Resolutions for consideration at the September 30th business meeting
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Richard Rinaldi
Sep 18, 2011, 11:02:20 PM9/18/11
to The Philodemic Society of Georgetown University
Please post your proposed resolutions here. Best, Rich
Nick Iacono
Sep 19, 2011, 12:08:11 AM9/19/11
to The Philodemic Society of Georgetown University
Resolutions and the reasons why I think they deserve consideration
(it’s late and I’m tired…forgive the grammatical mistakes).
Resolved: The International Criminal Court should prosecute the Pope/
Vatican for crimes against humanity.
• A large group of victims recently filed a lengthy request with the
ICC to prosecute the Vatican for complicity and cover-up in the sexual
abuse of children all over the globe. There’s a lot to this question,
primarily whether the Holy See of the largest Christian denomination
in the world should enjoy immunity from these charges, whether the ICC
is the appropriate organization for justice and redress in this case,
and whether such a prosecution would do more harm than good. Very
interested in seeing what people think about this.
• http://www.nytimes.com/2011/09/14/world/europe/14vatican.html
Resolved: State-mandated vaccinations should be permitted.
*Recently came up in the Repub primary debates regarding HPV vaccines
in Texas but has long been a hotly debated question especially in the
matter of whether vaccinations have any causal relationship with the
onset of diseases such as Autism.
Resolved: The U.S. Constitution is a living document.
* A timeless, immeasurably important American question. Almost the
Merrick topic. There’s novelty in the fact that it always comes close
to being a topic but gets shot down for hypothetical issues every
time. I think it would make for a great debate.
Resolved: The United Nations has failed mankind.
• Stronger wording than the bland “failed institution”. The UN has, on
several occasions, been accused of patently failing at peacekeeping
and watching on the sidelines as massacres and genocide have occurred.
Further criticism has been levied against their effectiveness at
conflict resolution and consensus building.
Resolved: Society is moving towards amorality.
*Speaks for itself.
Resolved: An individual right to bear arms does more harm than good.
* Moves away from the question of whether or not the right exists and
to what extent, but a general question of whether granting individual,
private citizens the right to own and conceal a weapon is less harmful
than denying them that right. Also allows us to consider the effect a
right to bear arms has on crime and culture.
Resolved: The United States should support a two-state solution in
Israel.
* An easy to understand, though certainly nuanced and highly emotional/
personal topic. I think it is broadly appealing and will draw a lot of
interest. It often fails to be chosen due to concerns over the
possibility of offensive, insensitive, or inflammatory remarks. I
think the Society can and has dealt with highly sensitive topics in
the past (Resolved: Islam is a religion of peace, Resolved: States
should allow same-sex marriage) and we are more than capable of doing
so with this topic. One of the most pertinent international relations
topics and it deserves the Society’s consideration whether with this
wording or not.
Resolved: The Old Testament is an immoral text.
*There is a great deal of controversial and shocking text in the Old
Testament and yet this document is a cornerstone of the Judeo-
Christian religions. Worth considering.
Resolved: The United States should interdict a nuclear Iran with
military force.
*Speaks for itself.
Resolved: U.S. intervention/presence in the Middle East has made the
Arab world more free.
*Trying to get at the question of whether or not the war in
Afghanistan, Iraq, Gulf War, etc. as well as our exercise of soft
power and general influence has had a positive or negative effect
overall on the societies of the Middle-East.
Resolved: Columbus was a genocidaire.
OR
Resolved: Columbus Day should not be observed as a national holiday.
*Many have claimed the ramifications of Columbus’ administration of
the West Indies, which included an introduction of European diseases
and of a European social and economic structure (which often led to
the enslavement and oppression of the native populations)…amounted to
genocide. This raises the question of whether or not Columbus should
be celebrated and whether the anniversary of his discovery should be
commemorated considering the awful consequences it had for certain
peoples.
Resolved: Freedom of speech should be entirely universal.
OR
Resolved: The Supreme Court’s holding in Snyder v. Phelps was correct.
* Should speech that is hatefully repugnant and borderline harassment
be so staunchly protected? Should the publication of state secrets,
troop movements, and other sensitive material be permitted and the
consequences be damned? The second option (Snyder v. Phelps) addresses
mainly the former question. Justice Alito’s fervent and articulate
dissent in that case is particularly relevant and interesting,
although clearly a minority view.
Resolved: There is a harmful liberal bias in American higher
education.
*Is there a liberal bias at most American Universities? If so, is it
harmful? Or does higher education simply make one more likely to
embrace a more left-leaning perspective?
Resolved: Education is a human right.
*Speaks for itself.
Resolved: The environment is a moral claimant.
*Should the environment be afforded certain protections outside of the
benefits that those protections have for human beings? Interesting but
kinda boring and lofty.
