http://www.debate.org/debates/?order=1&sort=&category=Society Customize this RSS feed by going to http://www.debate.org/rss/ en-us 2009-11-20T15:29:22-08:00 2009-11-20T15:29:22-08:00 http://www.debate.org/debates/Hitler-was-a-hero/1/ (Debating Period) Many people in today's society see Hitler as an evil person but I am here to prove that Hitler was a hero I am not for the gruesome things Hitler did to Jews, gypsies, and handicaps and such but Hitler helped out people so much even at one point in history Hitler was a well known hero and I am here today to shed light on the heroic deeds of Hitler. Hero: a man of distinguished courage or ability, admired for his brave deeds and noble qualities. http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/Hero Hitler:http://www.solarnavigator.net/history/explorers_history/adolf_hitler_portrait.jpg If my opponent doesn't mind I would like to let them take the first speech and tell why Hitler was evil, and I thank whomever accepts this debate. http://www.debate.org/debates/Hitler-was-a-hero/1/comments/ 2009-11-19T15:55:54-08:00 http://www.debate.org/debates/Abortion-is-Prima-Facie-Morally-Wrong/1/ (Debating Period) I'm going to offer a brief outline of the pro-life position that I defend, and I will engage in further argumentation in the subsequent rounds. The fundamental issue regarding the abortion debate is not women's rights or other factors which concern personal autonomy, but over the status of the unborn child. Variants of the personal choice argument presuppose that the unborn child is not a human person, for if the unborn child is indeed a human person, then no amount of freedom justifies its elective termination. Henceforth, variants of the personal autonomy argument beg the question by presupposing their conclusions: they are valid if and only if the unborn are not human persons. [1] As outlined by Francis J. Beckwith, my argument against abortion will be as follows : 1. The unborn entity, from the moment of conception, is a full-fledged member of the human community. 2. It is prima facie morally wrong to kill any member of that community 3. Every su http://www.debate.org/debates/Abortion-is-Prima-Facie-Morally-Wrong/1/comments/ 2009-11-18T20:11:58-08:00 http://www.debate.org/debates/Public-Behaviour/1/ (Debating Period) Resolved, that no circumstance can excuse Ms. Langrall's behaviour in the following incident: Police: Woman threw urine-soaked sweatshirt on cop Megan Nicole Langrall was arrested for shoplifting in Shrewsbury Township, police said. By TED CZECH Daily Record/Sunday News Updated: 11/16/2009 08:29:33 AM EST A Codorus Township woman threw a sweatshirt soaked with urine, saliva and mucus in a state trooper's face after he arrested her for retail theft Saturday, according to state police. Police arrested Megan Nicole Langrall, 24, at the Wal-Mart in Shrewsbury Township about 4 p.m. They then placed her in the backseat of a police cruiser to take her to state police's barracks in Loganville. On the way to the barracks, Langrall urinated in the backseat of the cruiser, police said. Troopers took Langrall inside the barracks and gave her an emergency blanket in which to wrap herself. They also told her that if she was wearing a shirt under her u http://www.debate.org/debates/Public-Behaviour/1/comments/ 2009-11-18T19:15:19-08:00 http://www.debate.org/debates/Resolved-Atheism-is-Not-a-Religion/1/ (Voting Period) My arguments will affirm the resolution that Atheism is not a religion. Terms Defined: Atheism: 1 archaic : ungodliness, wickedness 2 a : a disbelief in the existence of deity b : the doctrine that there is no deity Atheist: one who believes that there is no deity Religion: 1 a : the state of a religious <a nun in her 20th year of religion> b (1) : the service and worship of God or the supernatural (2) : commitment or devotion to religious faith or observance 2 : a personal set or institutionalized system of religious attitudes, beliefs, and practices 3 archaic : scrupulous conformity : conscientiousness 4 : a cause, principle, or system of beliefs held to with ardor and faith Faith: 1 a : allegiance to duty or a person : loyalty b (1) : fidelity to one's promises (2) : sincerity of intentions 2 a (1) : belief and trust in and loyalty to God (2) : belief in the traditional doctrines of a religion b (1) : firm belief in something for which http://www.debate.org/debates/Resolved-Atheism-is-Not-a-Religion/1/comments/ 2009-11-19T15:12:43-08:00 http://www.debate.org/debates/Resolve-Failled-nations-are-a-greater-threat-to-the-united-states-than-stable-nations/1/ (Voting Period) Definitions: Threat: A communicated intent to cause harm (black law) Failed nation: Utterly incapable of sustaining itself as a member of the internation economy. Stable nation: Able or likely to continue or last; firmly established; enduring or permanent (dictionary.com) Resolve: Failed nations are a greater threat to the United States than Stable nations. Contention 1: Iran is a nuclear threat * "The Iranian nuclear program has been a matter of great concern to the international community for several years. Iran signed the Nuclear Nonproliferation Treaty (NPT) in 1968 and has claimed consistently