Questions

Is it good to do yoga during your period?

It is said that during menstruation days is recommended to stop doing yoga, especially inversions. However, others argue that doing yoga on one's period can soothe period pain and even help to regulate periods. Can you continue to practice yoga during your period? Or is it detrimental to your health?

Is it offensive for sports teams to use Native American mascots?

Teams like the Washington Redskins, the Atlanta Braves and the Cleveland Indians have always used Native American imagery and mascots in their branding. Advocacy groups accuse them of cultural appropriation and playing on racial slurs. Are their claims justified? Is the use of Native American imagery a sign of respect for their culture? Is their offence justified?

Is it okay to punch Nazis?

In 2016, a video of white nationalist Richard Spencer being punched in the face by an unidentified assailant went viral. As it did so, a question that was first asked in World War Two rose to the surface of public debate again: is it morally permissible to punch a Nazi? Some consider these increasingly-publicized acts of violence to be slippery slopes that endanger free speech and compromise morals, while others consider games of whack-a-fascist to be their God-given right, as well as their moral duty.

Is it okay to say "All Lives Matter"?

As "Black Lives Matter" has become a rally cry to address police brutality and racism in the US and around the world. In some places "All Lives Matter" or "Blue Lives Matter" (Police) or "White Lives Matter" have been shared shared as a retort. Is it appropriate to share this perspective? Is it offensive? Insensitive? Or an inclusive perspective?

Is it possible to teach theatre online?

With the onset of the 2020 COVID-19 pandemic, both lives and livelihoods are at risk. Theatre is an inherently live and intimate art form. Paired with the closing of Broadway and the West End, theatre instructors are now asked to adapt their curriculum to fit an online structure in order to protect themselves and their students. Some argue that, with the absence of liveness, an inability to connect energetically with fellow actors to tell a story, and the inevitable time lag of online theatre, what we are creating is no longer theatre at all. Others are beginning to see the benefits of a virtual space.

Is it time we learned to live with Coronavirus?

With no end in sight, Coronavirus is running rampant all over the world and killing around 150,000 people a day. With the entirety of 2020 dominated by the virus, many people are starting to wonder: Is it time we learned to live with Coronavirus?

Is Italian fashion racist?

Following a series of controversies, does the Italian fashion industry have a problem with racism? This entry sets out the two positions on the question — that Italian fashion is racist, and that it is not.

Is Jean Luc Godard the greatest filmmaker of all time?

Jean Luc-Godard was the spearhead of the French new wave cinema. He directed films such as breathless, Vivre-sa vie which defied the laws that set the film making precedence and introduced jump cuts. Post world war 2, USA decided to forego the WW2 debt if France opened its market for US products and regulated its own film industry. In defiance, new directors such as Varda, Godard, Rivette brought some fabulous work on the table.

Is King Joffrey in Game of Thrones a product of unconditional love?

Was Game of Thrones' cruel boy-king Joffrey the product of being unconditionally loved? This entry sets out the two positions on the question — that Joffrey is a product of unconditional love, and that he is not.

Is learning grammar important?

Grammar has long been seen as the foundation of our language, but whether it is necessary for it to be specifically studied is often overlooked. Is learning grammar necessary for learning how to read and write? Is it necessary for learning other languages? How extensively should grammar be taught, if at all?

Is Lebron James the greatest basketball player of all time?

Is LeBron James the greatest basketball player of all time? This entry sets out the two positions in the perennial debate — that LeBron is the greatest of all time, and that he is not.

Is lying ever justified?

“Lying is bad.” Almost every child has heard this phrase or some variation of it. We are taught from a young age that the truth is important and that lying is unethical. Yet, lies can have purposes, and sometimes the truth can cause harm. Therefore, can lying be justifiable?

Is Mario Draghi left wing or right wing?

Is marriage an outdated custom?

The idea of marriage scares many people and it is seemingly becoming less and less ideal for younger generations. Nevertheless, marriages are still occurring. Marriage allows partners to identify their commitment on a higher level, as well as gaining benefits such as financial stability. However, government involvement in marriages can cause people to shy away from the institution. Others feel that marriage is not an appropriate act for demonstrating commitment.

Is Marvel or DC better?

With both making profits in the billions of dollars, the Marvel and DC franchises are juggernauts. Both have existed for nearly a century, and have spanned comic books and movies as well as every piece of merchandise imaginable. Every fan has their own opinion of which is superior, so which is it?

