Category · 36 questions
Science
Replication crises, pre-print wars, and when scientific consensus changes.
In this section
36 entriesAre GMOs good or bad?
GMOs (genetically modified organisms) are organisms (plants and animals) that have had specific genes from a different species inserted into its own DNA. This results in the crop having new desirable features. Examples include papayas that are virus-resistant or corn that is herbicide-resistant. Our food has been genetically modified since the first GMO tomato (Flvr Svr) in the early 1990s. The acceptance of GMOs has varied between countries; the United States, Argentina, and Canada have quickly adopted GMOs while the EU countries have passed stricter legislation. There is a heated debate over whether GMOs are good or bad for our health, environment, world hunger, and the economy.
Are psychics real?
Palm-readings, tarot cards, and crystal balls - these are all things associated with those known as psychics. Every year, thousands of people go to psychics for guidance, for advice, and for the ability to communicate with deceased relatives and friends. Many who go seem to believe in it wholeheartedly, but the question remains: Are psychics real, or is it all just a big ruse?
Are vaccines safe?
Immunisation is the process whereby a person is made immune or resistant to an infectious disease, typically by the administration of a vaccine. "Anti-vaxxers” have firm convictions about vaccines’ harmful effects and many people believe their children have been harmed by vaccines. Others have ‘vaccine hesistancy’: they are not inherently anti-vaccine, but are concerned or confused by the mixed messages they are exposed to and want to do the best for their children.
Are we genetically predisposed to violence?
The question probes the extent to which human aggression and violent behavior might be influenced by genetics, pondering if there's a hereditary component driving such actions.
Can people communicate through telepathy?
The concept of telepathy - communication between two beings through thoughts or ideas, rather than through words or signals - has long been disputed amongst some of the world's leading scientists. It is widely regarded to be a form of pseudoscience; however, there are still thousands of documented reports claiming that telepathy is a real phenomenon experienced by a select number of people.
Can psychopaths be cured?
A personality disorder, psychopathy is characterised by a lack of empathy, impulsive actions, and anti-social behaviour. This disorder often has a very negative effect on people and their relationships with others. Can psychopaths be cured of this disorder, or must they learn to live with it?
Can speculative design provide value in corporate settings?
Speculative design (closely related to design fiction, design futures, or critical design) is the practice of designing future products or services as a way to explore the potential impacts of emerging technology or social or cultural trends. The practice shows up in art galleries and academic settings, but can it provide value in corporate settings where most incentives exist around the near term success of the organization?
Do aliens exist?
It's a question humanity has pondered for centuries. People have throughout time reported seeing mysterious objects flying in the sky, sightings of little green men, and even being abducted. But is this just the stuff of imagination? Does life exist in outer space? Or are we really all alone?
Do childhood experiences determine behavior in later life?
Traumatic events in childhood create phobias, likes and dislikes, and even core personality features. For example, abusers tend to have been abused themselves. The flip side is also true, college students succeed more if they have support from their parents. Also, siblings come into play. Children with opposite-sex siblings tend to have happier marriages if they are wed to the opposite sex.
Do we need manned space flights?
Seeing a man on the moon was one of the coolest things of the 1960's. Since then, shuttle have been sending many, many people up to complete missions. These are costly and incredibly dangerous. Are manned missions economically viable or is it more effective to focus on less expensive drone missions?
Does language influence worldview?
Over the years, linguists have observed that some languages have a differing vocabulary for colors, numbers, directions, and more, not to mention variations in structure. Researchers wonder whether or not these differences affect how speakers of these languages view the world.
How does memory work in the brain?
Human memory is one of the most puzzling mysteries of science. Neuroscientists and psychologists have suggested many theories for its mechanism, but substantiating these theories with concrete evidence is difficult. How do our brains enable us to remember?
Is nuclear energy safe?
The place of nuclear power in our energy provision is one of the most intricate debates in modern energy policy. In the aftermath of a handful of high profile and high-risk nuclear disasters, many are wary of expanding the use of the controversial energy source. Paradoxically, it also presents one of the most sustainable and efficient forms of energy concurrently with debates surrounding climate change and environmental responsibility. Can the energy source be a viable and safe path forward?
Is objectivity in science possible?
Can science ever be truly objective? This entry sets out the two positions on the question — that objectivity in science is possible, and that it is not — weighing method and evidence against human bias and interpretation.
Is psychology a real science?
Psychology as a discipline has been around for thousands of years, with some form of it being found in numerous ancient civilizations. However, as it has become more common for people to seek psychological help in recent years, the validity of science as a discipline has been questioned. Professionals in the field of science have debated it for years; is psychology a legitimate science, or is it a farce?
