against
As per the round 1 burden (Quoting the opponent): " Con argues all or some cocks are not master over the dunghill. "As per admission of the second round opening statement (Quoting the opponent): " Con does argue some cocks are not master of their own dunghill. " Burden met. Any…
For the voting audience, I have provided the argument in context: "Claudius ut vidit virum valentem, oblitus ugarum intellexit neminem Romae sibi parem fuisse, illic non habere se idem gratiae: gallum in suo sterquilino plurimum posse.When Claudius saw the mighty hero, he…
1614.
Morality is not objectively real
For
Your argument does not prove your point. Give me a set of objective morals that every human follows. You simply can not. Objective morals do not exist. It is a subjective concept created by man.
No one is immoral or moral in an objective view point. What is good to one person may be bad to another. There is no objective morality that exists. Because morality is subjective it is only moral based on your viewpoint and subjective morals. The same answer applies to your…
Against
poison=Unhealthy logical=dont eat poisonous things to stay healthy illogical=eat poisonous things to stay healthy(religion)
thats my point.. if reality is whatever you say clearly it dosnt exist then morality dosnt exist, and it is not subjective.. subjectivity exist, and it is not moral
1615.
Logical positivism is a sound philosophy
For
On Ayer The only way Ayer would be "uniquely qualified" to establish the truth or falsehood of LP is if he had some unique insight into what LP is. My opponent obviously cannot say what this unique insight is; instead, he must resort to saying "Well, he originated it, so he…
On Ayer The ideas are what are being debated, and their rejection, no matter by who, holds no bearing on their truth. On Wittgenstein I find my opponent's interpretation of Wittgenstein to be odd: Wittgenstein does not argue for the mystical being real. In fact, he proposes…
Against
On Ayer Initially Shab claimed it was Ayer's version of LP he would prove and even presented Ayer quotes to define what LP is, now he claims Ayer is not qualified to evaluate his own theory, saying "The only way Ayer would be "uniquely qualified" to establish the truth or…
On AyerShab chooses AJ Ayer"s argument to defend and finds it irrelevant that in retrospect, AJ Ayer himself determined that "nearly all of it was false". I would never be so arrogant as to think that I understand AJ Ayer's ideas better than AJ Ayer, instead, we should consider…
1616.
No living or inanimate object has a true opposite
For
Hot is a temperature, Cold is (not really a scientific temperature, but we will use it anyway) a temperature. They both share the same characteristic, in that they are both temperatures. True opposites oppose each other in every way. The only true opposite to heat and hot is…
Your statements are not proving any rebuttal to my theory. Additionally, the opposite of animate is inanimate, but that does not make rocks the opposite of people, rocks exist, therefore, humans and rocks are not true opposite. Love is and emotion. So is hate. They cannot be…
Against
what you seem to not get is that just becasue a tree exist dosnt Means its opposite is non existence... define a tree, then you get something like, matter, nature, life, existence, true, what is the opposite of nature? must be the opposite of the tree, as the tree is nature the…
a rock is inanimate, and opposite is human.. as human does have life imagination exist, lies exist the opposite of something is nothing, matter and information if you dont Count rocks as inanimate and humans as animate then your theory Works non existence, cant exist your…
1617.
The world is free, but people make it otherwise
For
rules are good, and yes I admit that but what I mean is that you are allowed to do whatever you want, but it is the people around you keeping you from doing certain things either if it is good or bad and I don't speak for one country... I'm speaking about the whole entire world
is it true that you are free to do what you want but people try to control you
Against
He forfeited
Forfeit.
1618.
It is better to be paranoid than ignorant
For
Then they came for the trade unionists, and I didn't speak out because I wasn't a trade unionist. Then they came for the Jews, and I didn't speak out because I wasn't a Jew. Then they came for me and there was no one left to speak out for me. Ignorance can be tied to apathy and…
Take a real life case. In the mountains in Idaho in 1992 there lived a family who was paranoid and thought the government was after them. It turns out they were right. The case is called the Ruby Ridge incident. The FBI trespassed on their property withoutproper warrant and…
Against
In closing I will respond to a few comments and then repeat and affirm the opening position. "Ignorance can be tied to apathy and the above poem shows the problem with this." Ignorance is in no way tied to apathy. We live in a time where even the most ignorant of us has an…
"Take a real life case. In the mountains in Idaho in 1992 there lived a family who was paranoid and thought the government was after them. It turns out they were right." First, let us return to the definition of paranoia in the above, which is very specific to "It is a break…
1619.