that its nuclear activities are directed to peaceful purposes. In 2003–2005, following revelations by an Iranian opposition group about secret nuclear sites, the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) conducted intensive inspections, which revealed that for almost twenty years Iran had engaged in a range of undeclared nuclear activities, including uran http://www.debate.org/debates/Resolve-Failled-nations-are-a-greater-threat-to-the-united-states-than-stable-nations/1/comments/ 2009-11-09T11:36:56-08:00 http://www.debate.org/debates/Debate-should-be-considered-a-recreational-activity-rather-than-educational/1/ (Voting Period) There is alot of dispute on whether debate in itself should be considered educational rather than recreational. I will be arguing on the PRO side of this debate. DEFINITIONS Recreational: 1. Refreshment by means of some pastime, agreeable exercise, or the like. 2. A pastime, diversion, exercise, or other resource affording relaxation and enjoyment. http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/Recreational Educational: 1. Pertaining to education. 2. Tending or intended to educate, instruct, or inform: an educational show on television. http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/Educational ARGUMENTS 1. As far as education goes, debates generally provide nothing substantially tangible for educational. Any one arguing against some one else, usually knows everything about the topic they are arguing about before hand. So when the actual debate comes in, basically it's just a constant clash of opinions. 2. People are generally ignorant. An ind http://www.debate.org/debates/Debate-should-be-considered-a-recreational-activity-rather-than-educational/1/comments/ 2009-11-08T17:42:27-08:00 http://www.debate.org/debates/TOC-Round-2-Murder-is-in-general-just./1/ (Post Voting Period) Murder - the unlawful killing of another human being with intent (or malice aforethought) (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Murder) In general - for the most part (http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/in%20general) Just - acting or being in conformity with what is morally upright or good (http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/just) I thank my opponent for coming up with this topic for debating for the Tournament of Champions. As he will have five rounds to argue while I have four, he shall have the burden of proof. Good luck! Note that I will not be arguing that breaking the law is always bad, but rather that breaking the morals behind them is bad. http://www.debate.org/debates/TOC-Round-2-Murder-is-in-general-just./1/comments/ 2009-10-07T19:57:58-08:00 http://www.debate.org/debates/resolved-hobos-appreciate-chicken-taquitos/2/ (Debating Period) There once was a time when hobos enjoyed the deliciousness of the taquito. That time is long gone. For this reason, my partner and I must negate resolved: hobos appreciate chicken taquitos. This will be a public forum style debate. Hobo is defined as one who wanders from place to place without a permanent home or a means of livelihood. Contention 1- hobos don't deserve taquitos. They are not part of society and contribute nothing. If they realize they don't contribute to the U.S. economy due to their hobo status, they will come to the realization that they don't deserve the chicken taquitos anymore than the hard working citizens do. Because of this, hobos are unable to appreciate said taquitos. Contention 2- Dr. Seuss once stated that "cup, pup, pup in cup". The pup represents the hobo hiding in his/her temporary residence, the cup. As expressed in the illustrations, the pup does not appreciate the cup that it is given. How can a hobo appreciate chicken http://www.debate.org/debates/resolved-hobos-appreciate-chicken-taquitos/2/comments/ 2009-11-18T19:16:26-08:00 http://www.debate.org/debates/Be-It-Resolved-That-The-Goverment-Should-Nationalize-the-Internet./1/ (Post Voting Period) Let's deal with some definitions; 'This Government' is herein defined as the United States of America, for the sake of simplicity. 'Nationalize' should be recognized as a buy-out of AT&T and Comcast, which accounts for 30% of the U.S market for internet service providers. Entrance to the market should not be restricted and no new regulations shall be put on the rest of the ISPs (internet service providers) in the market. I would suggest, though not require, that my opponent begin with a constructive argument for their case and leave the deconstruction for the next 3 rounds. ----- Friends, we find ourselves at a crossroads. The world's most vital technology is at risk. Our national dialog, our freedom of information and our children are at risk. On one side, the large internet service providers are rallying for a new system to government the internet, where an average person must pay for a subscription model to access the internet. Much in the sam http://www.debate.org/debates/Be-It-Resolved-That-The-Goverment-Should-Nationalize-the-Internet./1/comments/ 2009-10-29T08:44:32-08:00 http://www.debate.org/debates/Gay-Marraige-Should-Be-Allowed./1/ (Voting Period) Gays should be allowed to marry partners of their choice just