Positions

This position examines the political consequences of coronavirus for the European Union. It argues that how EU leaders communicate and make decisions will shape the bloc long after the virus is gone—from the symbolism of the Schengen shutdown to open disputes over the best response.

This position holds that political correctness creates a better society. It argues that clear boundaries on acceptable speech let people express themselves with confidence — sparking creativity and innovation — and that PC culture protects marginalised people from indecency and exclusion.

This position holds that 'political correctness' does not really exist. It argues that the term has no fixed or coherent definition — functioning as an empty label rather than a real phenomenon — so debating whether it harms society is to argue about nothing.

Western culture has a long history of borrowing from other cultures. Our cooking, art, and music demonstrates a rich blend of cultural influences. Yet all of a sudden, Western culture is not allowed to borrow from any other cultures.

This position holds that political correctness is bad for society. It argues that PC norms restrict open discussion of difficult issues and so block progress, that suppressing ideas only drives them toward polarisation, and that political correctness stands opposed to free speech.

This position holds that political correctness is detrimental to society. It argues that, at mild levels, PC culture stifles debate and erodes free speech and creates a culture of avoidance — and that, at its extreme, it empowers bigots and can even legitimise violence.

This position holds that political correctness is necessary and useful. It argues that PC norms maintain respect in debate, protect minority groups and help define the boundaries of a decent society — and that those who oppose it are often seeking to make prejudice acceptable again.

This position holds that political correctness is neither good nor bad for society. It argues PC norms do not actually eradicate controversial views—they merely censor their expression rather than changing what people truly think—so their overall effect is essentially neutral.

Political protests alone cannot create a lasting impact. The public would benefit more from also learning about significant issues as opposed to simply becoming aware of them. People need to engage in “evidence-based education” to bring about real change.

Several political protests held during the past decade have resulted in policy changes. Regardless of their outcomes, political protests can be considered effective since they inspire people to become politically active. Protesters create awareness about specific issues, especially those experienced by marginalised groups. By having their voices heard, both in their home country and all over the world, protesters ignite discourse and action.

This position attributes the high number of US coronavirus cases to a poor public-health response. It argues that the very bodies responsible for safeguarding public health and controlling disease failed — pointing to indecisive action by the FDA and significant failings within the CDC.

This position holds that populism is disastrous for politics. It argues that populism produces worse policy, that it scapegoats minorities to rally support, and that it is fundamentally at odds with the institutions and norms of liberal democracy.

This position holds that populism is a sign of healthy politics. It argues that its rise shows democracy working — giving voice to large groups long ignored by an elite consensus — and that populist movements have forced neglected issues, including those of the left, onto the mainstream agenda.

Feminist opponents of pornography argue that pornography is harmful to women, and constitutes strong causality or facilitation of violence against women. Anti-pornography feminists have tried to have pornography banned in many countries.

This position holds that positivism is among the best research philosophies in academia. It argues that, by focusing on observable reality and producing law-like generalisations from large data samples, positivism supports the objectivity that rigorous science demands.

The state should not be criminalizing people because of drug use as it is immoral and exacerbates existing social and health issues. Police should be targeting the people who distribute drugs as it goes hand-in-hand with other activities such as human traffiking and exploitation of vunerable people

This position holds that postmodernism is among the best research philosophies in academia. It argues that this subjectivist approach — emphasising the role of language and giving voice to alternative or marginalised views — is innovative, opening up questions other philosophies foreclose.

This position holds that pragmatism is among the best research philosophies in academia. It argues that pragmatism's strength is its practicality — focusing on making genuine scientific progress by drawing on whatever variety of methods best suits the problem at hand, rather than dogma.

This position holds that Prince Philip is a controversial figure. It argues that for decades his public comments drew criticism as offensive and insensitive, and points to accusations that he was an old-fashioned sexist, made racist remarks, and was a philanderer.

This position notes that Prince Philip is venerated as a deity by certain Pacific Island cargo cults. Followers of the Prince Philip Movement, centred on the island of Tanna in Vanuatu, have long regarded him as a divine figure or god.

This position holds that Prince Philip is best remembered as a family man. It argues his 72-year marriage to the Queen, and his role as a loving husband, dedicated father, and caring grandfather, reflect a love and loyalty that should define his memory.

This position favours printed books over e-readers. It argues physical books aid memory retention, cause less eye strain, avoid technical glitches, offer an authentic reading experience, hold value as collectibles, and sustain traditional publishing.

Prisons and criminal justice systems worldwide, but especially in the United States, have numerous flaws and injustices. These flaws need correction for positive change to manifest within prisons and see a decrease in repeat offenders.

Private equity is a misnomer and should properly be called leveraged buyouts. Leveraged buyouts, by definition, increase borrowing and raise the probability of bankruptcy.

Private equity leads to superior corporate management and greater efficiency. Companies that are owned by private equity firms grow and help the economy.

Private equity may be a good investment for those investing in the private equity funds, but it is bad for customers, suppliers and the economy at large.

People taking this view consider that in a Universe where there are enormous numbers of worlds like ours it is likely that life has arisen many times. But until we have evidence we don’t know for sure

This entry surveys the properties of a black hole, whose strange attributes scientists have long studied. It examines ideas such as the 'no-hair theorem,' which holds black holes are defined by just a few simple traits, and the unresolved information paradox.

In proportional representation, elected legislators vote to represent a proportion of the community. For example, the United States electoral college is a proportional representation voting system.

The pandemic has been a time of great societal change in regards to health and civil upheaval. Social media has become the go-to method for sharing information and connecting with others.

This position sets out the case for vegetarianism, holding that it benefits both personal wellbeing and the environment. It argues that giving up meat reduces disease risk, spares animals from cruelty, and cuts carbon emissions — and that eating meat is, in any case, unnecessary or wrong.

This position holds that prostitution should be fully decriminalised, treated like any other profession. It argues that decriminalisation protects sex workers, lets them unionise, relieves stigma, and respects sex work as the worker's own choice — and that selling sex is not inherently wrong.

This position holds that prostitution should be illegal. It argues sex work is inherently harmful—a form of oppression that fuels sex trafficking and violence against women, often driven by economic coercion—and that selling the body is immoral and carries lasting consequences.