The many-worlds interpretation can resolve the problem of hell
For
Thank you for the quick response bluesteel After reading my opponent's rebuttal, I'm afraid I have no further arguements to support my position. So I admit defeat.
Thank you for accepting my challenge Bluesteel My opponent's argument that it is possible for God to be omnibenevolent in another world while not in this world depends on the idea that God is subject to the Quantum events which is logically impossible since if God can be…
Against
My opponent concedes, so vote for me.
Thanks for the quick response treyprice. ==Rebuttal== R1) The Double Spit Experiment This is an experiment in quantum physics where we get a refraction pattern from light passing through two slits. Then we shoot just one electron, and we still get the same refraction pattern,…
1620.
Originality should always be valued above conformity
For
The argument that you have presented has formed quite an impression on myself, however I would personally like to remind you that conformity does not always fall into practice when dealing with concepts and theories, as well as real life senerios and desisions. Meaning that…
Originality or an aspect of created or invented works, from fragments and shards, should always be favoured over blind acceptance. My argument focused on the fact that originality, above all resolves in toil and hard work to persist an accurate, yet an out of the ordinary…
Against
Interesting.
"The argument that you have presented has formed quite an impression on myself, however I would personally like to remind you that conformity does not always fall into practice when dealing with concepts and theories, as well as real life scenarios and decisions. Meaning that…
1621.
Right and wrong are objective truths
For
I will be arguing the pro for the position that right and wrong are objective truths that exist outside ourselves. In other words there is an objective truth about what we ought to do and ought not to do. Con will argue that right and wrong are subjective. First round is for…
First allow me to apologize to my opponent and any readers of this debate for not getting to my argument in time and therefore forfeiting the last round.My opponent asserts that morals are subjective because they are based on social evolution, they fluctuate over time and they…
Against
As this is the final round I will generalize the previous rounds to make my closing arguments, with a short rebuttal to my opponents conclusion. Moral guidelines are created through the evolution of society and the result of learned behavior. 'Learned' does not specifically…
Extend arguments.
1622.
The Kalam cosmological argument should no longer be used
For
'Please provide 1 single example of something which has a beginning but no cause.'Virtual particals are a concept in quantom physics that have no observable cause. [1]'However, this implies an infinite temporal regress of events'Don't act as if they are the only two…
'1. Everything that has a beginning of its existence has a cause of its existence;'Simply not true. [1] [2] This is a baseless assertion.'2. The universe has a beginning of its existence;'It's not been established that the universe did have an absolute beginning.[1]…
Against
1. a "concept" with "no observable cause"is nothing but an abstract "idea" with No evidence or observations to support it. This is literally meaningless.2. "Don't act as if they are the only two possibilities."- please provide 1 single alternative possibility. Conclusion - my…
'1. Everything that has a beginning of its existence has a cause of its existence;'you said "Simply not true. [1] [2] This is a baseless assertion."- Please provide 1 single example of something which has a beginning but no cause. '2. The universe has a beginning of its…
1623.
The meaning of life differs for each individual
For
Thank you for your patience. "Where is your objective standard for meaning coming from? There is no objective standard. I will argue that meaning for all individuals is not 'not equal' because one cannot judge the meaning of anyone else's life except one's own. In whatever way…
"- I wish we had more of a chance to delve into this philosophically, because I argue that the life of someone doing "good" for society has just as much MEANING as that of a person in solitary for their whole life. But perhaps another time :)" http://www.debate.org... Alright,…
Against
Well yeah, you CAN judge them, but it doesn't mean a thing. Your judgment has no significance and holds no value. The individual is the only person who can judge their own life. Where is that objective standard coming from anyway? What gives you the right to judge someone's…
Debate #3 for my opponent, mongeese, and myself. Looking forward to it! I have several arguments against your contention that not every individual has equal meaning in life, however, I will only put forth my first one at this time. Where is your objective standard for meaning…
1624.
Human identity is now defined more by ownership than work
For
This proves that a human is indeed defined by what he or she does exactly. Also, In this day and age humans are defined by what he or she looks like almost immediately. For example, when a person walks into a room we instantly judge them by their looks, taking in what they're…
are we still arguing this topic?
