Questions

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?

How does social media affect mental health?

The relationship between social media and mental health is complex, as social media takes over more and more of our lives. Many people instantly assume social media has a negative effect on mental health, but can there be positive effects too?

How does the Northern Artistic Renaissance differ from the Italian Artistic Renaissance?

The art renaissance began in the 14th century in both Northern Europe and Italy, but they were vastly different. However, both spurred social change and scientific discovery. During this renaissance, art style changed in composition, color, religious representation, anatomy, and architecture.

How fast should fossil fuels be phased out?

Fossil fuels will inevitably become a thing of the past, but it is difficult to say when that time will be. Should countries and industries begin this process immediately to avoid further long-term damage to the climate or is it better to implement a slower transition over a longer period of time with similar results?

How has online dating changed relationships?

Has online dating fundamentally reshaped how people form relationships? This entry sets out the two positions on the question — that online dating has changed relationships, and that it has not.

How is heteronormativity a threat to wellbeing?

This entry maps the debate over heteronormativity — the assumption that heterosexuality is the default — setting out the opposing positions that heteronormativity harms everyone, and that it is simply normal.

How is the coronavirus pandemic affecting global warming?

COVID-19 has changed the way we work, live, travel and engage with the world. The quarantine measures imposed by many countries in its wake have kept many of us locked indoors. The environment too has been radically impacted as air pollution reduces, CO2 emissions tumble, and animals return to cities. Will the pandemic have long-term impact on the environment and global warming?

How much of your body is actually you?

How much of your body is genuinely 'you' rather than microbes? This entry sets out the two positions on the question — that more than half of your body is not human, and that more than half of it is.

How real is Donald Trump's hair?

Donald Trump--esteemed billionaire, TV star, and the 45th President of the United States--has captured the attention of people all over the world. While there have been many jokes at Trump's expense, none are more prominent than the debate over whether his hair is real or fake.

How should a country apologize for their past actions and how long?

When we live in a globalized society, we face a need to cooperate with different countries. Japan has tried to fix its relationship with Korea for a while, but the relationship seems to be getting worse. How can a country apologize for a past action and how long do the reparations take?

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?

How should we address homelessness?

A homeless individual lacks a permanent and safe nighttime residence. Approximately 150 million people worldwide suffer from homelessness. Although a wide variety of potential solutions exist, experts disagree about the correct response to this widespread problem.

How should we think about interpreting literature?

In the world of literary criticism, there are many theories about the correct way to interpret literature. Some critics argue that the text alone determines a work's meaning, while others pay more attention to factors like historical context or the reader's experience. Scholars also practice other methods of literary criticism influenced by feminist, Marxist, or psychoanalytic theories, to name a few. So, what are the various theories about interpreting literature?

How to affect globalisation for business

How were the Pyramids at Giza built?

The Pyramids at Giza are an engineering marvel from Egypt’s Old Kingdom period. The largest, the Great Pyramid, is 455 feet high and was constructed from approximately 2.3 million blocks weighing 2.5 tons each. There are many theories as to how the pyramids were built using primitive technology.

How will coronavirus affect religion?

Lockdown makes no exceptions for belief. In March 2020 the now iconic image of Pope Francis praying to an empty St. Peter's Square hit the headlines. For the religious, it soon became emblematic of solidarity in isolation. Mass gatherings are now out. Places of worship, prayer groups, pilgrimages, weekly rituals and door-to-door evangelism have now been outlawed in many countries. It may be many months before Covid-19 ceases to be a threat. When it does, how will it have impacted religion?

How will coronavirus change the world?

COVID-19 has torn through the fabric of our lives all over the world - with over 20M cases and nearly 1M deaths, and a global collapse in GDP that is historically unprecedented. Will it have long term impact, and what will that look like - economically, politically, and socially?

How will the coronavirus affect globalization?

World leaders now describe Covid-19 as the 'silent enemy'. Several have called the pandemic a 'war'. For the first time in history, every nation on Earth is battling a common foe. What this will mean for globalisation remains unknown. Global connectivity is, on the face of things, being eroded, as free movement stops and people 'stay and shelter'. Yet, the world is also increasingly united, as triumph depends on cooperation.

