Questions
997 questions in the encyclopedia.
Should foreign residents be eligible to vote?
People are become increasingly globally mobile, with foreign nationals accounting for ever higher population percentages in most nations on Earth. Should they be allowed to vote?
Should the voting age be 16?
Traditionally, the legal age for voting is 18. However, as more and more teenagers become politically active, calls have increased for the voting age to decrease to 16 so that older teenagers can vote. Should 16- and 17-year-olds be allowed to have their voice heard politically? Or are they simply not mature enough?
Should abortion be legal?
Throughout the world, abortions and a woman's right to have them remain taboo. As abortion is illegal in many countries, women sometimes going to extreme and dangerous lengths to obtain them. Going beyond whether or not terminating a pregnancy is right or wrong, what are the pros and cons of abortion? And should abortion as a medical procedure be legal?
Should adverts for gambling be banned?
Should gambling advertising be prohibited? This entry maps the positions on the question — that gambling adverts should be banned, that they pose no real problem, and that they should be moderated rather than banned outright.
Should after-school detention be banned?
School detention is a divisive topic in the learning community, as educators disagree on the effectiveness of school-based disciplinary actions. Some believe it is a more effective use of time for students who tend to misbehave, while others believe this puts educators in an excessively disciplinary role rather than focusing on teaching their students content during the school day.
Should animated films be considered for Best Picture at the Academy Awards?
The Academy Awards is among one of the most prestigious awards ceremonies for film in the world. The most coveted award of the ceremony is that for Best Picture. While animated features, such as Disney's Beauty and the Beast, have been nominated for this award, none have ever won. Further, there is a separate category for the Best Animated Feature that does not consider live-action film. Is there a way to acknowledge both forms of media in a single category without stigmatizing either?
Should anime be adapted into live-action films?
As anime grows more popular, more series have been adapted into live-action movies. They aim to service the fans of those anime, and bring the series to a wider audience. But they haven't always been met with good reception. With the rise of both anime and their live-action adaptations, the question is posed whether or not anime should stay in the realm of animation, or break into other media.
Should art and literature be moralizing?
Should art and literature carry a moral message, or is that not their job? This entry sets out the two positions on the question — that art and literature should be moralising, and that they should not.
Should asexual people be included in the LGBTQ+ community?
Asexuality is a sexual orientation defined by a lack of sexual attraction to people of any sex (though there are many diverse ways to be asexual). Recently, there has been some online discussion about whether asexual people belong in the LGBTQ+ acronym and community.
Should athletes kneel during the national anthem?
In 2016, the San Francisco 49ers' quarterback, Colin Kaepernick, first took a knee during the national anthem playing before his teams' first preseason games. Since then, many other athletes have also taken a knee in protest against police violence and brutality in America. What exactly does this protest mean? Is it disrespectful to the country and the sport, or is it a legitimate form of protest against a country that has never treated its minorities fairly?
Should Australia's immigration policy change?
This entry maps the debate over Australia's immigration policy — among the world's most contested — setting out the opposing positions that the policy should change and that it should stay the same.
Should baby boys be circumcised?
Circumcision of male children for religious tradition or health reasons has been a common practice for a very long time. But is this in the best interest of the child? Have we learned more about what this does to the baby? Should circumcision still be practiced?
Should billionaires pay more tax?
Should the very wealthy face higher taxes? This entry sets out the two positions on whether billionaires should pay more tax — that they should, and that they should not — weighing fairness and revenue against incentives and avoidance.
Should birth control be for sale over the counter?
Contraceptives such as condoms, spermicides, and the “morning after pill” are all readily available over the counter at any pharmacy. Many question if birth control pills should be one of them. Aside from preventing pregnancy, many women take birth control for other health reasons, such as balancing hormones and regulating menstrual cycles. Should birth control be easily accessible? Or is selling birth control over the counter dangerous and irresponsible?
Should birth control be free?
Birth control has many positive impacts, including pregnancy prevention, protection from STDs, and allowing regulation of the menstrual cycle. However, these products can cost large amounts of money, the onus of payment for which is generally on women. Should these products be free, or should they cost money?
Should books be adapted into movies?
We’ve seen many of our favourite stories rise to the silver screen. From childhood favourites like Harry Potter to remakes of classics like Little Women, many books have been adapted into screenplays and made into movies. The big dilemma: read the book, or watch the movie? Should the movie adaptation even exist at all?
Should bullfighting be banned?
Bullfighting has been a Spanish sport and beloved tradition since the 8th century. But in modern times, the sport has come under scrutiny as animal rights activists claim that it is unethical. People are beginning to wonder: Should bullfighting be banned?
