Mapping the world's opinions

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What are the solutions to the Israel Palestine conflict?

What started as intercommunal violence between Israelis and Arabs in the 1920s, evolved over the course of the twentieth century into a full-blown civil war and open conflict. After much bloodshed and the dawn of a new century, what would a solution to the Israel-Palestine situation look like? Is peace even a possibility for one of the world's longest-running conflicts?

History , International Relations , Politics
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Should felons be allowed to vote?

States within the U.S. differ significantly on policies relating to the disenfranchisement of felons. While on the one hand felons should be punished for disrespect of the law, they are also citizens with the right to be represented like anyone else. So, should felons never be able to vote again? Should they be granted the right to vote once they have completed their sentence? Or should they never...

People , Politics , Society
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How should the West deal with Vladimir Putin?

Russian President Vladimir Putin has been in power for two decades. In that time he has rebuilt Russia's military, imprisoned and killed political opponents at home and abroad, annexed Crimea, gone to war with Georgia and Ukraine, deployed troops to Syria, and plundered the country. An increasingly authoritarian figure, Putin continues to divide Western countries, how should they deal with him?

Economics , International Relations , Politics

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Should multicultural literature be introduced in high school curriculum?

Multicultural literature includes literature about people who are underrepresented in the mainstream of society and have been marginalized in some way. Multicultural literature may include, but not limited to, Asian-American literature, African-American literature, and Chicano-American literature. For the most part, high school curriculum for English courses revolve around teaching the classics, b...

Are people born gay?

Few scientific questions generate as much intrigue and political turmoil as the origins of sexual orientation. Is there a clear genetic or hormonal link to sexual orientation that indicates gay people are, in the words of Lady Gaga, "Born This Way"? Can we ever know if same-sex attraction is determined before birth? Is this a question that should even be asked?

Is BDS anti-semitic?

The boycott, diversify, and sanction movement targets Israel and is considered by supporters of Israel to be fundamentally anti-semitic.

Who is the greatest rapper of all time?

Rap is a music genre that has evolved over time into one of the most popular forms of music the world over. And to excel at the rap game requires style, a way with words and lyrics, verbal gymnastics, ability to entertain, and many other skills. So who has the best rap game? Who has done the most for the craft? Who has had the biggest impact on our hearts and minds?

Should healthcare be free?

Access to healthcare is essential for our quality of life and longevity. However, healthcare doesn't come cheap. Should individuals be forced to pay their own healthcare costs? Is healthcare a marketable commodity or an inalienable human right?

Should abortion be legal?

Throughout the world, abortions and a woman's right to have them remain taboo. As abortion is illegal in many countries, women sometimes going to extreme and dangerous lengths to obtain them. Going beyond whether or not terminating a pregnancy is right or wrong, what are the pros and cons of abortion? And should abortion as a medical procedure be legal?

Economics , Ethics , Gender , Health , News , Philosophy , Religion , Science , Society

Mapping the world's opinions.

What is the future of NATO?

The North Atlantic Treaty Organisation (NATO) was formed in 1949 as a Western military alliance to deal with the growing threat of the Soviet Union. However, since the break-up of the Soviet Union in the early 1990s it has struggled to define itself in the 21st century. This has led some to speculate whether NATO has a future? And whether it is time to disband or redefine the purpose of the allian...

What are the advantages and disadvantages of globalization?

For its proponents, globalization improves citizens' lives via the unbridled distribution of jobs, capital, and technology across international borders, promoting peace through deeper economic ties between nations. For its detractors, the globalized movement of goods and people has fueled inequality, led to the destruction of the environment, and created a race to the bottom, keeping workers' sala...

Economics , International Relations , News , Politics , Society

Is Socialism ethical?

Socialism is the political belief the government should redistribute wealth to close the economic gap in society, but is it ethical?

Economics , History , International Relations , Philosophy , Politics , Society

Is two party politics in the UK likely to stay?

British politics continues to be dominated by the Conservative and Labour Party, but with the emergence of smaller 'protest' parties and the dominance of the Scottish Nationalist Party in recent General Elections, is it realistic to believe that two party politics has a future in the UK?

International Relations , Politics , Society

Should recreational marijuana be legal?

Following a public outcry over the case of Billy Caldwell, a 12-year-old boy with epilepsy who was prohibited from bringing back a life-changing supply of cannabis oil from Canada, the use of cannabis for medicinal purposes has now been made legal in the UK. Unsurprisingly this has re-ignited the ongoing question: should we legalise the recreational use of cannabis?

Economics , Ethics , Health , Politics , Science

Should you go vegan?

