Debate and Discussion
For more formal discussion for politics, religion, current affairs and other matters
364 topics in this forum
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- 3 replies
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i found that on this site their was a forum about "How does the world feel about the USA?" http://www.ibsurvival.com/topic/2007-how-does-the-world-feel-about-the-usa/... but it was closed because it was to broad....but i wanted to reopen this subject...but only with more focus...did Obama change how people feel or thing about the USA. i know that opinions in some country changed for that Americans are racist cowboys to wow there president is black...how can this be?
Last reply by Sabs44, -
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I am a 17 year old that grew up in a Catholic household and raised catholic, trained catholic, catholic, catholic, catholic, catholic, catholic, catholic, catholic, catholic, .... And this is not an argument of which is in a sense... correct, but just a thought and could be debated. Is religion more something that manifests in the mind of people that are led at an earlier time from something unexplainable and followed someone who had the sense to jump on it, therefore the miracles that they experience in their lifetimes are used to back their theory of their religion. The mind is a very powerful thing and can help humans do extraordinary things.
Last reply by Gee :), -
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With the whole Iran getting nuclear weapons etc does it feel strange knowing we're living in times like this? Don't get me wrong I know that economic sanctions and all that diplomatic jargon has always existed but its always interesting wondering what the future of war would be like. Do you think that China will kick up a fuss if the US don't stop the sanctions on Iran? Personally I don't see any massive war happening (maybe an economic thing but that'd involve the US more than Britain) www.commodityonline.com/news/crude-oil-us-sanctions-against-iran-and-chinas-call-for-ww-iii-44134-3-1.html Just a thought
Last reply by Award Winning Boss, -
- 9 replies
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Is it possible for a war to be justified as being moral or ethical? If so, what type of war?
Last reply by Sandwich, -
- 18 replies
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Obviously the population is growing at quite a large rate... whether that is all bad is another topic. I'm wondering, people say we need to do x,y,z,a,b,c (you get the point) about it, but what can we do? Some suggestions i've heard of... 1 child policy (like China) Reintroduction of Eugenics through sterilisation not murder Reduce payment from the government to deter people from having children. License to have children Now there are problems with these as there are with every political solution. The one child policy seems logical but who are you to say that you can't give birth to more than one child? The clear 'what happens to twins?'. It is something that people, fr…
Last reply by Keel, -
- 2 replies
- 852 views
yeah i fell he was right ........
Last reply by Sohil Guntagani, -
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A bit of a psychology-TOK blend here. My class just watched 12:01 PM, an extremely thought-provoking film about a man stuck eternally in a time loop that not even death can help him escape from. It's gotten me thinking about what the longevity of life and the universe means. Mortality and death is something that everybody fears. However, in a way, it's also something that gives meaning to our lives. If humans were immortal, then every moment would be rendered completely meaningless. There's a saying that, as you get older, time seems to fly by more quickly. This is because we've already "experienced" more, so in a way every day seems shorter, as well as every minute and e…
Last reply by Award Winning Boss, -
- 58 replies
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as my title suggests, do you or do you not support obama? and why? there is a high possibility that he could be USA's next president, since he is in the lead right now. but do you think this could change in the next second? whether you want to admit or not, racism still exists now, esp in USA, where each and every race blends. do you think people could be so shallow that they will not vote for him merely for his skin color? i recalled my former English teacher told the class that one of his friends said," America is not ready to have a black president yet." do you support his saying or do you have a different view? please leave your comments because i'm so eager to hear t…
Last reply by URA BOAT, -
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So, being the only Visual Arts HL student in my year (among the history of my school having only had three), I've also noticed, based on your signatures, that many of you don't take an arts subject. Not that I look at this in disdain, given certain university/career choices. But I've been wondering, what are your views about the importance of art, especially its context of being optional in the Hexagon, should it be taken more seriously, etc. On a personal note, I always found it annoying when people asked me about my hobbies, and when I replied I illustrated, they would usually think I was the kid who just doodled or was the fangirl type person -- until they saw what I …
Last reply by khalid, -
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So I'm Korean living in Australia It's been four years now, and I'm taking English A1 HL. Yes, it is really challenging for me - but I had no other options thanks to my inflexible school. So, what do you think about my English teacher's claim? Every time I screw up my practice IOCs, she looks at me with her pity-filled eyes and with her pitiful voice, she says "You know, ESL students can't achieve high in English A1 because it's just not possible. Even native speakers struggle." It penetrates my already broken heart T^T
Last reply by khalid, -