Resolved: The Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act is
unconstitutional.
*Speaks for itself…a current, popular issue getting much attention in
American courts and the media.
Resolved: Employment is a right.
*Speaks for itself.
Resolved: Justice is more important than peace.
* I know this sounds abstract and lofty, but I think it’s a timeless
and immensely important question about society. Should right be done
though the heavens fall?
On Sep 18, 11:02 pm, Richard Rinaldi <richard.rina...@gmail.com>
wrote:
(it’s late and I’m tired…forgive the grammatical mistakes).
Resolved: The International Criminal Court should prosecute the Pope/
Vatican for crimes against humanity.
• A large group of victims recently filed a lengthy request with the
ICC to prosecute the Vatican for complicity and cover-up in the sexual
abuse of children all over the globe. There’s a lot to this question,
primarily whether the Holy See of the largest Christian denomination
in the world should enjoy immunity from these charges, whether the ICC
is the appropriate organization for justice and redress in this case,
and whether such a prosecution would do more harm than good. Very
interested in seeing what people think about this.
• http://www.nytimes.com/2011/09/14/world/europe/14vatican.html
Resolved: State-mandated vaccinations should be permitted.
*Recently came up in the Repub primary debates regarding HPV vaccines
in Texas but has long been a hotly debated question especially in the
matter of whether vaccinations have any causal relationship with the
onset of diseases such as Autism.
Resolved: The U.S. Constitution is a living document.
* A timeless, immeasurably important American question. Almost the
Merrick topic. There’s novelty in the fact that it always comes close
to being a topic but gets shot down for hypothetical issues every
time. I think it would make for a great debate.
Resolved: The United Nations has failed mankind.
• Stronger wording than the bland “failed institution”. The UN has, on
several occasions, been accused of patently failing at peacekeeping
and watching on the sidelines as massacres and genocide have occurred.
Further criticism has been levied against their effectiveness at
conflict resolution and consensus building.
Resolved: Society is moving towards amorality.
*Speaks for itself.
Resolved: An individual right to bear arms does more harm than good.
* Moves away from the question of whether or not the right exists and
to what extent, but a general question of whether granting individual,
private citizens the right to own and conceal a weapon is less harmful
than denying them that right. Also allows us to consider the effect a
right to bear arms has on crime and culture.
Resolved: The United States should support a two-state solution in
Israel.
* An easy to understand, though certainly nuanced and highly emotional/
personal topic. I think it is broadly appealing and will draw a lot of
interest. It often fails to be chosen due to concerns over the
possibility of offensive, insensitive, or inflammatory remarks. I
think the Society can and has dealt with highly sensitive topics in
the past (Resolved: Islam is a religion of peace, Resolved: States
should allow same-sex marriage) and we are more than capable of doing
so with this topic. One of the most pertinent international relations
topics and it deserves the Society’s consideration whether with this
wording or not.
Resolved: The Old Testament is an immoral text.
*There is a great deal of controversial and shocking text in the Old
Testament and yet this document is a cornerstone of the Judeo-
Christian religions. Worth considering.
Resolved: The United States should interdict a nuclear Iran with
military force.
*Speaks for itself.
Resolved: U.S. intervention/presence in the Middle East has made the
Arab world more free.
*Trying to get at the question of whether or not the war in
Afghanistan, Iraq, Gulf War, etc. as well as our exercise of soft
power and general influence has had a positive or negative effect
overall on the societies of the Middle-East.
Resolved: Columbus was a genocidaire.
OR
Resolved: Columbus Day should not be observed as a national holiday.
*Many have claimed the ramifications of Columbus’ administration of
the West Indies, which included an introduction of European diseases
and of a European social and economic structure (which often led to
the enslavement and oppression of the native populations)…amounted to
genocide. This raises the question of whether or not Columbus should
be celebrated and whether the anniversary of his discovery should be
commemorated considering the awful consequences it had for certain
peoples.
Resolved: Freedom of speech should be entirely universal.
OR
Resolved: The Supreme Court’s holding in Snyder v. Phelps was correct.
* Should speech that is hatefully repugnant and borderline harassment
be so staunchly protected? Should the publication of state secrets,
troop movements, and other sensitive material be permitted and the
consequences be damned? The second option (Snyder v. Phelps) addresses
mainly the former question. Justice Alito’s fervent and articulate
dissent in that case is particularly relevant and interesting,
although clearly a minority view.
Resolved: There is a harmful liberal bias in American higher
education.
*Is there a liberal bias at most American Universities? If so, is it
harmful? Or does higher education simply make one more likely to
embrace a more left-leaning perspective?
Resolved: Education is a human right.
*Speaks for itself.
Resolved: The environment is a moral claimant.