Consuming meat is a big part of some diets around the world, particularly in western food traditions. However, with production being land and resource intensive, and with a number of environmental and health impacts to consider we must ask, should we be going vegan?

Economics , Ethics , Health , Politics , Society

Should we stop eating meat for the environment?

Several forms of pollution - e.g. deforestation, eutrophication of water, leaching of nitrates, antibacterial resistance, release of ammonia, nitrous oxides and methane in the atmosphere - are associated to livestock production. Should we stop eating meat to prevent major environmental pollution?

Economics , Ethics , Fashion , Health , Philosophy , Politics , Religion , Science , Society

Should surrogacy be legal?

Surrogacy is the carrying through pregnancy until birth of one couple's or individual's child by someone else. The science has advanced significantly in this area allowing for the choice of surrogacy as an option for many potential parents. Most countries have unclear legislation about surrogacy. Should surrogacy be legalized? Under what conditions should surrogacy be legal?

Ethics , Health , Science , Society

What is the definition of love?

Few words in the English language convey such a range of meanings as the word "love". For many, love is the reason for being, the subject of countless books, artwork, films, and works of theatre. But what is love? Is it an animalistic urge, a deep emotional connection, the manifestation of physical and chemical reactions, the act of being entirely devoted to another individual, or nothing at all?

People , Philosophy , Religion , Science , Society

What are the forms of European anti-Semitism?

Anti-Semitism is prejudice or hatred against Jews. Those feelings are tied to a number of different issues and express themselves in different ways.

History , International Relations , Politics

Is climate change real?

It is the topic of our times, with changing weather around the world. Is the climate actually changing or are these global warming signals misunderstood and misattributed to natural cycles. Can we know if climate change real? Or is climate change a conspiracy of the left?

Politics , Science , Society

What are the pros and cons of monopolies?

The word monopolies has negative connotations in economic history, but recently monopolies have been praised by people such as Warren Buffett and Peter Thiel. The arguments for and against are not new, but now they have better empirical support.

Economics , History

Do Aliens Exist?

It's a question humanity has pondered for centuries. Does life exist in outer space? Are aliens real?

Philosophy , Science , Technology

Is VAR good for football?

FIFA, football's global governing body, along with those bodies running the game at regional and countrywide levels are gradually introducing more technology into the game in a bid to assist referees, prevent incorrect decisions and enhance the game's image.

Sports , Technology

#CakeGate: can you refuse service on the basis of faith?

The cake that Colorado baker Jack Phillips refused to bake was the kindling that lit a nation-wide discussion in the USA. Can a business deny service to an individual on the basis of their sexual orientation? As the Supreme Court came to a verdict in favour of the baker, the narrowness of the ruling still left the question unanswered. The baker was quickly followed by others who stood up in solida...

Ethics , Politics , Religion

Does the West still value human rights universally in light of its dismissal on Khashoggi's death?

The West used to be the loudest voice advocating for human rights. But Western governments' evasive stances on the horrifying death of Jamal Khashoggi, a Saudi government dissident, suggest this is no longer the case. In the light of huge economic links and political turbulence, are human rights still valued in western civilization?

Ethics , International Relations , News , People , Politics , Society

Do we need manned space flights?

Are manned missions economically viable or is it more effective to focus on less expensive drone missions?

Science , Society , Technology

Are millennials lazy?

Older generations often consider millennials entitled and lazy in the workplace. Millennials see themselves as more efficient and better at challenging established rules in a way that sparks growth and innovation. Which one is it?

Education , People , Society

Is a world without any borders a good idea?

Millions of people risk their lives trying to cross borders into other countries. Some are fleeing violence and persecution, others are looking for better economical opportunities or to be reunited with family members. What are the pros and cons of a world without borders?

History , International Relations , Politics

What does being Transracial mean?

With the outrage following Rachel Dolezal's falsified claims of being African American in 2015, the question of racial identity has been raised. Should we have the right to identify as a different race than the one assigned at birth? And is this legitimate, or another means of cultural appropriation?

People , Philosophy , Society

What separates humans from animals?

For some, it is obvious that we are not the same as animals. But is it just our ability to imagine and create stories about there being a difference that separates us? Or is there something more tangible?

Ethics , Philosophy , Science , Society

Would human extinction be a tragedy?

Would it be a tragedy if humans were wiped out? Would it be a cause for celebration given the environmental destruction we have caused? Maybe it would be neither?

Ethics , Philosophy , Society

What is the purpose of prisons?