as heterosexual couples do. It is ignorant in today's world to deny such a basic right to an individual because of something that is innate. Yes, sexuality is not a choice, it is innate. For my first point, let me state that a civil union is not a reasonable compromise for a legal marriage. Most civil unions don't have the same rights as a legal marriage has. Even if we made all civil unions exactly equal to legal marriage but called it something else, it wouldn't be enough. The concept of "separate but equal" has already failed. Segregation is not a solution when it comes to rights. History has proven this. Secondly, where is the benefit of oppressing gays from marrying? Religion isn't an answer. Religion is the excuse. Those who claim it is immoral are really just ignorant and foolish. In the case of Christianity, the bible states to do unto others what you would like done onto you. How woul http://www.debate.org/debates/Gay-Marraige-Should-Be-Allowed./1/comments/ 2009-01-30T18:21:32-08:00 http://www.debate.org/debates/Public-health-concerns-justify-compulsory-immunizations./1/ (Post Voting Period) This is the LD topic and I would like to do an LD style debate. Before I begin I would like to offer the following definitions. According to Merriam Webster's Dictionary justify is to prove or show to be just, right or reasonable. Just is to be in conformity with what is morally upright or good. According to Random House Unabridged Dictionary compulsory is to be required; mandatory. Public health, according to medterms.com, is medicine that is concerned with the health of the community as a whole. Also according to Random House Unabridged Dictionary concern is to relate to; be connected with. My value is morality. Morality is to be in good or right conduct. The resolution is asking whether compulsory immunizations are justifiable which as stated in the definitions mean are they moral. Thus morality should be the value for this round. My criterion is utilitarianism. Utilitarianism states that the morality of an action is determined by how it affects uti http://www.debate.org/debates/Public-health-concerns-justify-compulsory-immunizations./1/comments/ 2009-10-15T11:29:07-08:00 http://www.debate.org/debates/There-is-no-Reason-to-be-Good/1/ (Post Voting Period) I am arguing that there is no ultimate reason behind morality like there is behind things of science. Thus, I am also assuming that there are no moral truths, or no a priori morality, so no guideline or ideal to which we might compare ourselves. So take note, I don't mean that there IS a reason to be BAD, I just titled the debate to imply a hopeless lack of morality in our world, or reason for morality, rather. "Good"--describing action or deliberation that is compassionate or done towards the well being of another (please don't try to find loopholes in this definition and make it into a semantics argument where you can trick me into losing. Only point out a semantical issue if you deem it completely necessary to your understanding of what I'm trying to convey with this definition. Burden of Proof: The BoP lies on the one who says there IS a reason to be good, or that there IS a higher, objective morality. Sidenote: I'm not doing this because I'm s http://www.debate.org/debates/There-is-no-Reason-to-be-Good/1/comments/ 2009-10-28T18:44:43-08:00 http://www.debate.org/debates/Are-there-Actually-Rules-of-War/1/ (Post Voting Period) Greetings to my opponent. :D Good luck, have fun and keep it clean. This argument regards the controversies of war. We see many atrocities occur, and the question is asked, do rules of war actually exist? In this debate, I am going to make a case that conventional soldiers and armies do generally fight according to the rules. The 'rules of war' do exist, whether or not they are actually written or merely an unspoken agreement. Though they may not be followed often, especially in the unconventional war against terrorism, they do exist. The Geneva Conventions largely regulate actions of war, as do the Hague Conventions, . http://www.ppu.org.uk/learn/texts/doc_geneva_con.html Stay classy http://www.debate.org/debates/Are-there-Actually-Rules-of-War/1/comments/ 2009-11-12T11:49:59-08:00 http://www.debate.org/debates/Illegal-Aliens-are-not-helping-the-USA/1/ (Post Voting Period) I do not believe that illegal aliens are help the United States. Does anyone oppose me? http://www.debate.org/debates/Illegal-Aliens-are-not-helping-the-USA/1/comments/ 2009-11-12T09:58:30-08:00 http://www.debate.org/debates/Profit-within-Capitalism-is-a-result-of-the-exploitation-of-the-workers/1/ (Voting Period) I've been discussing this issue of the theory of profit lately, particularly with proponents of the Austrian School of Economics and I'm interested in having an actual debate on this subject. Particularly I'd like to see an consistent explanation of the profit within Capitalism that can avoid the exploitation problem, that is, the fact that the wage-worker retains less than he creates while the rest goes to the Capitalist. To be upfront about this: I am also currently in an ongoing debate on the same issue over at convinceme.net but I am disappointed about the debate format