*Should the environment be afforded certain protections outside of the
benefits that those protections have for human beings? Interesting but
kinda boring and lofty.
Resolved: The Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act is
unconstitutional.
*Speaks for itself…a current, popular issue getting much attention in
American courts and the media.
Resolved: Employment is a right.
*Speaks for itself.
Resolved: Justice is more important than peace.
* I know this sounds abstract and lofty, but I think it’s a timeless
and immensely important question about society. Should right be done
though the heavens fall?
On Sep 18, 11:02 pm, Richard Rinaldi <richard.rina...@gmail.com>
wrote:
Gavin Bade
Sep 19, 2011, 9:48:49 AM9/19/11
to The Philodemic Society of Georgetown University
Resolved: The United States government should prevent the merger of
AT&T and T-Moblie
-This is THE anti-trust case of our generation. Since the two
companies announced intentions for a merger, numerous economists,
think tanks and policymakers have called for the government to step in
to control what they believe will be monopolistic conditions in the
cell phone and data market in many places across the country.
Obviously, this raises questions of government's involvement in the
economy, what a healthy market system actually looks like, corporate
influence on government, etc. It may sound too wonkish, but I'd be
more than happy to supply the philo listserve and facebook group with
articles outlining the issue. In terms of economic issues that the
society debates, this one is rather easy to grasp.
AT&T and T-Moblie
-This is THE anti-trust case of our generation. Since the two
companies announced intentions for a merger, numerous economists,
think tanks and policymakers have called for the government to step in
to control what they believe will be monopolistic conditions in the
cell phone and data market in many places across the country.
Obviously, this raises questions of government's involvement in the
economy, what a healthy market system actually looks like, corporate
influence on government, etc. It may sound too wonkish, but I'd be
more than happy to supply the philo listserve and facebook group with
articles outlining the issue. In terms of economic issues that the
society debates, this one is rather easy to grasp.
Katie Murphy
Sep 19, 2011, 12:36:28 PM9/19/11
to The Philodemic Society of Georgetown University
Resolved: All types of circumcision are immoral.
I have been talking up an event this Thursday, a showing of "Cut," a
documentary on male circumcision from a Jewish perspective, and I have
been absolutely shocked by the number of people (including male
survivors!) who jump to defend this odious practice. It's utterly
barbaric and it is truly my hope that this will get shot down in the
business meeting because we will all agree that circumcision of
females AND males is indefensible.
This is a talk by my friend Ryan, who is hosting the event. I hope
that you all will watch it and, if you don't agree at first, will at
least see that the opposition to circumcision exists and has a
stronger case than for it:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ceht-3xu84I
I have been talking up an event this Thursday, a showing of "Cut," a
documentary on male circumcision from a Jewish perspective, and I have
been absolutely shocked by the number of people (including male
survivors!) who jump to defend this odious practice. It's utterly
barbaric and it is truly my hope that this will get shot down in the
business meeting because we will all agree that circumcision of
females AND males is indefensible.
This is a talk by my friend Ryan, who is hosting the event. I hope
that you all will watch it and, if you don't agree at first, will at
least see that the opposition to circumcision exists and has a
stronger case than for it:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ceht-3xu84I
Sean Rosenthal
Sep 19, 2011, 3:47:21 PM9/19/11
to The Philodemic Society of Georgetown University
I hope nobody cares if I recommend a topic.
The execution of Louis XVI was justified.
-Has almost no bearing to modern affairs whatsoever, so it mixes well
with a lot of the other topics recommended. Additionally, Sam Biesiada
would probably dress up in funny french clothing for the debate, which
should be listed as a plus. More practically, it's actually an
interesting question about revolutions and how they should be handled,
and might have some relationship to revolutions to the Middle East
now. It's also an interesting historical question, since pretty much
everyone who looks at the issue agrees that the execution was not
necessary and was, to a large extent, unexpected in the given state of
affairs.
The execution of Louis XVI was justified.
-Has almost no bearing to modern affairs whatsoever, so it mixes well
with a lot of the other topics recommended. Additionally, Sam Biesiada
would probably dress up in funny french clothing for the debate, which
should be listed as a plus. More practically, it's actually an
interesting question about revolutions and how they should be handled,
and might have some relationship to revolutions to the Middle East
now. It's also an interesting historical question, since pretty much
everyone who looks at the issue agrees that the execution was not
necessary and was, to a large extent, unexpected in the given state of
affairs.
Stephano Medina
Sep 19, 2011, 4:20:27 PM9/19/11
to The Philodemic Society of Georgetown University
Resolved: The unexamined life is not worth living.
The assumption behind most philosophy, literature, and education is
that it is, naturally, edifying. That is, not only are all of those
pursuits fun and practical, but they make one a better person, life
more beautiful, etc. In other words, a moral philosopher will be a
more moral person than just an average person; a person well-read in
literature will have a richer emotional life than someone who is
illiterate; an educated person is overall a more excellent human being
than an uneducated person.