Against
Many rich people like Bill Gates and Werren Buffet are not lauded for their weath, but for their generosity and contribution to the common good. Bill founded the largest private foundation on the world, which has helped enhance healthcare and reduce extreme poverty globally,…
This is a quite difficult essay topic for me. I suppose opening a debate among you guys would help me find the best ideas for it. Thank you!!!!!
1625.
Justice is ultimately justifiable
For
My opponent has committed a Full Forfeit.
Extend all...And I may as well put a final point forward. The whole of you "killed him you won't be better than him" line of reasoning is highly flawed. The villain in this type of scenario can be easily compared to a rabid dog, and there is no cure; letting them go free…
Against
Do you think that if someone stole from you,attacked you or killed someone of your family member you should revenge from him? So if revenged from him and killed him you won't be better than him and if you killed him his son is going to revenge from you so what did you win
1626.
Knowledge can exist independently of experience
For
Synthesization of experienceNatural selection (or whatever floats your boat) has embedded within humans an incredible a priori conceptual framework for making sense of reality. Take a given experience: sitting in a lecture room. Our senses give us the speaker, the podium, the…
As per the debate structure, I won't be posting anything this round in order that we each get an equal number of rounds.
Against
I am challenging following statement of my opponent: "All bachelors are unmarried men is an example of a priori knowledge". p1: A priori knowledge is knowledge that can be obtained without any expirience p2: If one never saw marriage or heard of marriage, he can not know what…
Definitions:knowledge - Beliefs for which valid evidence can be presented, or beliefs whose validity can be proven by valid reasoning.A priori knowledge - Knowledge that can be obtained without any experience.exists- Can either be registered by human's senses, or it's presence…
1627.
Calling someone a liar is fundamentally different from other insults
For
As I stated before:I immediately move to dismiss any and all arguments, assertions, and conclusions that CON proffers in this debate. This is because, as stated in round #1, CON is a liar, and so the truth value of any statement CON makes cannot be determined. There is no one…
lol, I thank CON for playing along, and I do hope this proves to be constructive. Before I begin, because of the rules stated in round #1, I immediately move to dismiss any and all arguments, assertions, and conclusions that CON will proffer in this debate. This is because, as…
Against
Everything I say in this round is a suggestion for the reader's consideration. For simplicity, I will present these suggestions as statements.Pro said:"I immediately move to dismiss any and all arguments, assertions, and conclusions that CON will proffer...If CON does continue…
Please think about the following questions.Can a question be a lie?Can an instruction be a lie?How much, in debating, do we rely on our assessment of participants' characters when judging debates? Would we accept their bare assertions or would we need logic and evidence to…
1628.
The only thing we can be certain of is our existence
For
First: Your answer to my first point doesn't prove that we don't exist. At most, they assert that we exist as some part of a higher being. Second: For clarification, the higher force will be labelled as "being" in the debate because the force is assumed to exist so it "is" and…
There are three problems with your argument: First: If we were some part of a higher being we would exist. Second: There is no higher being. Our consciousnesses are what they are, which is to say that we exist because we percieve. Since I don't percieve "higher being", my…
Against
I will refute first your arguments, then move on to a rebuilding of mine own. 1. We do not exist, a higher force exists. 2. I agree, there is no higher being. what there is is a higher force. The fact that all humans think in the same manner is a level of connectivity that…
I disagree with you on one simple point. The fact that we can be sure of our existence. I ask you to define existence as this is your debate, but for my argument, i will use the philosophypages.com definition Instantiation in reality, or actual being. We assume that we, or…
1629.
Science alone can determine moral truths
For
My opponent has failed to understand points behind my argument and has made claims of connections I have never made.HE HAS NOT REFUTED THE LOGICAL PREMISES AND CONCLUSIONS I CREATED IN ROUND 2.Final Statement on My PositionMy opponent has failed to understand my argument and…
Fact/Value Distinction:I think something Con and I can defnitily agree on is that philosphy is changing and there are a number of rivaling philosphies at any given time.Kant and Pirsig use the same initial basis as Hume but branch in a different direction. While Hume refuses to…
Against
Closing StatementIn my closing statement, I will summarize my position and then criticisms of my opponents posiiton. My positionScience is solely concerned with discovering matters of fact. Thinkers reflecting on science have made concerted efforts to remind other scientists to…
Hi,Thank you for your arguments. Below is my rebuttal.Failure to provide reasons against the fact/value distinctionYou claim that more modern philosophy refutes the Humean fact/value distinction. You are overstating what modern philosophy has done. In fact, the distinction is a…
1630.