Is media no more fourth Pillar of Democracy?

With increase of information and opinion-bombardment, the role of media as a watchdog for the democracy is changing. More so, majority of the media groups are owned by big businesses or party leaders, which reflect their ideology or motives. Free media which gives transparent information and news is guarantee of democracy, is it no more playing the role it supposed to do?

Is medical education and medical training for US doctors too long?

Medical professions are typically regarded with great awe and fascination. In most countries, becoming a doctor is the highest form of academic achievement and it is a source of great pride for individuals and their families. In America, it takes anywhere from 11-16 years to become a doctor. Some would argue that such a level of training and education is necessary. They are also fairly compensated for their efforts. Others would disagree by showing how places like India and Europe have significantly fewer training requirements but still produce capable and adept doctors. Why do people have such contrasting views on the topic and why is doctorhood in America so fiercely debated?

Is Medusa a victim or villain?

Medusa is a famous figure in Greek mythology, often portrayed as a villain in most media. Her story, however, is much more complex than many are led to believe. Is Medusa really a villain, or is she a victim of her circumstances?

Is Moby-Dick worth reading?

"Moby-Dick; Or, The Whale" is is often touted as one of the greatest novels of all time, or at the very least, one of the greatest American novels. "Moby-Dick" is thought to be both revolutionary in its scale and scope, while also being a celebration of literature's past. At the same time, the novel finds critics in its verbose and seemingly pointless meanderings on whales and whaling. Is "Moby-Dick" truly worth reading?

Is money the root of all evil?

It could be argued that we have an increasing attachment to material wealth, and some people may do all within their power to gain and retain wealth. This question explores the relationship between money and unethical behaviour. It invites us to consider whether the former is the sole and principal cause of the latter.

Is morality relative?

Morality informs countless aspects of our lives, from the way we interact with others to the way we think about ourselves. But does our concept of morality objectively reflect absolute ideals of good and evil, or is it a shifting, arbitrary rulebook that varies from culture to culture?

Is Multi-Level Marketing a scam pyramid scheme?

Is multi-level marketing a legitimate business model or a disguised pyramid scheme? This entry sets out the two positions on the question — that MLM is a scam pyramid scheme, and that it is not.

Is Nagpur an increasingly unsafe place to live?

Is the Indian city of Nagpur becoming less safe? This entry sets out the two positions on the question — that Nagpur is an increasingly unsafe place to live, and that it remains safe.

Is Narendra Modi a terrorist?

A terrorist is defined as someone who uses unlawful violence and intimidation against a civilian population to advance a political objective. India’s Narendra Modi has been accused of using terror to further his political interests. Did Narendra Modi use acts of terror in Kashmir? Did he enable terrorism during the 2002 Gujarati riots? Or is he innocent of all terror accusations?

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 our gender determined by nature or nurture?

Men are from Mars and women are from Venus, so the saying goes. But are the behavioural differences between men and women the result of social and cultural conventions? Or are our gender-specific behaviours driven by biological factors?

Is our society becoming egalitarian?

Egalitarianism is a school of thought within political philosophy that builds from the concept of social equality, prioritizing it for all people. It is generally the idea that all humans are equal in fundamental worth or moral status. Society is changing... and we ask the question: are we becoming more egalitarian?

Is Paul McCartney dead?

Rumours that Paul McCartney died on 9 November 1966 in a car crash and was secretly replaced by a lookalike have persisted for 50 years. Is Paul really still around? Or has he been replaced by Billy Shears?

Is Pepsi or Coke better?

The original cola war, fought out at taste tests and dinner tables for decades: is Pepsi or Coca-Cola the better drink? This entry sets out the cases made for each side of the rivalry.

Is political correctness detrimental to society?

Although founded on the idea that everyone should be treated with dignity and respect, political correctness is frequently used to dismiss opinions as racist, sexist, homophobic, Islamophobic, transphobic and misogynistic. What is the real impact of political correctness? Does it foster harmony, or is it a weapon to stifle debate and dismiss controversial opinions as invalid?

Is poor management of forests to blame for deadly fires in the United States?

Are poorly managed forests behind America's deadly wildfires? This entry sets out the positions on the question — that forest mismanagement is to blame, that it is not, and that it is partly responsible alongside other factors.

Is private equity good for the economy?