Is the point of prisons to restrict freedom as punishment for crimes committed? Should prisons be rehabilitative? Are prisoners supposed to emerge from the experience deterred from committing future crimes and morphed into law-abiding citizens?

Health , Politics

What are the pros and cons of political correctness?

Does PC culture stagnate a society’s progression, or does it set better more inclusive terms for everyone?. Is political correctness useful? Has political correctness gone too far?

History , Philosophy , Politics , Society

Should polygraphs be admissible in court?

Once called "the strip searches of the mind", polygraph test creators maintain that their lie detectors can detect when a suspect is lying in 80-95% of cases. Should we use them in the justice system to secure convictions? Or are polygraphs a dangerous and gross violation of a suspect's legal rights?

Ethics , Science , Society

Should we stop using Facebook because of the Cambridge Analytica scandal?

Cambridge Analytica is a British political consulting firm. In March, allegations broke that CA obtained private information from an estimated 50 million Facebook users without their permission. This data was then shared with third parties, including Donald Trump’s presidential campaign during the 2016 US Presidential Elections. The issue has raised concerns about privacy in the age of Big Data, a...

Ethics , News , Politics , Society

Did Alexander Hamilton's financial plan put America first?

Of all the founding fathers of the American nation, Alexander Hamilton remains one of the most enigmatic and controversial characters. In his role as Secretary of the Treasury, Hamilton submitted a financial plan to Congress designed to reduce the national debt by creating a national bank and encouraging economic diversification and the establishment of a manufacturing economy. But more than 200 y...

Economics , History , Politics

Should burkas be banned in the UK?

Boris Johnson MP recently divided opinion - drawing condemnation from the Prime Minister and provoking a disciplinary investigation by his Conservative Party - for controversial remarks about Muslim women who wear burkas/burqas. Though he did not advocate a ban, his comments have reignited the debate following bans on the full-face-and-body coverings becoming law in countries including France, Bel...

Politics , Religion

Does ending climate change mean the end of capitalism?

Scientific consensus suggests we are experiencing a climate catastrophe. Many see Capitalism's drive for growth and accumulation as being incompatible with a finite planet. Do we need a new system to sustain human life?

Economics , Nature , Politics

Should universities no-platform controversial speakers?

Universities are meant to be the burgeoning hubs of idea exchange, yet denying controversial speakers a platform on campuses has become increasingly acceptable. Are there good reasons to no-platform inflammatory speakers?

Education , Ethics , International Relations , Politics

Were the moon landings faked?

NASA successfully sent six Apollo missions to the Moon . Twelve astronauts in total landed on the Moon's surface. Critics imply that all missions were faked and no men have landed on the Moon. They say that related photos and videos were actually taken in a studio.

History , News , Science , Technology

What is the Mind-Body problem?

What is the mind? Since the beginning of civilization, we have grappled with the idea of consciousness. Could the study of our brain and nervous system account for conscious thought? If not, what are the relationships between the non-physical processes and the physical ones?

Philosophy

Why did the US lose the Vietnam War?

Vietnam was an undeniable failure for the United States government. Despite expending more than $141 billion, and 56,000 American lives, the world’s largest military superpower was unable to achieve its sole strategic objective: to prevent Vietnam from falling under communist control. Historians are deeply divided over the reasons that led to US defeat. Most attribute the loss to several factors t...

History , International Relations , Politics

Should the Monarchy be Abolished?

The Royal Family is a pillar in the British cultural and political landscape. The country tunes in for their weddings, places bets on their baby names and earnestly discusses their wardrobe choices. Given the monarchy's diminished role in politics, is it time to get rid of the royals? Or do they still serve a purpose in modern society?

Society

What are the positions on Global Warming?

Global warning has been a major concern for climate scientists for a few decades now. However, polling shows public discourse remains divided as to how real it is, what causes it and how to react to it.

Science , Technology

Are anti-Zionism and anti-Semitism the same thing?

With the UK's Labour Party, the French Parliament, and Congresswoman Ilhan Omar in the US all at the centre of rows over anti-Semitism and anti-Zionism, what is the relationship between the two concepts? Is either acceptable? Or do both words describe damaging and dangerous prejudices against Jewish communities across the globe?

Ethics , History , International Relations , Religion , Society

Should UK students be charged university fees?

Just over twenty years ago, higher education was free in the UK for any student who secured a place on a university course. Flash forward to today and students graduate with an average debt of £50,000. Critics claim this is wildly unfair and inhibits social mobility. Others claim that high fees improve equality. With both sides aiming to reduce inequality, why do the positions on implementing fees...

Economics , Education , Ethics , Politics

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