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…
1631.
A functioning society can be maintained under the non-aggression principle
For
Alright.. guess I'll just leave this empty then..
I'll start by defending my position, then respond to Con's arguments. When discussing whether a moral principle could or should be integrated into society, there is an 'order of logic' I propose, in which I believe the order is important: 1. Define the principle - Is it…
Against
I am not able to post a round currently. Please award the conduct point to my opponent.
I may have phrased a few things poorly; I agree with his clarification of the BOP. Now how exactly would the Non-Aggression principle work or fail? To find out, let's follow a large tribe, led by their chief through the desert. After weeks of searching, our bone-weary travelers…
1632.
Morality is objective and indisputable
For
As much as CON might enjoy conflating the terms "indisputable" and "objective", I would like to point out that they are not identical and I have made absolutely no claim that "morality" requires the quality of "objectivity". I would like to politely ask CON to please focus on…
I am honored that CON has decided to participate in this debate. However, there seems to have been some conclusion jumping. The concept of "objectivity" is outside the scope of this discussion. I am making a very simple and perfectly logical statement based on the common…
Against
Throughout the course of this debate, I have stated that morality is disputable and is subject to one's experiences and culture. Through examples such as polling demonstrating the differences in opinion in a moral debate and discussing the nature of the Aztecs and how some of…
Rebuttals:"The concept of 'objectivity' is outside the scope of this discussion."My opponent claims that I have jumped to conclusions. He follows this by saying that his claim is not about how morals are objective but are indisputable. However, my opponent clearly describes…
1633.
Reason is a reliable guide to truth
For
Reason is reasonable, because I am against God's will and you are evil, and I am against you, and God's will is evil.
You exist, therefore God's will is evil, therefore you are good, therefore you are right...
Against
I am evil and I am not against God's will, therefore I am right and reason is unreasonable!
You are being irrational!
1634.
All intellectual truths must be believed
For
The main objective of Pro in this debate was to prove that in order for a decision to be based on an intelectual argument, the truthfullness of the arguments must be FELT by the individual ( in a non trivial matter). In all of Cons examples he has failed to bring a single case…
points made by Con: 1) Not all emotional decisions are bad. Refutation: Irrelevant, the topic is whether emotion is bound by intelligence in decision making. (I might add that the point stated in (1) and the point that is shown by the example are two different ones, and not the…
Against
REBUTTALS. "The main objective of Pro in this debate was to prove that in order for a decision to be based on an intellectual argument, the truthfulness of the arguments must be FELT by the individual ( in a non trivial matter). In all of Cons examples he has failed to bring a…
Rebuttals: First off the point with emotional decisions being negative was brought up for clarifications purposes. Seeing as you are pro , I would have expected an opening argument better defining the terms of this debate. Seeing as you made no arguments, or very many terms to…
1635.
Humans are fundamentally different from other animals
For
Like I said, we capture animals, put them in man-made habitats, and then watch the animals for fun.
Extend arguments.
Against
(sorry bout the rule stupid people) ok so I will answer each of his arguments one by one and I wont use paragraphs as I don't have time that's cool right? 1. my opponent first part talks of better intelligence cross apply my first round speech "I will be arguing that we are no…
im curious to see who will debate me on this topic as i am con i will be arguing that we are no better than animals if you accept this you agree to follow two rules preset 1. you will present the first arguement 2. if you cant give a reason backed by sound logic then the voters…
1636.
Science alone is an inadequate basis for knowledge
For
First, just some ground rules:TOPICALITY:Both sides must stay on subject. If someone strays away from topic, it is grounds for forfeit.STRUCTURE:Round 1: Acceptance only. No arguments in this round.Round 2: Openings. No evidence may be brought forward in this round, just give…
Rebuttal:1) The ability of induction to prove things cannot rationally be doubted, since all knowledge ultimately stems from induction. The premises of a deductive argument have to be based, at bottom, on induction from observed instances. If induction isn't proof, then no…
Against
I accept, I will be arguing that we can rely on science alone.