Is sense of humour learned or innate?
Is a sense of humour something we are born with or something we acquire? This entry sets out the two positions in the debate: that a sense of humour is learned through culture and experience, and that it is innate.
Is the ability to learn language hardwired into children's brains?
After children are born, they typically learn their first language(s) seamlessly and without any instruction or correction needed. This has prompted some to think that children are born with the necessary structures in their brains to learn language, but not everyone agrees with this view.
Is the Earth flat?
The shape of the Earth has been the subject of popular and scientific interest for millennia. Are theories about the Flat Earth correct, or does the Earth have curvature?
Is the theory of evolution by natural selection correct?
In the nineteenth century, Charles Darwin and Alfred Russel Wallace advanced a new theory to explain the origins of life on earth and the evolution of different lifeforms. They called it the theory of evolution by natural selection. Natural selection is the key mechanism by which all organisms have evolved. Today, many call the theory 'the theory of evolution' or 'Darwin's theory of evolution' (since Wallace is not as well-known).
Should individuals own their DNA?
Should people have ownership rights over their own genetic data? This entry sets out the two positions on the question — that individuals should own their DNA, and that they should not.
Should scienific research get more governmental funding?
Should governments spend more on scientific research? This entry sets out the two positions on the question — that scientific research should receive more public funding, and that it should not.
Should sentient artificial intelligence have human rights?
If artificial intelligence ever became sentient, should it have rights? This entry sets out the two positions on the question — that sentient AI should have human rights, and that it should not.
Should we explore space?
Humans have been fascinated with space for centuries. Mayans made a calendar from the stars, Galileo made a telescope, and a man was put on the moon. Space is vast, and scientists still don’t know a lot about it. Is space worth still exploring? Now that the space race has died down, does humanity need to continue to learn about space?
What are the best materials for a roof?
There are many ways to build a roof, and along with that comes a wide variety of materials. From brick to board to shingles, or even banana tree leaves, it's hard to decide what to use as the final product.
What are the disadvantages of watching pornography?
This entry maps the disadvantages attributed to watching pornography, setting out claims that it erodes values, encourages self-gratification, can contribute to erectile dysfunction, fosters social isolation, and discourages goal-setting.
What are the ethical issues with STEM Cell research?
This entry maps the main ethical issues raised by stem cell research, setting out concerns around clinical progress versus scientific caution, control, commercialisation, disease modelling, and the banking of stem cells.
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.
What are the theories about multiple universes?
Could ours be just one of many universes? This entry maps the leading multiverse theories — infinite universes, parallel universes, bubble universes, daughter universes, and the mathematical universe hypothesis.
What are the theories of emotion?
Emotions are a central part of the experience of being human. People's feelings and moods affect their behavior, choices, and perspectives in myriad ways. The physical and psychological mechanisms behind emotions are correspondingly complex, and many different theories of emotion have been proposed to explain them. What are these theories, and are they supported by biology, psychology, physiology, or even common sense?
What are theories of deviance and crime?
The reasons that crime and delinquent behavior exists in society has always perplexed sociologists and psychologists alike. The theories for why this behavior exists ranges from placing the blame on society, to the individual.
What explains why humans evolved high intelligence while other animals did not?
Why did humans evolve such high intelligence when other animals did not? This entry maps the explanations — brain size, the number of brain neurons, the brain's energy consumption, and the number of distinct brain regions.
What has coronavirus revealed about human psychology?
Studies since the COVID-19 outbreak have uncovered interesting revelations about human psychology. How is quarantine affecting mental health? Which groups are the most psychologically affected? Is the virus changing how our brains are wired?
What is a black hole?
Black holes are one of the most mysterious objects in the Universe. They consist of an immense amount of matter packed into a tiny volume, giving them enormous density and gravity. The gravitational pull is so high that not even light can escape, so they are invisible. These objects have puzzled astronomers and physicists for decades - what is a black hole and what do we know about them?
What is dark matter?
Dark matter makes up at least 27% of the universe. Everything on earth only adds up to less than 5% of the universe. Dark matter has been a mystery for a long time and continues to be in so many aspects. What is dark matter, and what do we know about it?
Which is better - imperial or metric?
Imperial or metric — which system of measurement is better? This entry sets out the two positions in the long-running debate — that the imperial system is better, and that the metric system is the superior one.
Will the future of transportation be electric?
There is a push towards the usage of electrically powered cars. A few governments envision in the coming year to prohibit sell or even circulation of thermal cars. However electric car still is a niche market Will ti ever become viable