Category · 16 questions
People
Figures who shaped the debates. Heroes, villains, and the contested in between.
In this section
16 entriesAre 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 we products of nature or nurture?
There is a longstanding debate about what factors contribute to forming each human being's identity. Some argue that genes singlehandedly determine our identity, while others claim that our environment does so. Although psychologists regard some combination of these two factors (i.e. nature and nurture) as what shapes us, there is little consensus on the issue.
Can people change their behavior?
Can people genuinely change how they behave? This entry sets out the two positions on the question — that people can change their behaviour, and that they cannot — weighing habit and character against growth and will.
Do people learn from their mistakes?
Do people actually learn from their mistakes? This entry sets out the two positions on the question — that people learn from their mistakes, and that they do not — weighing reflection and growth against repeated error.
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.
Is Donald Trump mentally ill?
To some, Donald Trump is a rambling buffoon. To others, he is a voice of truth in a political quagmire of lies and deceit. But are his erratic mind, eccentric way of speaking and short attention span indicators of an underlying mental illness affecting the US president?
Is Donald Trump racist?
As the President of the United States, Donald Trump should act as chief citizen, and representing all Americans of every race, culture, or background. But many of his words and actions suggest a racial bias that has him failing to protect non-white Americans. We are left to ask, is Donald Trump racist?
Is ignorance bliss?
Is ignorance bliss? This entry weighs the age-old question, setting out the positions that not knowing can spare us pain and worry, and that ignorance is not bliss but a harm that leaves us worse off.
Is Trump is a person devoid of good character?
This entry maps the debate over Donald Trump's character, setting out the opposing positions on the question — that he is a person devoid of good character, and that he possesses good character.
Was Nelson Mandela a sellout?
Did Nelson Mandela compromise too much in negotiating the end of apartheid? This entry maps the debate over his legacy, setting out the opposing positions that Mandela was a sellout, and that he was not.
What is love?
Few words in the English language convey such a range of meanings as the word "love". For many, love is the point of existence, for others it's the manifestation of the divine, for some it is a tool of oppression. No other subject has spawned so much poetry. But what is love? Is it an animalistic urge, a mystical aspiration, a social construct, a neurological glitch, or nothing at all?
Who is Greta Thunberg?
Who is Greta Thunburg? Greta has emerged as the face of environmentalism, igniting a global movement for climate change. Is Greta a force for change, a distraction from the real issue, a wolf in sheep's clothing, or a weapon of the left? Should we even care about her at all?
Who is Prince Philip?
The controversial figure is known as much for his controversial comments, as loyalty to Queen and country. But who really is he? An ancient deity? A hideous racist? Or a simple family man and national treasure?
Who is the most powerful person of all time?
Throughout history, many people have lived their lives pursuing power. While many fail, some become successful beyond their wildest dreams and wield levels of power unimaginable to most people. From heads of state to business leaders, religious leaders, and intellectual leaders, who was the most powerful person of all time?
Why are some people always late?
We all know someone who cannot for the life of them show up anywhere on time. We now have a lot of technology that helps us avoid this issue - so where is the problem? Is being late a symbol of disrespect for others' time? Is being late a symbol of optimism in the amount of time it takes to get somewhere? Or something else entirely?
Why do we fetishize serial killers?
Serial killers are dangerous criminals that have caused a lot of pain and fear. Because of their killing habits, they easily become the bad guy in television shows and movies. “Silence of the Lambs” and “Criminal Minds” are good examples of entertainment that uses criminals for entertainment. Despite their horrible reputations in real life, people fall in love with serial killers and get enjoyment out of their unnatural lifestyles. Why would people find happiness in someone who has killed people?