Other than being a fun, psuedo-philosophical debate that everyone can
recognize, I think it would be really easy to get a good, entertaining
two-hour debate on this topic.
The assumption behind most philosophy, literature, and education is
that it is, naturally, edifying. That is, not only are all of those
pursuits fun and practical, but they make one a better person, life
more beautiful, etc. In other words, a moral philosopher will be a
more moral person than just an average person; a person well-read in
literature will have a richer emotional life than someone who is
illiterate; an educated person is overall a more excellent human being
than an uneducated person.
Other than being a fun, psuedo-philosophical debate that everyone can
recognize, I think it would be really easy to get a good, entertaining
two-hour debate on this topic.
napo...@gmail.com
Sep 19, 2011, 9:56:03 PM9/19/11
to The Philodemic Society of Georgetown University
Resolved: Chance Gardner was enlightened
(From the novel Being There, by Jerzy Kosinski)
The Dionysian archetype is numinous.
Discussion of the divine nature of collective ecstatic revelry, as
embodied in the opposing Dionysian vs. Apollonian archetypes. It would
go into the manifestation of divinity, psychology, philosophy, and
collectivism vs. Individuality.
World Government is in the interests of humanity.
Rephrase it how you like, I want a World Government debate.
The European Union should dissolve
OR
The European Union should become federated.
this is both topical and relevant to the interests and expertise of
many Georgetown students.
The empire of the future is the mind.
Historical throwback for the society, I believe we debated this one
several years ago. the line comes from a Winston Churchill quote.
Transhumanism is immoral.
This is another philosophy debate which has serious implications to
the society of the future.
Symbols create reality.
This debates how ideas, beliefs and images shape our world, versus
physical actions.
The 21st century belongs to America.
Political debate over the future of American supremacy.
Overpopulation is the greatest threat of the 21st century.
Economic, environmental, political, and ethical debate all rolled into
one.
(From the novel Being There, by Jerzy Kosinski)
The Dionysian archetype is numinous.
Discussion of the divine nature of collective ecstatic revelry, as
embodied in the opposing Dionysian vs. Apollonian archetypes. It would
go into the manifestation of divinity, psychology, philosophy, and
collectivism vs. Individuality.
World Government is in the interests of humanity.
Rephrase it how you like, I want a World Government debate.
The European Union should dissolve
OR
The European Union should become federated.
this is both topical and relevant to the interests and expertise of
many Georgetown students.
The empire of the future is the mind.
Historical throwback for the society, I believe we debated this one
several years ago. the line comes from a Winston Churchill quote.
Transhumanism is immoral.
This is another philosophy debate which has serious implications to
the society of the future.
Symbols create reality.
This debates how ideas, beliefs and images shape our world, versus
physical actions.
The 21st century belongs to America.
Political debate over the future of American supremacy.
Overpopulation is the greatest threat of the 21st century.
Economic, environmental, political, and ethical debate all rolled into
one.
napo...@gmail.com
Sep 19, 2011, 9:52:00 PM9/19/11
to The Philodemic Society of Georgetown University
Rahul Xavier Singh
Sep 19, 2011, 11:54:29 PM9/19/11
to philodem...@googlegroups.com
Resolved: Cause and Effect, not Cause then Effect
Rahul Singh | Internet Architect
To empower people through the Internet to create a better world.
Anant | http://anant.us
1010 Wisconsin Ave NW, Suite 250
Washington, D.C. 20007
o 202.905.2818 | m 202.390.9200
s mr.rahul.singh
To empower people through the Internet to create a better world.
Anant | http://anant.us
1010 Wisconsin Ave NW, Suite 250
Washington, D.C. 20007
o 202.905.2818 | m 202.390.9200
s mr.rahul.singh
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Nick Iacono
Sep 20, 2011, 12:48:37 PM9/20/11
to The Philodemic Society of Georgetown University
In regards to the Israeli-Palestinian topic. This is pressing/
developing issue. This Friday, Palestine will be seeking recognition
for statehood in the United Nations bringing all eyes in the world and
the Obama administration to this conflict.
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2011/09/20/palestinians-un-statehood_n_971904.html
In regards to "the US Constitution is a living document" debate and
those critics who think the issue is too convoluted and inaccessible,
I encourage you to consult these links that lay it out very clearly
and reveal its extraordinary relevance.
http://fora.tv/2009/02/23/Uncommon_Knowledge_Antonin_Scalia
http://fora.tv/2006/12/05/Justices_Stephen_Breyer_and_Antonin_Scalia
On Sep 19, 11:54 pm, Rahul Xavier Singh <rahul.xavier.si...@gmail.com>
wrote:
developing issue. This Friday, Palestine will be seeking recognition
for statehood in the United Nations bringing all eyes in the world and
the Obama administration to this conflict.
