Debate.org: Debates in the Voting Period

Philosophy: Determinism Accurately Describes Reality

2009-11-19T00:48:25-08:00

(Voting Period) In this debate, my opponent is taking the hard determinist stance that everything in the whole of existence is predetermined. My duty is to demonstrate that some things are not determined, and I will also present a case for free will. Definitions: Determinism - The philosophical doctrine that every state of affairs, including every human event, act, and decision is the inevitable consequence of antecedent states of affairs. [1] Free Will - The philosophical doctrine that the conduct of human beings expresses personal choice and is not simply determined by physical or divine forces. [1] ========== The Microcosm ========== On a small scale, it is quite clear that quantum particles are indeterministic and here's why: The Copenhagen Interpretation (standard interpretation) of Quantum Theory holds that the laws of nature are indeterministic and probabilistic. [2] In this interpretation, a small particle swerves in a particular direction at a part

should public schools set aside a time to pray or meditate?

2009-11-19T07:47:23-08:00

(Voting Period) I believe that public schools should set aside a time to pray or meditate, because according to the pledge of allegiance it says one nation under god. That tells us that this is a free country to do whatever we want as long as it does not compromise with the law. But in my opinion we are smarter to figure out, all I'm asking for a minute to pray or meditate for every student regardless of their religons affilation.

The Following Arguments for the Existence of God are Valid - 1K

2009-11-15T17:46:49-08:00

(Voting Period) Note: the "1J" notation in the Topic title is simply for searching purposes. [Definition - Existence] http://dictionary.reference.com...... 1. the state or fact of existing; being. *NOTE* I am not debating whether or not a God exists in one's MIND, but rather in REALITY. [Definition - Valid] http://dictionary.reference.com...... 1. sound; just; well-founded 2. Logic. (of an argument) so constructed that if the premises are jointly asserted, the conclusion cannot be denied without contradiction. *NOTE* Stemming from the second definition, I don't intend for my opponent to create a syllogism. Simply put, my opponent needs to construct an argument of which I can't successfully defeat (of course, this is to the opinion of the voters). So in other words, it needs to be logically valid and sound. Let's try to avoid semantics, and get a good hearty debate going. Additionally, I require that my opponent argue for whatever deity they are proving with

All knowledge is founded on faith - 2

2009-11-16T07:43:51-08:00

(Voting Period) This debate has a numerical suffix in the resolution to distinguish it from my first debate on this subject. (http://www.debate.org/debates/All-knowledge-if-founded-on-faith./1/). ----- The term faith has many contextual uses, but for my purposes, I refer to the following definition: Faith: Belief that does not rest on logical proof or material evidence. [1] The term faith, insofar as this debate is concerned, is synonymous to belief. The resolution can therefore be properly understood to say, "All knowledge is founded on unproven, or unjustified, belief." The phrase "founded on" can be understood in this debate to mean "based upon" or "ultimately relies upon." In other words, I am arguing that all knowledge is justified by either faith directly, or by other knowledge that is itself justified by faith. The most popular theory of knowledge is the tripartite theory [2], which identifies knowledge as that which is simultaneously believed, true,

Logic Analysis: These arguments prove the existence of God.

2009-11-17T10:37:57-08:00

(Voting Period) I thank my opponent in advance for accepting this debate. Logic is often a poorly used commodity where religion is concerned; whether arguing for or against the supernatural, many fallacious arguments are posited and accepted as truth. I stand against the idea that the spiritual can be proven or disproven by physical evidence, or that any system of reasoning that claims to have answered this question is failsafe. I challenge all reasoners to prove their assertions in formal debate. I contend that the arguments my opponent will post for the existence of God are not logically sound. RESOLUTION: These arguments prove the existence of God. DEFINITIONS: By accepting this debate, you agree to accept these definitions for this debate. God: the one Supreme Being; perfect, omnipotent, omniscient; the creator and ruler of the universe. His known attributes include goodness, holiness, wisdom, independence from His creation, immanence within His creatio

The Existence of God is Possible

2009-11-17T09:49:14-08:00

(Voting Period) My goal in this debate is not to demonstrate the existence of God, but simply that his existence is _possible_. By God, I mean a being with "the greatest possible array of compossible great making properties." [1] In order for my opponent to win, he must show that it is God's existence is impossible, that is, it entails a logical contradiction (Like a married bachelor or square circle). All that is required of me is to show that the concept of God is logically coherent (That is, free of contradiction). _________ SOURCES [1] - Thomas V. Morris, "Our Idea of God: An Introduction to Philosophical Theology" (Downers Grove, IL: Intervarsity Press. 1991) 35.

The Government should do more to promote Jewish businesses.

2009-11-16T17:14:40-08:00

(Voting Period) Jewish businessmen are renowned for prioritising good value for money and providing excellent customer service over making profits, but, unfortunately, this unselfish commitment to public service means that the Jewish business community is missing out on extra cash. I'm sure that if they advertised the fact their stores were Jewish owned, the public would make a point of favouring them with their custom more often. The trouble is, as well as not caring about money, Jewish businessmen are very modest. With this in mind, surely it is time for the Government to step in and paint Stars of David on all Jewish-owned store windows and place government notices on the doors reading "THIS BUSINESS IS RUN BY JEWS"? That way, the public would be in a position to make an informed decision on which shops to patronise and which shops to avoid. Thank you.

High School Students Ought Not Be Required to Take Exit Exams

2009-11-16T14:56:13-08:00

(Voting Period) First I Would like to thank my opponent without him this debate would not be possible. Second i would like to restate the resolution that High School Students Ought Not Be Required to Take Exit Exams Which i would define as High School Students Ought not (ought not meaning that they should not have to)Be Required(be required meaning be forced to) Take Exit Exams( As in The tests you must take to graduate) There are three main topics i would like to discuss during this debate First Being the social standpoint, Second being the economical standpoint, And third being the moral standpoint. My first topic is the social standpoint is followed by two sub-points the first being that with more people graduating from high school sooner we will have a stronger community. My second sub-point is that with more people going on to higher education we can finally be back on top of the world power. Second is my economical stand point once more people go to college t

The war in Afghanistan can be won

2009-11-12T15:43:17-08:00

(Voting Period) My position on this topic of debate is that the American war in Afghanistan CANNOT be won. I'm just going to provide some background information on the issue: The United States military invaded Afghanistan after the terrorist attack on 9/11. Concluding that the attack was by Al Qaeda, the United States government immediately sought to punish the criminals by any means possible. Understanding that Al Qaeda was protected by the extremist Taliban faction, the Bush administration demanded that they hand over Al Qaeda's operatives. They refused to do so. The US military invaded a couple of weeks later. The core reason why we cannot win the war in Afghanistan is because there will be future generations that will be willing and able to become members of the Taliban. Even if our military completely eliminated the current generation of Taliban warriors, there will be another generation to take their place. So once we begin fighting this new generation, and if we