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Racism has been around for millennia, but what with the globalization that has been going on for a while now everything is changing. There is the view that the kind of racism you see on the streets has been increasing over the years as cultures come closer together in a physical sense but clash due to racial and cultural differences. An example would be the clash between the French and the Arabs in the novel The Stranger by Albert Camus, which was written in the 40s. But when immigrants conceive and raise children on foreign land such as the United States, those children may adopt the culture of the U.S. and may consider themselves to be completely American. We have alrea…
Last reply by khalid, -
- 58 replies
- 9k views
I was looking at the GIF thread about planets and stars and couldn't help but wonder, is there life out there? (I'm not talking about illegal foreigners.) I personally would think that it'd be impossible for us to be the only ones in the entire universe. It's huge! (excuse the random topic, I've been on a TOK essay all day )
Last reply by Ezak, -
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I've been playing around with this topic for some time and it has been a while since I last debated it. So I was wondering what you guys think? Do you think Freedom of Speech truly exists or is it curtailed in those respects where it matters most? One of the true expressions of self that I believe exists in our world is artistic expression. But when I read about the vicious attack on Andrew Serrano's Piss Christ and the way people acted out because of it, it seems as though we are intent on drowning out those voices that do not agree with our own. Of course there is a titular argument that "You can scream, but I will scream louder." Serrano was free enough to unveil his w…
Last reply by Award Winning Boss, -
Capitalism
by Robb- 19 replies
- 3.7k views
Capitalism is a morally bankrupt system but in today's world a necessary one. To what extent do you agree?
Last reply by Ezak, -
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Can we ever devise or impose justice onto international affairs? What would this "justice" be? And is it just to have "justice"? I was reading some Thucydides and after reading the Melian dialogue, it struck me that its not necessarily "bad" that the strong do what they can and the weak suffer what they must, it just is. I myself am a bit cynical and don't believe that we can ever attain justice, not really at least, i mean, going to Hobbes, in the end there is only so much of item A and if two parties want it that creates conflict and where there is conflict there is room for "injustice." Some would claim the ICC, ICJ and UN are built to and function to impose justice on…
Last reply by Arrowhead, -
The majority people that I know and consider to be intellectual/smart are either atheist or agnostic. Is there a connection between intellectualism and atheism? The more you learn, the more you tend to go away from religious beliefs? (or not?) Are most education systems in the modern world (this includes systems of countries such as the US, UK, Canada, Australia, China... + IB) designed to make individuals shun religion?
Last reply by C.James, -
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Gender Roles 1 2 3
by balloon- 52 replies
- 17.7k views
I am often condemned in my school for having an archaic view of relationship. I genuinely believe that the man is the 'head' of the relationship, not so that he can domineer but so that he can cherish and nurture and love in a way that shows it is his responsibility as the man to look after the woman. I honestly believe we are the 'weaker sex'. Not that we must then stay at home and do the dishes and raise the babies, but that we are generally physically weaker and that the man is there to protect. Honestly ladies, do we really want to be 'equal' when we can be safeguarded as a true treasure? Not that the man 'possesses' us but that he is fortunate enough to look after a …
Last reply by Xydan, -
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- 3k views
I came across this article today, and it struck me as very intriguing. I wondered how many would support this article for "medical research purposes" and how many would be against it. I won't go into full detail about the article, so here's the link: http://news.yahoo.com/panel-reveals-details-1940s-experiment-012040543.html
Last reply by CkyBlue, -
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Even with contraceptives, a lot of unwanted pregnancies are occurring and mostly with people who would be irresponsible parents. As my mother councils homeless kids who are the product of drug abusers, i wonder if a license would be the best thing. Maybe have an interview with some government agency. China is an example where the government is directly related to the production of children with the one child policy maybe this intervention from the government is what is needed to make responsible parents. what are your thoughts? Should their be a license for having children?
Last reply by jess1ca, -
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Hey, just voice your opinions!!!!! Are smart people more introverted than less intelligent people. To me, it seems as if the REALLY smart people are in a world of their own and are perfectly content with being by themselves. I don't know, maybe that;s just what it seems to me???
Last reply by blindpet, -
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Does patriotism have positive or negative impacts on individuals or societies?
Last reply by Philovitist, -
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Hey everyone, So I was hanging out with a few friends (a rarity as an IB student) and a debate got started about facebook and how apparently universities look at profiles of potential students to pretty much snoop around and see their pictures and what they get up to. Regardless of whether this is true or not, it got me thinking. Is it allowable for universities to snoop on someones profile? They do set their profile as public, but that being said, does that make it right? This can also discuss employers snooping on potential/current employees Keep it friendly -please- P.S Found this http://online.wsj.com/article/SB122170459104151023.html
Last reply by caveat emptor, -
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Apparenly in space, there are 10^-6 molecules per cm^3 of space. If there are that few particles in space? What is space made up of? This is just a place for people to discuss this question.