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2011/09/20/palestinians-un-statehood_n_971904.html
In regards to "the US Constitution is a living document" debate and
those critics who think the issue is too convoluted and inaccessible,
I encourage you to consult these links that lay it out very clearly
and reveal its extraordinary relevance.
http://fora.tv/2009/02/23/Uncommon_Knowledge_Antonin_Scalia
http://fora.tv/2006/12/05/Justices_Stephen_Breyer_and_Antonin_Scalia
On Sep 19, 11:54 pm, Rahul Xavier Singh <rahul.xavier.si...@gmail.com>
wrote:
> Resolved: Cause and Effect, not Cause then Effect
>
> Rahul Singh | Internet Architect
>
> To empower people through the Internet to create a better world.
>
> Anant |http://anant.us
> 1010 Wisconsin Ave NW, Suite 250
> Washington, D.C. 20007
>
> o 202.905.2818 | m 202.390.9200
> s mr.rahul.singh
>
> On Mon, Sep 19, 2011 at 9:56 PM, je...@georgetown.edu
> <napole...@gmail.com>wrote:
>
> Rahul Singh | Internet Architect
>
> To empower people through the Internet to create a better world.
>
> Anant |http://anant.us
> 1010 Wisconsin Ave NW, Suite 250
> Washington, D.C. 20007
>
> o 202.905.2818 | m 202.390.9200
> s mr.rahul.singh
>
> On Mon, Sep 19, 2011 at 9:56 PM, je...@georgetown.edu
Jordon Nardino C'00
Sep 20, 2011, 12:59:23 PM9/20/11
to The Philodemic Society of Georgetown University
I think you would need to specify infant or childhood circumcision. I
don't think anyone would argue adult circumcision is any more immoral
than plastic surgery.
don't think anyone would argue adult circumcision is any more immoral
than plastic surgery.
Jordon Nardino C'00
Sep 20, 2011, 1:19:10 PM9/20/11
to The Philodemic Society of Georgetown University
Here's some feedback from an alumnus:
"Resolved: The International Criminal Court should prosecute the
Pope/
Vatican for crimes against humanity."
Seems to require a lot of specific knowledge. What will the English
majors bring to the debate? Is there a deeper value at stake here
that can be dug out and debated instead?
"Resolved: State-mandated vaccinations should be permitted."
Don't most states mandate vaccinations, making that the status quo?
The strongest resolutions speak against the status quo.
"Resolved: The U.S. Constitution is a living document."
Is there a deeper value that can be dug out of this debate? "The will
of American society comes before the intent of the Constitution's
framers." You know? It's a good way to avoid every speaker
redefining the debate as he sees fit.
"Resolved: The Old Testament is an immoral text. "
Fantastic resolution!
"Resolved: Columbus Day should not be observed as a national holiday.
"
The focus on national holiday could be a bug or a feature. Then it
becomes a debate about who we elevate in the public sphere. That has
a lot of nuance. The anti-Columbus debate is not very nuanced.
You're going to be talking about smallpox and rape and plunder and the
wages of Western civilization. Again maybe that is a feature not a
bug.
"Freedom of speech should be entirely universal. "
This is another one where I would dig deeper, lest every floor speech
redefine the debate. Freedom of speech is superior to... what? You
don't want that speech from the negative that goes "If I can just
prove that there's one time, one instance, where it's preferable to
restrict speech..." Etc.
"Resolved: Justice is more important than peace. "
I love resolutions like this.
Great resolutions!
"Resolved: The International Criminal Court should prosecute the
Pope/
Vatican for crimes against humanity."
majors bring to the debate? Is there a deeper value at stake here
that can be dug out and debated instead?
"Resolved: State-mandated vaccinations should be permitted."
The strongest resolutions speak against the status quo.
"Resolved: The U.S. Constitution is a living document."
of American society comes before the intent of the Constitution's
framers." You know? It's a good way to avoid every speaker
redefining the debate as he sees fit.
"Resolved: The Old Testament is an immoral text. "
"Resolved: Columbus Day should not be observed as a national holiday.
"
becomes a debate about who we elevate in the public sphere. That has
a lot of nuance. The anti-Columbus debate is not very nuanced.
You're going to be talking about smallpox and rape and plunder and the
wages of Western civilization. Again maybe that is a feature not a
bug.
"Freedom of speech should be entirely universal. "
redefine the debate. Freedom of speech is superior to... what? You
don't want that speech from the negative that goes "If I can just
prove that there's one time, one instance, where it's preferable to
restrict speech..." Etc.
"Resolved: Justice is more important than peace. "
Great resolutions!