Private equity firms have been called "locusts" by the German chancellor Angela Merkel but proponents argue that private equity investors make companies more efficient, create economic growth and provide good economic returns to investors.

Is psychiatry a sham?

Is psychiatry a legitimate medical discipline or a sham? This entry sets out the two positions on the question — that psychiatry is a sham, and that it is not — covering diagnosis, treatment and the nature of mental illness.

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 QAnon taking over America?

Is the QAnon conspiracy movement gaining a decisive hold on American politics? This entry sets out the two positions on the question: that QAnon is taking over America, and that it is not.

Is religion a force for good or evil?

Has religion done more good or more harm to humanity? This entry maps the positions on the question — that religion is a force for good, that it is a force for evil, and that it is inherently neither.

Is religion compatible with feminism?

Can a person be both devout and feminist? This entry maps the debate over whether religion is compatible with feminism, setting out the opposing positions that the two are incompatible, and that they can coexist.

Is religion detrimental to society?

Looking at cultures across the world and throughout history, you'd be hard-pressed to find a single one that isn't characterized by religion. Even today, in our progressive, post-Enlightenment society, religion plays a major role in our social institutions and moral codes. Of course, its continued influence begs the question-at a societal level, is religion a force for harm or good?

Is religion the primary motivation and recruitment behind ISIS?

The Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIS) is a terrorist militant organization seeking to establish itself as state and as a self-proclaimed Islamic caliphate. Under the ideology of Salafism, a conservative interpretation and movement of Sunni Islam, and describing its efforts as a jihad, many point to how religion is at the core of ISIS. However, many others argue that the Islamic State's primary motivations are more political, using religion as a veil to increase its legitimacy and as a recruitment strategy.

Is rioting ever justified?

Throughout the world, riots have erupted in reaction to injustice experienced by the population from those in power. Many are quick to suggest that the violent nature of the protest takes away from the cause. Others point to the real political change that arises from protesters' (and rioters') demands. But is rioting ever justified?

Is romantic love real?

Romantic love is described as the feeling you get when you find someone whom you care for and you can't imagine a life without them. How is this different from any other kind of love? Why is it seen as the highest form of love for so many people?

Is Salafi Islam compatible with secular Western cultures?

If you have read Samuel Huntington’s Clash of Civilisations or listened to Slavoj Žižek’s commentary on coexistence of cultures in the postmodern world (mainly the West); and reviewed the rhetoric of some Salafi Muslim clerics and European ecclesiastical leaders, you will be able to draw parallels in the sometimes subtle references to exhalation of “self” and denigration of the “other”.

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 Shakespeare's writing universal and timeless?

Ben Jonson described Shakespeare as being "for all time" - that is, his works resonate with all time periods and peoples. His body of work spans poetry and plays, many of which are the most praised, quoted and performed still today. Is the work of Shakespeare truly this universal and timeless?

Is shale oil a sustainable business model?

The drilling of shale oil has been hailed as revolution that has brought cheap gas and oil to American and made America a net exporter of oil and natural gas. However, there is serious debate as to whether shale is a sustainable business model given the high number of bankruptcies in the sector. What are the positions on the shale operating model?

Is sleeping during the night important for health?

Some people prefer to work at night, and they call themselves night owls. Early birds are the people sleep at night and wake up early. Many CEOs and business tycoons propagate the virtues of sleeping at night and waking up early. On the other hand, there are top creatives who prefer working at night. But which one of these promotes healthy habits and good mental and physical health?

Is social media being used to target the disenfranchised in swing states?

The 2016 US Presidential election saw the use of fake news to concentrate polarising content in swing states, and to intimidate certain groups of people into not showing up to vote. Under the extreme pressure of the 2020 Presidential elections, is social media being used to target the disenfranchised in swing states?

Is social media outrage a positive force in society?

The age-old maxim goes, "if you're not outraged, you're not paying attention". This has never been more applicable. Nothing drives social media engagement like outrage and social media platforms have embraced models designed to inflame and spark anger. The success of positive social and political movements like #MeToo and the Arab Spring largely stem from social media outrage but is it a positive societal force, or a dangerous sociological weapon that can destroy as fast as it creates?

Is socialism ethical?

Socialism is the political belief the government should redistribute wealth to close the economic gap in society. Many argue that this is a far better way to live, as all citizens can life with the secure knowledge that they will be protected by the state. But is it ethical for this to happen because the state took money away from another citizen?