Last reply by The Filipino Limner, -
Pornography 1 2
by elmar- 25 replies
- 5.7k views
Obviously, some pornography or sexual graphics are illegal, as well as viewing/watching it. It has had its fair share of negative and disruptive effects, involving the branching out of sexting, which have resulted in an increase of bullying and teen suicide. But the pornography industry is actually booming. If you have a chance, MTV's True Life: I Work In the Porn Industry takes a peek at how a job can improve one's income. In your opinion, should pornography be eliminated? Should it be more carefully produced or published?
Last reply by CkyBlue, -
- 25 replies
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Consider the following scenario: A runaway train car is heading for several workers who will die if nothing is done to stop the train car. You are on a footbridge over the tracks, next to a large stranger whose weight and bulk would stop the train car before it hits the workers. Given that there is NO other way to stop the train car, and the train car is coming in a few seconds that you do not have time to seek for any other form of help, Do you push the large stranger to his death? I myself would push the large stranger and I will jump too, so we will both die together. Why? Because I do not think the stranger would be willing to sacrifice his life to save those workers…
Last reply by CkyBlue, -
Divorce isn't it selfish?
by Guest kenshi64- 13 replies
- 2.3k views
Well more than often we've seen that children are the most scar ridden after divorces, so: Why didn't their parents terminate the marriage peacefully and quickly Why did they(no biases here) get married for the sex Why can't they choose between eternal argument and working things out Quite obviously the aftermath is really severe for a child, who has his whole life ahead of him, from this perspective. FOR and AGAINST lets roll!! pick a side!
Last reply by ShootingStars, -
This thread has intrigued me, as it is about how a Chinese person is taking Chinese B SL, and is worried about the fact that by taking Chinese B might hurt their chances of college admissions because of the assumption that "all Asian people speak their 'native' language", when in fact the person has only studied the language for 2 years. This is similar to how I was told by a SATs prep course trainer that if "you're name is 5 letters or less, you shouldn't be taking the Chinese SAT II". I myself am Chinese and don't know the language at all, and have on several occasions experienced the same scenario where people immediately assume I know Mandarin and try and converse wit…
Last reply by Arrowhead, -
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Anders Breivik:The fear of multiculturalism
by Guest kenshi64- 2 replies
- 1.2k views
Well the Norway incident has definitely shaken everyone up, 70+ deaths is a lot to digest for everyone, What do you have to say to this heinous crime? Could it be that he was actually islamophobic just because the news says so or was he just a regular terrorist. I had this as a MUN topic last year, and I was the delegate of Afghanistan a 98%Muslim population, isn't it high time that more attention was given to this since globalisation implies that people travel and set up shop in different countries and produce there, but what if they're not safe there, then the foundations of the current global economy is, safe to say, weak? Is definitely isn't fair to associate peopl…
Last reply by C.James, -
system under which society lives in
by Guest Apolo- 0 replies
- 795 views
So, this is not for a presentation nor for any title. It's just pure TOK that I'd like to discuss and hear everyone's opinion about society. The interest rose from when I heard this song and this one, There's undoubtedly a system under which society lives in. However, and I do agree that the song has many true things about integrity and how to fulfill yourselves not with materialistic things but with personality, does that mean that we should deny materialistic things? Should we really discard pleasure? and if money can't buy happiness what are we working for? Plus, I'd also like to know what are your opinions about Cuba. I mean, sure that they have resisted bu…
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Well,I want to know why it is so important to know about culture.. If you're from a certain country, but say you've lived in another for your entire life, should you have to know about the country of your origin? Should you be compelled to know about the country you live in? I see it happen both ways.People being disinterested in their own cultures or people being disinterested in the culture of the country in which they live.... What does identifying with elements of one culture contribute to their identity? What if you don't identify with the culture of your origin?And feel more connected to a culture of a different country? Do the actions & traditions of our pred…
Last reply by Arrowhead, -
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Not sure if this should go here or in literature, or if this should even be a topic at all... or even if there's one like this. It's a thought that occurred to me earlier after receiving an e-mail- which I will get to later- and I've been thinking about it. Some writers tend to compromise in order to get their work published. An example of this is James Frey's book A Million Little Lines. He was outed as a liar because the book was originally marketed as his autobiography, and he was accused of lying so that he could get published and make money. Eventually, the book was remarketed as semi-autobiographical. This brings into question the ethics of some writers- journalists…
