Questions
997 questions in the encyclopedia.
#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 solidarity of his beliefs such as the Richland florist and the Kentucky county clerk. The resultant discussion has pitted religious freedom against the civil liberties of same-sex couples and LGBT individuals.
Afghan-Taliban peace talks: What's next?
In 2020 we've seen continuation of Afghan and Taliban peace talks, in a region that has seen difficulties and been defined by tribalism for generations. So what is next in the Afghan-Taliban peace talks?
Are working mothers interrupted more than fathers during the lockdown?
Mothers are more likely to lose jobs than fathers during the pandemic because they spend more time caring their children than doing their Jobs responsabilities. Being at home during the lockdown supposed an obstacle for women careers because they have to create a balance between their jobs and childcare.
Are anime and cartoons the same thing?
For as long as they have existed there has been a debate about whether or not anime and cartoons are the same thing. Are they truly as similar as people believe, or are there key differences that separate them into two distinct categories?
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?
Are chatbots useful?
A debate over whether chatbots — from customer-service bots to large language model assistants like ChatGPT, Claude and Gemini — deliver real value to their users, or whether their errors, dependencies and deskilling effects outweigh the work they replace.
Are data rights human rights?
In the past few years personal data protection has become a major issue. As data is gathered at an unprecedented scale, that data is used to generate profit and often manipulate users, and has led to data breaches that have caused great harm. Are data rights now human rights?
Are dictatorships effective for development?
International development is a difficult task in the best of times. Some people have argued that it is easier when the government is totalitarian. Often, what is required to 'develop' a nation is painful for the population. Is it better when they have less say?
Are dream interpretations accurate?
Understanding dream meanings has fascinated mankind for millennia. In ancient Greece, physicians believed dreams conveyed indications of diseases present in the body. Sigmund Freud thought dreams revealed repressed desires. Since then, pop psychologists, psychotherapists and psychoanalysts have all begun offering interpretations of clients' dreams. But are dream interpretations accurate?
Are e-readers better than printed books?
Books are constantly evolving. In the 21st century, we no longer read from a page, but read from a glass screen that can hold hundreds or thousands of texts. E-readers have revolutionised the way people read, and for many have made it much more accessible. But how does it weigh up to the traditional paperback?
Are economic sanctions effective?
Economic sanctions are trade restrictions imposed on a country or group in an attempt to create economic pressure. This pressure may or may not incite behavioral change, typically political or economic in nature. Economic sanctions have long been used as a political tool between nations, but should they be used this way?
Are film critics worth reading?
Film criticism has been a big part of the movie industry for many years, with reviewers giving their take on the latest films and advising the public if a production is worth watching. But is the critique valuable? Are film critics worth reading?
Are ghosts real?
Do ghosts exist? A surprising number of people believe in ghosts, or have reported experiencing paranormal phenomenon. The depiction of ghosts and spirits date back to ancient times, and are seen in almost all cultures around the world. But with new technology and advancements in science, there are a number of logical explanations for ghostly encounters. What do you think? Are people really able to make contact with the dead? Or is it all psychological phenomenon?
Are 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 Greta Thunberg and her movement spontaneous?
Greta Thunberg and Friday for Future got enormous popularity: teenage student that protested in front of Swedish Parliament got world-wide attention. Is this spontaneous or nurtured by media coverage and external social marketing?
Are Holocaust comparisons OK?
Jewish and Romani people are in the position where a tragic event in their family history is used as many people's universal example of a genocide, or just evil in general for some. When is it appropriate to compare things to the Nazi's atrocities?
Are human rights a form of imperialism?
human rights are presented as universal and provide unalienable rights to all of humanity, regardless of cultural background. However, human rights often clashes with non-western constructs. Different cultural perspectives argue this is another form of imperialism.
Are humans responsible for climate change?
Climate change isn't just global warming, it's also a change in regional or global weather patterns. There are many other factors though that cause these world wide changes. People have been questioning whether humans are at fault for climate change or if the fears surrounding it are real at all.