Amanda Wynter
Sep 20, 2011, 1:36:17 PM9/20/11
to The Philodemic Society of Georgetown University
Resolved: Conscience protection is a duty of the United States
government
"Conscience protection" may be abstract, but once it is understood,
almost anyone can have an opinion about it. This topic includes
philosophical, political and and moral debates, and can be viewed from
many angles. This would allow those who enjoy the loftier debates to
tap into their classical and medieval knowledge about what and where
conscience is found, and appeal to those who want to apply it to the
real world with constitutional and legislative arguments.
There are a number of issues that the society always wants to discuss,
but cannot roll them into one resolution such as stem cell research,
abortion, homosexual marriage and basically every other controversial
topic. This may just be the resolution to do that. I think this could
get everyone thinking about the things that we "know" about the role
of government and what we want that role to be.
government
"Conscience protection" may be abstract, but once it is understood,
almost anyone can have an opinion about it. This topic includes
philosophical, political and and moral debates, and can be viewed from
many angles. This would allow those who enjoy the loftier debates to
tap into their classical and medieval knowledge about what and where
conscience is found, and appeal to those who want to apply it to the
real world with constitutional and legislative arguments.
There are a number of issues that the society always wants to discuss,
but cannot roll them into one resolution such as stem cell research,
abortion, homosexual marriage and basically every other controversial
topic. This may just be the resolution to do that. I think this could
get everyone thinking about the things that we "know" about the role
of government and what we want that role to be.
Alex Henderson
Sep 20, 2011, 1:42:45 PM9/20/11
to philodem...@googlegroups.com
Resolved: It's all in the hips.
Reasons: Elvis Presley.
Jon Askonas
Sep 20, 2011, 3:24:17 PM9/20/11
to philodem...@googlegroups.com
Resolved: Socrates was justly condemned OR Socrates had it coming.
A debate about the importance of social cohesion, even against the interests of individual members. Was Athens right to condemn Socrates' questioning of the basic beliefs tying Athenians to each other, or does the right to free speech override such considerations?
Resolved: Lenin did more harm than good.
The Russian Revolution brought about one of the greatest political changes in history, including empowering millions of people who were previously disenfranchised. Did Lenin's accomplishments (greater gender equality, improved education, greater social equality, industrialization/modernization, etc.) outweigh his faults (civil war, some people sort of starving, being a communist)?
Resolved: The White, and not the Red, are the superior Sox.
self-explanatory.
Jacob Arber
Sep 20, 2011, 4:15:29 PM9/20/11
to The Philodemic Society of Georgetown University
Jon, I think the real debate is Resolved: The Cubs are superior to the
White Sox. But that's neither here nor there.
I would like to propose:
Resolved: Ideas should be protected. (or the more legal discussion:
Intellectual Property should be protected.)
Very accessible topic (for example, downloading music illegally) but
with deep philosophical, cultural and political implications.
Resolved: Shylock deserved a pound of flesh.
One of the most disputed characters of all-time, this debate is about
whether or not vengeance is every justifiable and the limits of
justification.
Resolved: The death penalty in the United States should be abolished.
Will this is a very simplistic topic, it is i the news a great deal
recently, particularly with Rick Perry's recent comments.
On Sep 20, 3:24 pm, Jon Askonas <jon.asko...@gmail.com> wrote:
> Resolved: Socrates was justly condemned OR Socrates had it coming.
>
> A debate about the importance of social cohesion, even against the interests
> of individual members. Was Athens right to condemn Socrates' questioning of
> the basic beliefs tying Athenians to each other, or does the right to free
> speech override such considerations?
>
> Resolved: Lenin did more harm than good.
>
> The Russian Revolution brought about one of the greatest political changes
> in history, including empowering millions of people who were previously
> disenfranchised. Did Lenin's accomplishments (greater gender equality,
> improved education, greater social equality,
> industrialization/modernization, etc.) outweigh his faults (civil war, some
> people sort of starving, being a communist)?
>
> Resolved: The White, and not the Red, are the superior Sox.
>
> self-explanatory.
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
> On Tue, Sep 20, 2011 at 1:42 PM, Alex Henderson <aln...@gmail.com> wrote:
> > Resolved: It's all in the hips.
>
> > Reasons: Elvis Presley.
>
> > [image: elvis_presley-1650.jpg]
>
White Sox. But that's neither here nor there.
I would like to propose:
Resolved: Ideas should be protected. (or the more legal discussion:
Intellectual Property should be protected.)
Very accessible topic (for example, downloading music illegally) but
with deep philosophical, cultural and political implications.
Resolved: Shylock deserved a pound of flesh.
One of the most disputed characters of all-time, this debate is about
whether or not vengeance is every justifiable and the limits of
justification.