In this post, I'll defend induction and measurement against my opponent's objections.InductionMy opponent simply has not addressed my argument on this point, not even in passing. Doubting the ability of induction or science to provide proofs is self refuting, because all…
1637.
Time heals all wounds
For
You suck.
yes
Against
If time heals all wounds, how come the belly button always stays the same?
Um... please make some argument.
1638.
Out of sight means out of mind
For
EXAMPLE SCENARIO:You illegally cut somebody's head off. You bury the body. The cops find it. You're in court over the murder. Can you see the body? No. Are you thinking about it? Yes.
Plz no trolling. Out of sight- describing object or person A that is not in person B's line of eyesightOut of mind- Person B is not thinking about A
Against
But what of the person who was brought to trial? Everyone in the courtroom can both see and is most likely thinking about that person. Can you see the person? Yes. Are you thinking about the person? Yes. But now if the person who was being tried for murder didn't show up due to…
I accept
1639.
The burden of proof should be optional
For
After reading many debates, it seems that the words "burden of proof" comes up a lot. I do not think it is fair that someone should HAVE to back their evidence up, but rather it should be optional. Evidence, of course, adds to any debate. If someone wants to give a good…
On debate goals 1) You can find the truth without evidence. The truth is always out there, again though, evidence helps. 2) It is to convince the audience, which you can do without proof but it helps. Again showing its a luxury one should put the best of use to, but not a…
Against
"On debate goals 1) You can find the truth without evidence. The truth is always out there, again though, evidence helps." Wrong. You can state the truth without evidence, but you would not be able to correctly designate it as truth without it. "2) It is to convince the…
"Debates are civilized arguments, and arguments are justifications of our beliefs." Yes. But remember that in a debate, the goal should be to attempt to do two things. 1. Above all else, find the truth. 2. Convince your opponent. Creating a fantastic argument based on a flawed…
1640.
Popularity of a belief is not evidence of its truth
For
I still don't see what any of this has to do with the resolution.
This is lovely, but what does it have to do with the resolution?
Against
So Catholicism is the largest religion on earth; this is because it is consistent in its doctrines from the Old Testament forward. What we have today though is an imposter church that is not even remotely Catholic (yet still has the largest body of believers). NOSTRA AETATE -…
Starting with the "Religions of Peace":Hinduism, Bhuddism, teach neither proseltyzing nor war.This creates a problem here on earth, as Nature demands Speciation; we'll define Speciation as an ebb and flow between invading armies, killing the weak and impregnating their women,…
1641.
Free will is not an illusion
For
Yes but then again I could always live under a rock but I don't because God does not want that. This is yet another proof of religion. So in a way you are right. I do not control my thoughts, God does. He chose my parents as he chose everything else. Look at you, You just…
Yes you are the chooser of your thoughts. One minute I can be thinking about cofee than the next I can be thinking about cars. If you can't stop thinking for yourself who will your mom? You don't need to stop thinking because you can change your thoughts. I choose to live…
Against
In theory, Sure you can move thought from coffee to cars or vice verse. But you definitely can"t consciously decide to change thoughts or what to change your thoughts to. Any logical examination that traces your thoughts to their genesis will land in one of two places: physical…
Yes my brain is thinking thoughts, But I am not the chooser of those thoughts. I may stop thinking via meditation, But I cannot be the one who decides to stop thinking. You might say you wanted to stop thinking because you're sad. I would ask why you're stressed and why…
1642.
Consciousness is not confined to the brain
For
extended
Extend all arguments
Against
Accepted
1643.
Reality is merely a subjective mental representation
For
True, but this debate is not about reality. It's about our perception of reality. The image we see. The apple we see is not the apple we see. It's a picture our mind creates in our head based on photons being reflected off a real apple and striking our retina. Colors are a…
Someone standing behind you can see something you can't see. They can see the back of your head. That image exists only in their head. You can't see it.
Against
reality is not a perception, you can percieve reality however you like, dosnt change how a rock looks reality is not subjective.. oppinions are subjective to pain a picture of an alien i must first have knowledge of how i look
reality is matter, not mental
1644.