Last reply by Sandwich, -
- 34 replies
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Hey everyone! I've finally gotten around to deciding what my EE topic will be about. It's basically researching how "Islamophobia" has become socially accepted in Western [i.e. in the States] society (or if it hasn't; more research to come). The reason I started this thread was to see what you guys felt. I'm not necessarily asking what your view is on the religion, but what your view is on society's view of the religion. I understand how some people fear their safety, which is rather understandable, but to what extent? I live in a pretty conservative area of the United States (West Texas, to be exact) and most (not all) of the opinions are pretty biased and one-sided. Te…
Last reply by Proletariat, -
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http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/entertainment/arts_and_culture/8110010.stm (CLICK HERE FOR LINK) As many people may or may not be aware, the British Museum houses a huge number of very important ancient artifacts, many of them entirely unique, and none of them actually from Britain. Instead, they are relics bought or taken during the time of the Empire. Recently the question came up of the Elgin marbles (the marble friezes which used to decorate the outer walls of the Pathenon) which are on display in the museum in London. To briefly sum up the article for those who don't want to read it, although it's quite short, the Greek minister is asking, now that a suitable museum has b…
Last reply by Chris Kuno, -
- 48 replies
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http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/education/8085011.stm "Female students are ahead of men in almost every measure of UK university achievement, according to a report from higher education researchers. A Higher Education Policy Institute report shows that women are more likely to get places in the top universities and go on to get better grades. Women also outnumber men in high status subjects, such as law and medicine. Women have been entering university in greater numbers than men in recent years - with the participation rate for young women standing at 49%, compared with 38% of young men. The study disproves the notion that men dominate in the most highly-regarded su…
Last reply by Proletariat, -
- 17 replies
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Hello all! I just wanted to collate experiences/opinions/ideas about what school environments around the world are like in terms of the frequency/intensity/extent of bullying. Bullying can be any form from mild to extreme, such as gossiping to actual physical bullying. Is bullying an issue prominently bad in your school? Or is it just something daily but mild like cliques are formed and people just don't really like each other and stay away? Or is your school mostly free of bullying/cliquing and everyone just live harmoniously under one roof? I'd say my school is very good in terms of zero physical bullying. You can almost never find people fighting or physically assaulti…
Last reply by Munsif, -
- 18 replies
- 2.7k views
To what extent do you think the English is destroying itself (You may say no, but please provide an explanation ;D)
Last reply by vira.may, -
- 11 replies
- 1.8k views
http://www.economist.com/node/18651512 Right since debating here isn't up to par I'll start you off by answering the following questions: Do you think eliminating the one child policy will solve this problem? (for or against removing it) What possible other solutions in terms of pension reforms could be a better option? Right I read a similar article scare about Japan's agining populaiton although they don't have any limits on reproduction. I think because of higher social standards and levels of education, people were not too bothered about popping out 10 kids each like back in the day. Similar thing was reported on Germany, with a bonus of immigration scare which is app…
Last reply by Keel, -
I don't know how IB is internationally, that is how IBers behave overseas or in other places. I go to an IB school in Miami, Florida, and I'm sure much like everywhere else in the world there are crazy party go-ers and dumb girls who fall for the indecent guys. It's like you respect someone for their intelligence, getting high marks w.e, but then you find out what he/she does whether it is smoke or drink on the weekends. Is it just me or is there any decent people left on this earth. Morality and ethics walk straight out the door, and a vacuum is made for cheating, frivilous partying, gratuitous sex, recreational drug and alchohol use. Not to be a prick because I am prob…
Last reply by Chris Kuno, -
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Home schooling 1 2
by ILM- 22 replies
- 3.7k views
Nowadays, many start to have homeschooling. Is homeschooling Fullfil all the aim of learning process? Is it acceptable for you? Will you do it , if your parent agree?
Last reply by C.James, -
- 2 replies
- 1.1k views
Alright ecology lovers (and others), do you think that environmental protection laws are sufficient or too lenient or stringent? Are they necessary?