Resolved: The death penalty in the United States should be abolished.
Will this is a very simplistic topic, it is i the news a great deal
recently, particularly with Rick Perry's recent comments.
On Sep 20, 3:24 pm, Jon Askonas <jon.asko...@gmail.com> wrote:
> Resolved: Socrates was justly condemned OR Socrates had it coming.
>
> A debate about the importance of social cohesion, even against the interests
> of individual members. Was Athens right to condemn Socrates' questioning of
> the basic beliefs tying Athenians to each other, or does the right to free
> speech override such considerations?
>
> Resolved: Lenin did more harm than good.
>
> The Russian Revolution brought about one of the greatest political changes
> in history, including empowering millions of people who were previously
> disenfranchised. Did Lenin's accomplishments (greater gender equality,
> improved education, greater social equality,
> industrialization/modernization, etc.) outweigh his faults (civil war, some
> people sort of starving, being a communist)?
>
> Resolved: The White, and not the Red, are the superior Sox.
>
> self-explanatory.
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
> On Tue, Sep 20, 2011 at 1:42 PM, Alex Henderson <aln...@gmail.com> wrote:
> > Resolved: It's all in the hips.
>
> > Reasons: Elvis Presley.
>
> > [image: elvis_presley-1650.jpg]
>
Sam Dulik
Sep 20, 2011, 4:32:18 PM9/20/11
to The Philodemic Society of Georgetown University
Resolved:
American values are best enshrined in the Declaration of Independence,
and not the Constitution.
The decline of print media is a good thing.
The work of Steve Jobs is superior to that of Bill Gates.
The Old Testament is more significant to modern Christianity than the
New Testament.
Healthcare is a right.
The United States should join the International Criminal Court.
Dominique Strauss-Kahn has done more harm than good.
Manifest Destiny was a destructive doctrine.
The United States has abandoned the Roosevelt Corollary to the Monroe
Doctrine.
J. Edgar Hoover did more harm than good.
Federal income taxes should be raised on the highest income earners.
The American Jobs Act is dangerous.
The current Congress has done more harm than good.
British colonialism did more harm than good.
America should be the world's police.
Russia is in decline.
The rise of China is overstated.
Social Security is a Ponzi Scheme.
A two state solution will never be possible in Israel.
America needs a competitive third party.
President Obama engages in class warfare.
The Environmental Protection Agency has done more harm than good.
America is a state but not a nation.
The Tenth Amendment to the U.S. Constitution should be repealed.
American values are best enshrined in the Declaration of Independence,
and not the Constitution.
The decline of print media is a good thing.
The work of Steve Jobs is superior to that of Bill Gates.
The Old Testament is more significant to modern Christianity than the
New Testament.
Healthcare is a right.
The United States should join the International Criminal Court.
Dominique Strauss-Kahn has done more harm than good.
Manifest Destiny was a destructive doctrine.
The United States has abandoned the Roosevelt Corollary to the Monroe
Doctrine.
J. Edgar Hoover did more harm than good.
Federal income taxes should be raised on the highest income earners.
The American Jobs Act is dangerous.
The current Congress has done more harm than good.
British colonialism did more harm than good.
America should be the world's police.
Russia is in decline.
The rise of China is overstated.
Social Security is a Ponzi Scheme.
A two state solution will never be possible in Israel.
America needs a competitive third party.
President Obama engages in class warfare.
The Environmental Protection Agency has done more harm than good.
America is a state but not a nation.
The Tenth Amendment to the U.S. Constitution should be repealed.
Oltan Akin
Sep 20, 2011, 4:49:27 PM9/20/11
to The Philodemic Society of Georgetown University
Resolved: A Progressive Tax is immoral.
Reasons: Although the impact of taxation falls into economic policy,
we can also analyze such a notion on the basis of philosophy. Is it
right for the government to redistribute wealth through the idea of a
"fair share"? Is the sacrifice in laissez-faire efficiency worth such
an effort? Given the current political climate, this would be
particularly relevant.
Resolved: Religion inhibits the progress of mankind.
Reasons: The debate on whether or not faith is compatible with reason
dives deep into our fundamental philosophies. We are also seeing
global conflict arguably fueled by religion, and we can compare this
with examples in history. Moreover, are man-made religious
institutions a force of good?
Reasons: Although the impact of taxation falls into economic policy,
we can also analyze such a notion on the basis of philosophy. Is it
right for the government to redistribute wealth through the idea of a
"fair share"? Is the sacrifice in laissez-faire efficiency worth such
an effort? Given the current political climate, this would be
particularly relevant.
Resolved: Religion inhibits the progress of mankind.
Reasons: The debate on whether or not faith is compatible with reason
dives deep into our fundamental philosophies. We are also seeing
global conflict arguably fueled by religion, and we can compare this
with examples in history. Moreover, are man-made religious
institutions a force of good?