Should burkas be banned in the UK?
Boris Johnson MP recently divided opinion for controversial remarks about Muslim women who wear burkas/burqas. Though he did not advocate a ban, his comments have reignited the debate following bans on the full-face-and-body coverings becoming law in countries including France, Belgium, and Denmark. Should similar prohibitions should be introduced in the UK? This question operates on the basis that women are making a free choice when wearing burkas, and are not forced to be doing so - something which all parties would reject.
Should Carrie have ended up with Big in Sex and the City?
One of television's most debated romances: should Carrie Bradshaw have ended up with Mr Big in Sex and the City? This entry sets out the cases for yes and for no, and what each says about the show.
Should casinos be banned?
Should casinos be banned? This entry weighs the arguments on both sides of the question — that casinos should be banned, and that they should not — covering concerns from gambling harm to personal freedom and economic contribution.
Should Catalonia become independent?
Catalonia is a region in the northeast corner of Spain and is home to Barcelona, the region’s capital. The question of Catalan independence has been a part of Spanish politics for at least three centuries. Since the 1970s, Catalans have been in conflict with the Spanish government and within themselves about becoming an independent country. The question of Catalan independence is central to Spain’s politics and has been polarizing public opinion even further since the 2010s. The demand for Catalan independence has risen greatly in the past few years, to the disappointment of the Spanish government. Is the Catalan drive for independence justified, and is independence feasible?
Should central banks target 2% inflation?
Inflation targeting went from being a radical view to the new orthodoxy of central banking. After most central banks have adopted it in practice, they have almost all converged on 2% as the right inflation target, although some emerging market central banks have higher inflation targets.
Should children be homeschooled?
Public, private, homeschooled, or charter - there are many different ways to provide education to children. Homeschooling is a very popular method, with varying ways of teaching within itself. Students can be taught by online teachers, parents, or even partially attend a class. Should all children be educated with some sort of homeschool method?
Should children be paid to go to school?
Should children be paid to attend school? This entry sets out the two positions on the question — that paying children to go to school is worthwhile, and that it is not — weighing motivation against the value of learning itself.
Should children be separated by sex in schools?
Should children be taught in single-sex classes? This entry weighs the positions on separating pupils by sex in school — for, against, and the middle view that families should be able to choose same-sex schooling.
Should children's toys be gendered?
Traditionally, toymakers market their products to either girls or boys. The toy industry presents dolls and dresses as being girls’ toys, while cars and construction tools are for boys. In recent years, advocates have highlighted the presence of harmful gender stereotypes in such marketing tactics. Considering our society’s ongoing discussion of gender identity, should children’s toys continue to be gendered?
Should churches pay taxes?
Church tax exemption is very much debated. Although several countries require church members to pay a tax, many consider churches as tax-exempt. In discussions related to this policy, a nation’s perception of religious freedom and the common good is pivotal. Does the tax-exempt status of churches protect or violate these values?
Should Cinco de Mayo be celebrated in the USA?
Should Cinco de Mayo be celebrated in the United States? This entry sets out the two positions on the question — that it should be celebrated, and that it should not — touching on heritage, commercialisation and cultural appropriation.
Should classic literature be taught in 21st century schools?
The idea of substituting classic literature for more contemporary works in the classroom has been a continuous topic of discussion throughout many school districts. To teach the classics, or not to teach the classics? That is the question.
Should cleanliness drives be incentivized to encourage people in India?
Should India offer incentives to encourage public participation in cleanliness drives? This entry sets out the two positions on the question — that cleanliness drives should be incentivised, and that they should not.
Should college or university be free?
Most states in the world provide free primary and secondary education. This is uncontroversial as basic education is considered a necessity. Teritary education, however, is viewed as an expensive non-essential. Given a rapidly changing world, is it time to also consider a tertiary qualification a right which the state has to provide to citizens?
Should colleges and universities open in person for the Fall 2020 semester?
The COVID-19 pandemic has left the future of colleges and universities in a state of utter uncertainty. Across the world they are struggling to come up with safe and equitable strategies for reopening, but which one is best?
Should colleges end legacy admissions?
At many colleges a tradition of legacy admissions, accepting the admission of students with parents or other relatives who previously attended, is still an active practice. But is this fair? And should it be continued?
Should comics be political?
Since their creation in June of 1938, comic books have unified fans hoping to see super-powered good prevail over evil. Comics as a medium have lasted through numerous international conflicts, from World War II to the War on Terror. During each one of these conflicts, the question of politics' role in comic books has been posed. Political comics are those which try to comment on or influence how a country is governed. Should comics, which routinely explore the extraordinary, comment on the ordinary? Or, should comics concern themselves with fictional politics at most and no politics at the least?