Are individual opinions of value?
Critical thinking, reason and logic are the crucible upon which we hope to forge fact and truth. But some areas of thought, such as philosophy, are more open to debate and personal viewpoints. Other areas of thought may be perverted by the idea that opinion as as good as fact... where should the line be drawn?
Are IQ tests accurate?
IQ tests are a form of standardized test that allegedly gauges an individual's intelligence. While some argue for the advantages of IQ tests, others claim they are inaccurate and biased.
Are Jews white?
In a landmark 2018 court ruling, Jews became a protected "race" under American law. This judgement was divisive. The case, in which a Catholic convert had been denied a job beause of his Jewish bloodline, should have been a victory for victims of anti-Semitism. Instead, many Jews saw its result as short-sighted. They argue that formalising racial distinctions legitimises racism. And that this approach is in the same genre of identity politics as the Holocaust. Others claim that categorising Jews as a minority ethnic group helps protect them against discrimination. Are Jews white?
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?
Are motorists more responsible than cops for the worsening traffic scenario of Nagpur?
Who is more to blame for Nagpur's worsening traffic — drivers or police? This entry sets out the two positions on the question: that motorists bear more responsibility than the police, and that they do not.
Are naked bike shorts the next big thing in fashion?
Naked bike shorts have grown increasingly visible on runways and streets. This entry asks whether they are poised to become the next big fashion trend, setting out the positions that they are, and that they are not.
Are NGOs a form of neocolonialism?
Nongovernmental organizations, more commonly known as NGO further thousands of great charitable causes around the world. However, critics argue they are just another form of neocolonialism.
Are Olympics an overall good or bad for the cities where they are hosted?
The Olympic Games are a set of international sports competitions that occur every four years for winter and spring sports, or every two years overall. Each competition is held in a different city in a different country, with the potential possibility to repeat a location. As the world economy and tourism expanded in the late twentieth and early twenty-first century, there has been some debate as to whether the Olympics is an overall good or bad experience for a host country.
Are paper books disappearing?
Digital books, e-books, kindles, e-readers, and digital publication and distribution is changing the book business and the way we consume books. But does the digital revolution mean the end of paper books?
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?
Are people born with charisma?
Is charisma learned or innate? Some people just seem to be charismatic from a young age, while others may need to learn social skills throughout their lifetimes. So is it nature, nurture, or some combination of both which determines a person's charisma?
Are plants conscious?
Can plants feel pain or think? There are studies suggesting there is a form of plant consciousness which operates as an underground network. Such mysterious theories have their proponents and critics.
Are political protests effective?
A protest is a public demonstration that expresses disapproval towards something. Political protests focus on objecting policies or actions by governing bodies. Some of the political protests that have occurred in the past year include the George Floyd protests, the 2019-2020 Hong Kong protests, the Philippines’ Anti-Terror Bill protests, and the 2019 Venezuelan protests.
Are protests effective?
Protests are used to further social change when democratic channels do not work for the aggrieved population. However, people disagree on their effectiveness in furthering social causes.
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 rationalism and idealism compatible?
Idealism is the belief in mind over matter; the conviction that matter itself has no existence apart from mind (one-directional). "Objects" and "matter" exist only in being perceived. However, several of the most prominent idealist philosophers, such as Socrates, Plato, Berkeley, Hume, Kant and Schopenhauer, are also classified as rationalists. Is this possible? Or is it a fundamental contradiction?
Are recessions always a bad thing?
Recessions, commonly seen as detrimental, can also foster efficiency, innovation, and economic resilience by eliminating uncompetitive businesses and encouraging structural economic reforms.
Are rent caps a good idea?
Rent caps, which set limits on permissible rent charges or cap annual rent increases during tenancies, have been adopted by many cities as a way of curbing rising rents. But do rent caps actually work? Do they keep city rents affordable? Or are they part of the problem?
Are ride-hailing apps a benefit to society?