possible there (not round based, no good enough voting system etc) but my opponent refused to be limited in the character length used here. Thus I am opening a challenge here instead for anyone who wants to argue another PoV about the origins of profit (Doesn't have to be the Austrian Economics position unless you wish to) I will be arguing from the Libertarian Socialist perspective: T http://www.debate.org/debates/Profit-within-Capitalism-is-a-result-of-the-exploitation-of-the-workers/1/comments/ 2009-07-14T11:54:43-08:00 http://www.debate.org/debates/Government-is-a-necessary-evil-to-protect-the-freedoms-of-human-individuals./1/ (Post Voting Period) Seeing as my opponent is an anarchist and I am a minarchist, this should be a debate of the ages. "Government" is here defined as a collective compulsory authority limited to protecting freedoms through a collective defense and court system. VALUE: Individual liberty: The freedoms to govern one's life and property to the extent that other people's life and property are not threatened. CRITERION: Individual liberty will be protected by establishing a government limited to an enforced court system and a collective defense. CONTENTIONS AGAINST ANARCHY: 1. Under anarchy, a domestic group could unite and force an oppressive government onto a population. 2. Under anarchy, vigilante justice and a private alternative are the only systems that protect individual freedoms. 3. Under anarchy, foreign nations can easily conquer and then establish an oppressive government. CONTENTIONS FOR MINARCHY: 1. National defense is best achieved through a collective ef http://www.debate.org/debates/Government-is-a-necessary-evil-to-protect-the-freedoms-of-human-individuals./1/comments/ 2009-08-04T05:13:20-08:00 http://www.debate.org/debates/The-21-year-old-drinking-age-should-be-lowered./1/ (Voting Period) I will be generally arguing that the age should be 18. I assume my opponent will be arguing that 21 is the appropriate age, however they have the right to argue that it should be 21 or above. They could as well to re-initiate prohibition. I. 18-20 year old citizens have all of the responsibility, with only some of the rights. ---In our society today, it's a little ridiculous that people of the age of 18 can serve for our country, but do not get the freedom to choose whether or to go out and enjoy a round with their friends. We pay taxes, but we are limited in our entertainment rights. Apparently, the government decided that we have enough responsibility to bear life in prison with our decisions, but yet do not have enough responsibility to decide if we want to drink. It simply does not add up. II. The drinking age at 21, raises other limitation of rights to 21. ---The U.S. really has two separate 'adult ages'. The problem is that the age where you can b http://www.debate.org/debates/The-21-year-old-drinking-age-should-be-lowered./1/comments/ 2009-11-11T17:56:39-08:00 http://www.debate.org/debates/Debate-Challenge-The-US-should-mandate-yearly-driving-tests-for-seniors-above-the-age-of-65./1/ (Post Voting Period) This debate is a debate challenge meaning a list of rules must be followed in order for there to be a legitimate win. You must debate the topic, The US should mandate yearly driving tests for seniors above the age of 65, with abiding by the following: 1) No vowels may be used in your arguements. 2) No using the word and. 3) Arguments must be less than 1,000 characters. 4) No debating will start until round 2. Voting: S&G: Abidement of rules. http://www.debate.org/debates/Debate-Challenge-The-US-should-mandate-yearly-driving-tests-for-seniors-above-the-age-of-65./1/comments/ 2009-10-20T20:56:24-08:00 http://www.debate.org/debates/should-you-have-to-be-16-to-get-your-license/1/ (Post Voting Period) I think you should be able to get your license if you can pass the test without cheating and you can reach the petals and know all the laws of the roads http://www.debate.org/debates/should-you-have-to-be-16-to-get-your-license/1/comments/ 2009-10-20T14:48:04-08:00 http://www.debate.org/debates/Birdman-is-clearly-inferior-to-Rob1billion/1/ (Voting Period) The purpose of this debate is to haze this newcomer. I consider him my intellectual inferior, and will provide evidence to support this. Here is why I am better than Birdman: Contention 1: Birdman is is well-behind in his organic chemistry studies, and will most likely fail the class (or pass with a mediocre grade). This is because he is too busy eating sushi at Little Tokyo all the time and is not smart enough to realize he should be studying. I, on the other hand, take my classes somewhat seriously, most of the time. Contention 2: Birdman cannot beat me, most of the time, in tennis matches. The only reason he took me in 3 straight basketball games yesterday was because I clearly wasn't feeling well, and had a sore throat. Also, he showed up 45 minutes later than he said he would in an evil attempt to make me use the little energy I had before he got there. Contention 3: Birdman's guitar skills are sub-par. Can he even pull off a C-chord without havin http://www.debate.org/debates/Birdman-is-clearly-inferior-to-Rob1billion/1/comments/ 2009-11-09T22:25:02-08:00