How will the coronavirus affect the European Union?

Are diverging policy responses from EU members states causing diplomatic ties to break down? Or conversely, is the shared trauma of the COVID-19 outbreak fostering brotherhood amongst its nations? What will the EU look like once the cure for the pandemic has been found?

In 'Lord of the Flies', is Jack evil?

In Nobel Prize-winner William Golding’s 1954 dystopian novel Lord of the Flies, a group of British schoolboys are stranded on an deserted island and are left to govern themselves. This ill-fated attempt to battle through civilization, morality, and order led to extreme bloodlust, violence, and savagery amongst the group of boys. Jack Merridew, the power-loving antagonist of the story is obsessed with dominance over the group since the beginning of the novel. But despite Jack’s antagonistic nature and selfishness, he may not be malicious.

In the Da Vinci Code is Mary Magdalene at rest under the stars ? If so can people go visit the extraordinary site ?

I'm intrigued with the movie The Da Vince code. It have a new perspective of Jesus and his bloodline. I'm curious to known who are those among us with the Jesus-Mary Magdalene Bloodline ?

In what way has social media changed human communication?

How has social media reshaped the way we communicate? This entry maps the positions — that it has changed human communication for the better, for the worse, and in ways that are neither clearly good nor bad.

Is ‘hybrid’ work the way of the future?

With Covid-19 currently hanging over our heads, the need for work-from-home positions is greater than ever. Thankfully, technology has provided us many ways in which to hybridize our workspaces. But the question arises: If Covid-19 ever goes away, will 'hybrid work' still become the way of the future?

Is 2020 a dreadful 366 days or a massive awakening?

From a worldwide pandemic to fires that destroyed almost a quarter of Australia to racial supremacism, maybe what 2020 holds isn't a dreadful 366 days, but an awakening that forces us to shed, release, and re-evaluate humanity. From the Cenozoic Era, when humans first appeared, to what is now known as Gen Z, the developments and evolution are- without a doubt- significant and momentous. Along with technology, humans have also changed how we live, eat, and feel over time. However, humanity has also managed to feel superior to other races and religions, form divides and oppression against their own kind, make a mercenary of an altruistic society, and grow increasingly self-centered and self-obsessed in just a couple thousand years. But finally, with this worldwide pandemic, we are granted a quiet and calm space that allows us to reflect and re-evaluate. We become self-aware and are conscious of how we act and how the people around us act. We are able to shift beyond self-actualization into a realm of self-transcendence. With the deadly fires that arose, we have come to realize and experience the horrible hell we have put our animals and environment through. With protests and petitions against racial supremacism, we are finally able to use media for a cause that helps and fights for humanity and justice. Perhaps, the purpose of 2020 is not to evoke fear and dread but to force you to open your eyes and ears to see and hear the chaos and mayhem that we created from a peaceful, harmonious human civilization. Perhaps, 2020 is The Golden Age of Transformation.

Is 3D unnecessary?

Does 3D add anything to film, or is it a gimmick? This entry sets out the two positions on the question — that 3D is unnecessary, and that it is not — weighing immersion against cost and discomfort.

Is 5G technology dangerous for human health?

The telecom industry is rolling out 5G technology that some claim may have unintended consequences. Scientific studies, both recently and over many years, have identified harmful effects on health when testing wireless products under realistic conditions. Some people are very concerned that the increase in radiation exposure by 5G leads to damage that cannot be reversed. But are these studies something to worry about?

Is a hotdog a sandwich?

The hotdog is a beloved meal that exists in many forms around the world, from Chicago dog, to the ballpark frank, the chilli dog, and on and on. A frankfurter placed within a bun with any variety of condiments in all sorts of combinations. But the question remains, is the hotdog a sandwich?

Is a Monarchy or Republic more beneficial?

A monarchy and a republic distribute political power and legitimacy very differently. This entry maps the debate over which serves a country better, setting out the positions that a republic is more beneficial, and that a monarchy is.

Is a world without any borders a good idea?