Humans have free will
For
Why Determinism is Wrong My opponent gives two definitions, one for determinism and the other for indeterminism. He states that determinism is "the idea that all reactions are caused by previous reactions." I would like to expand on this a little before I explain the…
Why Determinism is Wrong I do believe my opponent misinterpreted my argument. He states I am "saying that because the effect of a quantum particle cannot be calculated, this quantum particle cannot affect something." That is not what I am saying. I was responding to your…
Against
Response to "Why Determinism is Wrong" Determinism is the idea that all reactions are caused by previous reactions. Indeterminism is the concept that reactions are entirely random. My opponent makes a valid point that everything "seems orderly because of the interference of…
Determinism My opponent misconstrues Heisenberg's Uncertainty Principle saying that because the effect of a quantum particle cannot be calculated, this quantum particle cannot affect something. This statement is obviously erroneous. Furthermore, modern quantum mechanics simply…
1645.
The ends justify the means
For
The moral framework my opponent is suggesting leads to pain and suffering at the hand of an ethics that claims, in effect, actions cannot be judged for the results they produce nor the intentions behind them. This philosophy greatly limits the extent of which we as a society…
Among the most important things humanity faces is the philosophy of ethics. What should we do? Why should we do it? The answer to these questions is cardinal to the development of humanity. Morality is a complex issue, and sometimes it's not necessarily clear if there are even…
Against
Before going into what I believe are the flaws in the theory Pro proposes, it is useful to review what a more classical approach to the problem of morality says on the matter.Moral Framework Freedom makes man a moral agent. Deliberate actions, made freely after a judgement of…
I accept
1646.
Humans are fundamentally selfish by nature
For
I will choose not to take offense to the fact that you felt no need to bring specific examples to disprove me. But I encourage you to broaden your mind, because although difficult, I do not see this as "an impossible stance". Your assertion that sacrifice and charity "can not…
You accept? I thought the point is for you to reject my position?
Against
This is an impossible stance no matter how you look at it. When you say something is "always" one way, that is an impossible burden to fulfill. I am picking up one main contention from you. That is that every action we commit is ultimately fueled by our own self interests.…
My adversary has taken an impossible stance. The first part of the resolution entails that "Humans are selfish by nature" That much we can all agree one, even in regards to evolution and adaption this is true. It is survival of the fittest and generally we are motivated to do…
1647.
Humans probably have free will
For
IntroductionWouldn't an immediate experience be at the top of the lake since its "immediate?" It's not like free will or consciousness is uncharted territory; we experience these things. What we don't experience is determinism or consciousness matter, so Con must face bottom of…
Introduction How can Con reasonably dismiss perception within the absence of a defeater? If I have the immediate experience of the external world & no defeater other than speculation, then I'm rational to trust my noetics. We almost universally perceive freewill (testimony =…
Against
Introduction My opponent has run away with the point on distrusting immediate perception. There's a very good reason why I put that adjective there. Determinism does not render the perception inert,…then it really would be self-defeating. Rather, my point is that we're seeing…
Introduction My opponent appears to derive justification of his position from plain human perception. His arguments rest on the unjustified presupposition that our immediate perception is a correct depiction of actuality,….this is a blatant case of Mind Projection Fallacy. In…
1648.
Choice matters more than ability in determining our future
For
I believe that the choice we makes determines the future.As we make the right choice it leads to success
Against
To conclude, vote for me
Plus, if you have no abilities, then whatever choice you make you won't be able to succeed. You need to practice and gain your abilities to be good at your job. Plus, decision-making counts as an ability as well.
1649.
There is a higher law than any government can impose
For
Well...it seems I'm all alone out here, debating my own point against a wall of silence.
The idea that there is a set of laws, such as these, that are higher than any government's, is not something that is so much as something that should be. These laws could govern the entire world, if the world would let them. Many people in almost every religion would be willing…
Against
hello i accept the challenge
1650.
Civil disobedience is morally justified in a democracy
For
Somewhere beyond the sea. Somewhere waiting for me.
Why does it always rain on me?
Against
I will be negating the resolution, but I am searching for a pro to begin the debate. If you are interested, accept the challenge and begin with your arguments. Round structure: 1. Pro opening argument. 2. Con opening argument and pro defense. 3. Con defense and closing…

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Philosophy Debate Topics — page 33

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