Ride-hailing apps such as Uber or Lyft have made it convenient for passengers to connect with local drivers through their smartphones. However, there are controversies surrounding the practice of ride-hailing apps. Do ride-hailing apps benefit society?
Are sanctuary cities good or bad?
Sanctuary cities are US cities that elect to not cooperate with immigration law in order to protect undocumented immigrants. Are these cities necessary to protect innocent people? Or are they unlawful hotbeds of criminals?
Are short films worth watching?
People are deluged by content - via social media, TV channels, OTT platform, box sets, websites, brands etc - but have less and less time to watch them. Short films offer narratives, story arcs etc but delivered in a condensed form.
Are smart phones making us smarter?
Smart phone processing power is radically improving, VR, AI... powerful mini computers in our pockets. And the phones are now part of (and even control) every aspect of our lives. Is it possible that they are now smarter than we are?
Are social networking sites good for society?
Social networking sites have greatly impacted society. We can not only connect and interact with others across the globe in a few clicks, characters or likes, but we also have the potential to learn from these sites. While there may be advantages, there are also disadvantages but the pivotal question is whether the former outweighs the latter.
Are standardized tests effective?
Standardized testing has been around for a surprisingly long time, but has become much more regulated in the 21st century. With so much based upon these tests, debate has sparked about the effectiveness of them. Are they really a good measure of intelligence? Or do they just measure how well a student takes a certain form of test?
Are Stephen King's novels sexist?
Stephen King is one of the world's top-paid authors, with over sixty published books and even more films and TV shows based upon these novels. The way he portrays women in these books, unfortunately, is not always the best. Women are constantly subject to abuse, fantasy, and objectification. Are Stephen King's novels sexist, or not?
Are the Ewoks in Star Wars lovable or hateable?
Ewoks are the lovable 'teddy bear'-like creatures made famous in the Star Wars franchise. Some people love them and some people hate them? Why is there such a discrepancy in the emotions they elicit in Star Wars fans?
Are the Kardashians-Jenners feminists?
The Kardashian-Jenners have built an empire worth over a billion dollars around their name alone. While some argue their entrepreneurship is inspiring for young women, others point to their sexualization and fixation on appearance as evidence they are bad influences on young women. Are the Kardashian-Jenners empowering, feminist figures? Or do they demean all that feminism stands for?
Are the lyrics to "Baby It's Cold Outside" offensive?
"Baby It's Cold Outside" has been a beloved Christmas classic since its release in the 1950s. But in recent years its lyrics have come under scrutiny, as modern culture sees it as sexist, offensive, and possibly about date rape. Does the song have sexist undertones, or is it an innocent holiday classic?
Are the Marvel movies good cinema?
The Marvel Cinematic Universe, or MCU, is one of the most successful intellectual properties of all time. But when asked about his opinion of the Marvel movies, famed filmmaker Martin Scorsese contended that they were not real cinema. This is not just one man's shot at a franchise, but rather a part of an overarching debate about whether the Marvel movies are merely common blockbusters, or something much more. Is Scorsese right, or does the MCU deserve more artistic respect?
Are The Simpsons racist?
The Simpsons is possible the most popular cartoon television show of all time in the United States. Some events depicted in episodes have not aged too well. There are critics who would argue that The Simpsons are racist.
Are the Star Wars Movies Prequels or Sequels better?
Star Wars is a beloved movie franchise, and Lucasfilms attempted to expand on that franchise with a trilogy of prequels - The Phantom Menace, Attack of the Clones, and Revenge of the Sith. But it was met with heavy criticism and despised by fans. A decade later, Disney would try their hand at making Star Wars movies with the Sequel trilogy - The Force Awakens, The Last Jedi, and The Rise of Skywalker. Unfortunately, these movies were also met with a frosty reception. Comparison between the two trilogies is inevitable... so, which were better? The Prequels, or the Sequels?
Are there more than two genders?
Whether binary or a spectrum, innate or a construct, or soon to be irrelevant, gender is one of the most divisive questions on the world's lips. Are there more than two genders? What are the sides to the gender debate?