Nation-states maintain borders for safety, maintaining political jurisdiction. Yet, some forms of open borders exist between nation-states: the Schengen Agreement in the European Union, borders between India and Nepal, Ireland and the U.K., and the CA4 Border Control Agreement in Central America. Most nation-states maintain strict border controls, restricting travel between countries and barring entry to migrants. Millions of people risk their lives trying to cross borders into other countries. Some are fleeing violence and war; others are looking for better economic opportunities or to be reunited with family members. Borders protect but they also actively promote death and suffering, as seen in the strategic placement of border patrol along the US-Mexico borderlands. What are the possibilities of a world without borders?

Is abortion ethical?

There are debates all over the world about whether or not abortion should be legal, and many people pick which side based on their feelings on the morality of abortion. Frequently, the debate centers around disagreements of the moral status of the fetus, and at what point it has all the rights of an adult. Other ethical debates focus on the rights of the mother or the circumstances of conception.

Is ADHD real?

Scientific evidence has supported the existence of Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder for decades, yet critics often question if it’s a valid condition. There is no doubt that the symptoms associated with ADHD are real, and though science has proven ADHD to be a real brain-based disorder, many still deny it’s existence. The debate continues; Is ADHD a real medical condition? Is it over-diagnosed? Is it under-diagnosed? Or is ADHD merely an excuse for disruptive behavior?

Is adultery wrong?

Is adultery always morally wrong? This entry sets out the two positions on the question — that adultery is wrong, and that it is not — weighing betrayal and broken commitment against more permissive views of fidelity.

Is advertising morally wrong?

Advertising is ubiquitous to modern day society. You would be hard-pressed to go a day or even an hour without seeing some form of advertising. However, the whole point of advertising is to manipulate our minds into largely pointless purchases. Should we condone the amount of advertising we see? Is advertising wrong?

Is affirmative action racist?

Affirmative action is a policy in which an individual's race, sex, religion or national origin are taken into account to increase opportunities provided to an underrepresented group in society. It is used to encourage diversity and equality. Affirmative action can most often be seen in academic institutions, such as college admissions, scholarships and programs.

Is AI good for humanity?

The advancements in the past few years have pointed to the radical potential impacts of Artificial Intelligence in the world. While the AI is an amazing technology, will AI be good for humanity? Or will AI bring us a dystopia?

Is algae the new cotton?

Could algae become a sustainable alternative to cotton and other textiles? This entry sets out the two positions on the question — that algae is the new cotton, and that it is not.

Is alien life a threat to religion?

When Copernicus and Galileo championed a heliocentric view of the universe, they were demonised by the Catholic authorities for fear of threatening their legitimacy. Would the discovery of alien life on other planets threaten the power and importance of modern religions in a similar way?

Is All Lives Matter a legitimate protest for equality?

In 2013 policeman George Zimmerman was acquitted of murder, after shooting black teenager Trayvon Martin to death. Many saw this as an example of racially motivated police brutality, and symptomatic of wider racial prejudices in the West. As public outrage grew, "Black Lives Matter" (BLM) became a rallying cry across the internet to protest against these injustices. The "All Lives Matter" (ALM) movement mobilised in response, seeing BLM as an affront to non-black rights. This has divided people. ALM argues that achieving an equal society requires inclusivity, and that focusing only on black lives is misleading and offensive to non-blacks. Meanwhile, their critics see the ALM movement as proof that black lives remain unequal. It is regarded as a problematic campaign. One that gives non-blacks license to distract from the uneven levels of inequality and prejudice faced by black people, and undermine their cause. With public figures including Richard Sherman , Ben Carson and Tim Scott active supporters of All Lives Matter, is it a legitimate protest for equality? Or does this campaign only deepen existing prejudice?

Is alternative medicine effective?

Complementary or alternative medicine (CAM) is a group of diverse medical and health care systems, practices, and products for diagnosis, treatment and/or prevention which are not presently considered to be part of conventional medicine. Complementary means to improve the effect of something and suggests a treatment that complements mainstream, orthodox treatment, whilst alternative means instead of. However, the terms are often used interchangeably.