Jacob Arber
Sep 20, 2011, 9:01:18 PM9/20/11
to The Philodemic Society of Georgetown University
Also, for a Halloween debate:
Resolved: Severus Snape was justified. (I just really want to have a
Harry Potter debate, I'll be honest.)
Resolved: Severus Snape was justified. (I just really want to have a
Harry Potter debate, I'll be honest.)
Will Downes
Sep 21, 2011, 2:26:50 PM9/21/11
to The Philodemic Society of Georgetown University
Dear Katie,
Thank you for calling the Jewish people barbarians and enlightening me
as to how horribly mutilated and malformed I am.
Shalom Aleichem,
Will
Thank you for calling the Jewish people barbarians and enlightening me
as to how horribly mutilated and malformed I am.
Shalom Aleichem,
Will
gavin bade
Sep 21, 2011, 4:10:36 PM9/21/11
to philodem...@googlegroups.com
Go Tigers.
Maggie Cleary
Sep 23, 2011, 1:37:19 AM9/23/11
to The Philodemic Society of Georgetown University
Resolved: The execution of Troy Davis was justified.
Obviously, a current debate as this just happened yesterday. However,
it would be fairly easy to argue either side of this debate. As an
issue that was embraced by the press and created a movement in the
last couple of years (and especially in the last couple of days), this
debate could lead to some interesting views on America's legal system.
Hopefully it would not lapse into a death penalty debate, but if done
well I think this could be prevented. Moreover, there's a plethora of
evidence for both sides--one siding with Amnesty International, the
other with the Supreme Court--and lots of facts/other thoughts that
could be added to enhance and strengthen arguments.
Obviously, a current debate as this just happened yesterday. However,
it would be fairly easy to argue either side of this debate. As an
issue that was embraced by the press and created a movement in the
last couple of years (and especially in the last couple of days), this
debate could lead to some interesting views on America's legal system.
Hopefully it would not lapse into a death penalty debate, but if done
well I think this could be prevented. Moreover, there's a plethora of
evidence for both sides--one siding with Amnesty International, the
other with the Supreme Court--and lots of facts/other thoughts that
could be added to enhance and strengthen arguments.
Jacob Arber
Sep 29, 2011, 1:53:33 AM9/29/11
to The Philodemic Society of Georgetown University
Resolved: The Heart is more powerful than the Mind.
Resolved: The pen is mightier than the sword.
Resolved: We are all a lost generation.
Resolved: The pen is mightier than the sword.
Resolved: We are all a lost generation.
Alex Henderson
Sep 23, 2011, 12:37:32 PM9/23/11
to philodem...@googlegroups.com
Well, anyone whose been out drinking with Will will know that he is a tear-out-the-walls smash the cop car barbarian, it doesn't take a documentary to tell you that!!!!
Richard Rinaldi
Sep 30, 2011, 11:03:51 AM9/30/11
to The Philodemic Society of Georgetown University
From Chris Stromeyer:
Resolved: The United States should block Palestines UN Statehood Bid
the sooner we debate this the better. It is not just ISrael-Palestine
it is US foreign policy, US-Israel policy. It is the awesomest
resolution possible.
Resolved: The Burqa should be banned
With whats going on in France and across Europe this is a terriffic
topic. Questions of religious freedom, human rights, state
intervention, security. Just an awesome resolution. Also the kind
where everyone will learn something.
Resolved: The Affordable Care Act's Individual Mandate is
unconstitutional
a well focused debate on the Health Care Bill (and no we are not
labeling it OBAMACare). It is not about death panels, it is about a
quesiton of constitutionality, which is at the center of this. A
question of feeralism vs. state rights, of the commerce clause, of
taxes and freedom.... just genius! The SC is taking it on so we should
debate it (although I will concede this one can wait a little while
still)
These are killer debates! Lets have em!
Resolved: The United States should block Palestines UN Statehood Bid
the sooner we debate this the better. It is not just ISrael-Palestine
it is US foreign policy, US-Israel policy. It is the awesomest
resolution possible.
Resolved: The Burqa should be banned
With whats going on in France and across Europe this is a terriffic
topic. Questions of religious freedom, human rights, state
intervention, security. Just an awesome resolution. Also the kind
where everyone will learn something.
Resolved: The Affordable Care Act's Individual Mandate is
unconstitutional
a well focused debate on the Health Care Bill (and no we are not
labeling it OBAMACare). It is not about death panels, it is about a
quesiton of constitutionality, which is at the center of this. A
question of feeralism vs. state rights, of the commerce clause, of
taxes and freedom.... just genius! The SC is taking it on so we should
debate it (although I will concede this one can wait a little while
still)
These are killer debates! Lets have em!
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