Should comma usage be universal?
Commas are a point of immense contention in the literary and academic communities. Changing standards, especially in journalistic fields, have caused many observers to take a stance on basic grammar conventions like the Oxford comma.
Should confederate monuments be removed?
Whether or not confederate monuments should be removed is hotly debated. On one hand, confederacy has a negative history. Automatically, it’s associated with slavery and Civil War. On the other hand, confederate monuments are simply a representation of history. Shouldn’t all history, good or bad, be put on display?
Should corporal punishment be allowed?
Corporal punishment - state sanctioned physical punishment - has been banned in 58 countries worldwide. However, some argue these bans deter violent crime. Should corporal punishment be allowed? Can it be an effective disciplinary tool? Or is it linked to skyrocketing crime rates?
Should corporations have "moral responsibility"?
With BP’s Deepwater Horizon oil spill, Volkswagen’s emissions scandal, and Apple’s ‘batterygate’, there is no shortage of corporations behaving in a morally reprehensible way to cut costs or increase profits. Should corporations have morals? Are business ethics important? Is it a firm’s collective responsibility to behave in an ethical way?
Should cosmetic surgey be covered by health insurance?
Should health insurance pay for cosmetic surgery? This entry maps the positions on the question — that cosmetic surgery should be covered, that it should not, and that it depends on the case, such as reconstructive need.
Should countries accept immigrants?
Donald Trump wants to build a wall. The United Kingdom tries to leave the European Union in an attempt to regain sovereignty over its borders. Every year, thousands of people drown in the Mediterranean while trying to cross over into the EU. At the same time, many European countries sell citizenship to wealthy individuals. Do states have a right to pick and choose who may enter into their respective territories?
Should creationism be taught in schools?
Creationism is the belief that the God in the Bible created the earth and the sky and all the things that live therein in six days. There has been furious debate about whether this should be taught in schools. This is especially an issue in the increasingly fundamentalist USA. Creationism is often described in opposition to evolution.
Should cursive be taught in schools?
This debate is rehashed every few years as states discuss whether or not to mandate cursive. Some view it as an outdated practice wasting time which could be spent on typing, but others prioritize the correlation of cursive skills and literacy.
Should cyberbullying be a crime?
Should cyberbullying carry criminal penalties? This entry sets out the two positions on the question — that cyberbullying should be a crime, and that it should not — weighing protection of victims against free speech and enforcement.
Should Donald Trump or Joe Biden win the 2020 US Presidential Election?
It has been a tumultuous 4 years of the Donald Trump presidency in the United States, with investigations, nominations, fake news, tweets, impeachment, pandemics, protests, and a nation divided about the facts on the ground and the direction the country should be taking. Many see the 2020 US Presidential Election as the most important election in history, with huge implications for the US, but also for the world. So who should win the US Presidential election?
Should doping be allowed in sport?
Vast resources are dedicated to detecting and punishing doping among athletes in professional sport. Despite the punishments, many competitors use performance-enhancing drugs anyway. Should doping be allowed in sport? Would it be better to let athletes take what they want? Or should doping be managed and controlled to create a more level playing field, rather than granting unfair advantage?
Should election day be a national holiday?
Election Day in the United States has occurred on the Tuesday following the first Monday in November ever since President John Tyler signed an 1845 law establishing a specific voting day for the entire country. But, the US has a voter turnout problem. Would making Election Day a federal holiday increase voter turnout and celebrate democracy? Or is it an optimistic power grab for Democrats that would hurt the economy?
Should electronic identities be managed by the state?
The management of electronic identities (credentials for accessing state services) should not be sub-contracted to external entities. Electronic identities should be private.
Should euthanasia be legal?
Ethical aspects of euthanasia (Greek for "good death"), a physician-assisted suicide of a patient with a goal of ending the suffering from a terminal or incurable illness, were debated since the times of Hippocrates. Since then, although modern medicine made a great deal of progress, euthanasia and its validity as a medical practice still leads to controversies. Should a patient in great suffering be able to end his life with the help of a doctor?
Should exotic animals be pets?
The thought of owning an exotic pet can be exciting, but many do not research how to properly care for it before purchasing, leading to animal abuse and neglect. But domesticating wild animals that are endangered or don't have a natural habitat due to climate change can save a species from extinction. Should the private ownership of exotic animals be banned, or is it beneficial to both owners and animals?
Should fairytales be retold for the changing times?
Various social movements in the last centuries have shifted society in many ways, whereas fairy tales have stayed within the same narratives. Should fairytales be retold to reflect modern values?