Last reply by Proletariat, -
- 19 replies
- 2.7k views
I was wondering how many of you out there truly believe in the concept of Justice. First of all, for clarification: what is practiced today in the courts is not considered to be justice. -Exceptions for the rich -Exceptions due to public sympathy -Exceptions due lack of capital punishment. For example: I live in Hong Kong. Generally, drunk drivers (if they wind up killing someone) usually get about somewhere between 5 months- 2 years in jail. That's even if they kill someone. On top of that, many of offenders are allowed to drive again after a suspension period. When it comes down to it, Justice is basically an eye for an eye, no? It's about doing the exact fair thing so …
Last reply by Daedalus, -
- 14 replies
- 2.8k views
Test your ToK skills and try to convince me of what reality actually is. I'm purposely leaving this question without explanation so that it gives you more flexibility in your answer. Please, no one-word answers.
Last reply by handuk, -
- 3 replies
- 1.1k views
So I was working on French and my friend links me to a site that has a few odd quotes on it and I find: "My god carries a hammer. Your god died nailed to a tree. Any questions?" This actually made me laugh at first, just because of the coincidence or the fact that I missed this so many time... But also seemed to bring up a nice question. Are the religious stories from very different religions/mythologies based off each other? I mean, is it coincidence that Thor has a hammer and Jesus has 3 nails in him? What do you guys think? I didn't go look for more but I have a feeling there are more of these examples out there that I haven't noticed (probably because I'm not religiou…
Last reply by Philovitist, -
- 10 replies
- 15.1k views
Science and technology have undoubtedly benefited us in uncountable ways and many of them are not thought of or imaginable just a while ago. The computer I am using to browse the site is a perfect example: who would have thought of the emails, internet, all the incredible techno stuff, say, twenty or thirty years ago? However, I have read and watched science fiction about science taking over our lives, ultimately destroying humanity. That might be overstating, but recent research on genetics has worried me - should we alter genetic traits and stuff of an unborn baby? These experiments have not only challenged the religious prospects and traditional ethics, but also to …
Last reply by Philovitist, -
- 3 replies
- 1.1k views
http://uk.eurosport.yahoo.com/blogs/world-of-sport/article/34515/ Have a read, say what you want. I think it's a bit of a joke, but the logo DOES need reworking.
Last reply by Sandwich, -
- 5 replies
- 1.6k views
Hey guys need your help, im doing my EE on the Hawk eye technology in sports! Who thinks that goal line technology should be introduced in FIFA and who doesnt?
Last reply by ~Lc~, -
- 8 replies
- 1.8k views
so, i'm pretty sure most of you people know about what happened in Tunisia, how the people over ruled the government, and threw the president off of his chair. and now it's Egypt's turn.. My opinion.... Mubarak is corrupt!! he must go. the people have been under his dictatorship style for too long. and finally thatnks to tunis, they have the power to take over their lives again.. IT'S CHAOS!! in Egypt now, people are protesting.. and Mubarak wont back down. his idiotic speech was just..... .... no reaction at all!!! whats your opinion..?
Last reply by Mahuta ♥, -
- 9 replies
- 2.2k views
Can we - should we - must we - discriminate against specific groups of people if it is expedient and rational? For example, if we know that the propensity to be a terrorist is definitely highest among people of Arab descent, is it ethical to develop a "random testing" preference for people who appear to show pertinent physical characteristics? Ryan Bingham: [on getting through airport security] Never get behind old people. Their bodies are littered with hidden metal and they never seem to appreciate how little time they have left. Bingo, Asians. They pack light, travel efficiently, and they have a thing for slip on shoes. Gotta love 'em. Natalie Keener: That's racist. R…
Last reply by Proletariat, -
- 1 reply
- 1.1k views
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NJNVgCHLR-k History is Pop Culture, the history we all know and love is just what the people who recorded history decided to record. Well, this could mean that the history we know is simply the most popular stories of the time. In the video he mentions a few examples such as Adrian Bissel, which I feel like no one knows about but should Go go discussion Why are we taught the "popular" history, and not what really happened? Should we change and teach the "facts"? I mean, I don't want to learn false facts, or petty facts that are somehow shadowing the more important stuff. Are these history recorders right in what they do? Recording history…
Last reply by Minuet, -
- 9 replies
- 4.8k views
Well, I'm applying to Simon's Rock for next year, and one of their essay questions has me writing a letter about an issue that I believe deserves greater attention. My idea was sparked by the following awesome TED video: What does IBSurvival think about this? Personally, I think school really needs to focus more on the arts, yeah, I know, some bigger schools/prep schools might have IB theater/dance/music, but most school's don't. My school in particular focuses only on biology and science, and the few music classes we offer we just learn to play pieces already made, and aren't taught to improvise. I feel as if, at least throughout my academic experience, I've been taugh…
Last reply by dessskris,