Is an unamendable constitution undemocratic?

Unamendability is a growing constitutional trend. But is it compatible with democratic values? Does unamendability force future generations into a necrocracy, the ‘dead hand’ grip of those that wrote the constitution? Does it place too much power in the hands of the judiciary? Can institutions face modern democratic challenges without the flexibility to amend the nation's constitution?

Is Anarchism possible?

Anarchism describes a diverse range of political and philosophical beliefs, ranging from the individualism of anarcho-capitalism to the communitarianism of anarcho-syndicalism. However, they hold in common a belief in the primacy of freedom: the individual's ability to act according to their conscience, without coercion from or subjugation to an oppressive authority. Often, this authority is identified with the state, along with other hierarchical organisations, both secular and religious. Anarchism has long been derided and dismissed as fanciful and unworkable, even incoherent -- yet throughout history there have been serious attempts to build free societies, organised on the principles of horizontalism, participatory democracy, and mutual aid. Is a free future at all likely for humankind, or are Anarchists just 'demanding the impossible'?

Is animal milk healthy?

Milk is a staple of the mammal diet, humans included. However recent studies and debate suggest that drinking milk past childhood is not healthy, and an array of plant-based alternatives have risen in popularity. Is milk healthy?

Is animal testing ethical?

The ethics of animal experimentation is a topic of hot debate in academia. Animal rights groups consider animal testing unethical due to the harm inflicted on animals. The other side of the debate justifies the harm because animal testing will bring greater benefits to the world.

Is barefoot running really better for you?

Barefoot running is a trend with a lot of momentum behind it. The idea that we have evolved to run barefoot, and that returning to this natural state can have benefits for running. Research has been done on both sides, with lots of strong adherents... so where to we stand today?

Is BDS anti-semitic?

BDS stands for Boycott, Divestment, and Sanctions. It is a non-violent, Palestinian led political campaign that advocates for and promotes various forms of finanical protest against the state of Israel. The objective of BDS is to pressure Israel into abiding by international law, which includes ending the Israeli occupation of the West Bank and Gaza Strip, granting Arab-Palestinians Israeli citizenship, and allowing displaced Palestinian refugees the right to return to their cultural and ancestral homeland. It’s often compared to and seeks to emulate the South African anti-apartheid movement from the 1980s. However, the movement has been accused of being ant-semitic due to the nature in which it targets the world’s only Jewish state, and how those attacks affect Jewish people in Israel and abroad.

Is beauty in the eye of the beholder?

The subjectivity of beauty, or lack thereof, is a topic on which many have remained divided. We do not doubt that beautiful things, such as natural phenomena and man-made artefacts, exist but the principal problem arises when deciding whether certain aesthetic judgements hold universally.

Is being a billionaire a moral failing?

Is it possible to amass a billion dollars ethically? This entry maps the debate over whether being a billionaire is a moral failing, setting out the opposing positions that it is, and that it is not.

Is Bitcoin the future?

Since its inception since 2008, the world has looked at Bitcoin with cautious fascination. In 2013 Bitcoin started to generate interest as investors and buyers explored the possibility of Bitcoin emerging as the predominant international currency. The bursting of the Bitcoin bubble several years later did much to dampen its outlook but is Bitcoin the future of money?

Is Black-ish a good show?

Black-ish is a funny and creative show about a successful upper middle class African-American family led by Andre 'Dre' Johnson (Anthony Anderson) and Rainbow Johnson (Tracee Ellis Ross). The show revolves around the family's lives, as they juggle personal and sociopolitical issues, mainly pertaining to cultural differences and controversial topics. Critics claim the show is slightly tone deaf to issues in the African American community, and that the show is not a realistic parody of black family life. Though the show has had criticism, it still pushes the black televised family forward.

Is BLM (Black Lives Matter) good or bad?

BLM the organization has seen countless donations in order to fight police brutality and has made a huge splash on America during a time of distress. Although they have brought a lot of recognition to the issue, they have come under extreme scrutiny for things their leaders have said, the damage that they have caused to communities, and the lack of involvement in Chicago.