Debate and Discussion
For more formal discussion for politics, religion, current affairs and other matters
364 topics in this forum
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- 1 follower
- 37 replies
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Hello everyone So, this part of the forum kind of died out, therefore I decided to make a topic about the thing that has been bothering me for the past few months. We all go to school, or went at one point in our lives. We were graded on our tests, and those tests gave us an idea on our knowledge about the subject… But can they really tell us whether we are/were intelligent? Nowadays the pressure on recieving good grades is so high every 5th high-school student confessed that (s)he has experienced school-related anxiety. I know people who get really good results and I know people who barely pass. Both of those groups act in a similar way, and their non-academic skil…
Last reply by randomhydrogenatom, -
GOD : 'Generator Operator Destructor' There is nearly no evidence to support the existence of GOD. But some people really claim that GOD exists, by telling that they have seen him. Unless there is strong evidence to support the statement, you cannot consider it as 'truth'. But still mass majority of people live with the blind belief that GOD exists. What do you think, does GOD exist? Or humans just do not want to accept the truth due to 'neediness', by thinking if i pray to GOD, then i will get the thing i want.
Last reply by Rosalina, -
This is the thread where we talk about sex. What are your views? How much is it present in your own life? Is masturbation good or bad for you? etc. etc. Let's try to be mature about this.
Last reply by Dr_Kong, -
Well, I just got into this interesting argument with one of my juniors, who happens to be a vegetarian, so before i quote her, please no figthing and cussing just respecting opinions and hard core debate!!! P.S.- she's a friend this was all in good humor Friend:"Non-vegetarians eat ****" Me: All vegetarians eat is greens, way to go goats Friend: "you take lives...." and we know how it goes on endlessly from there What are your opinions?
Last reply by Cerru, -
- 362 replies
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I just spent the last 30 minutes reading an old thread on God and the correlation between intelligence and religious beliefs. Personally, I am very well educated and top of my class and yet I still have strong religious beliefs. But this is besides the point, I only use myself as an example. This question is generally directed to anyone who is atheist, agnostic, or just is completely unsure! (But of course anyone feel free to answer, I'd also love to hear the religious side of the argument!) So, in essence of saving time I'll be direct; If anyone out there doesn't believe in God, why? I honestly just want to hear your opinion and what lead you to your beliefs. Was it lack…
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- 145 replies
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i find that in my school IB students tend to clump together in "packs." I think that in general, because we share so many classes together IB students tend to hang out with exclusively IB students with some mingling between regular students. In my school people seem to really take pride in the fact that they are part of the IB program and i sometimes feel as if it's very exclusive. Does anyone feel the same? Or is it different?
Last reply by EllaMilo, -
- 107 replies
- 23.7k views
What's more important? This is something that has badgered me for a long time. Especially for the sciences and math, I feel like I am exerting myself much more than many of my classmates and yet some of their results are much better than mine. I know someone who is extremely talented at math. He never makes a deliberate attempt to study but is able to score high because his brain is literally a sponge for math; he assimilates everything in class with ease and is able to apply that knowledge almost effortlessly when it comes to the IB questions where most would have some problems with thinking critically. To me, a lot of people say that hard work is all it takes. I still b…
Last reply by behaaa, -
What do you hardcore TOKers think about things like equal rights for homosexuals, gay marriage and other issues such as... A christian preacher in ENGLAND was arrested for quoting the bible and using phrases such as "stop homosexuality it's wrong" in public. Your thoughts, please I'm interested Morpheus x
Last reply by MariusIBDP, -
So, we have the English only position believing that english should be the main language in english speaking countries, its a national identity. But what is the position behind bilingualism? Is it a loss of identity? Or is it a gain of another culture? For me it is a gain of another culture as it is for my fellow IB-ers. Not only do we have the peruvian culture but we have the british culture due to our teachers. What do you think? Is it good to be bilingual? Or is it bad to be bilingual?
Last reply by Blackcurrant, -
- 13 replies
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Hi there everyone, back after a long time! Well I want your views so that you can bail me out in debate. Well we have inter house debate competition (which my house forcefully put my name in it) and I have to support for the internet. The main problem is that in my team (3 students per house team), one is inexperienced (that's me, although I speak well), the other one doesn't use his brain and utter nonsense and the third one has nervous breakdown type attitude. But my main prob is my opposition team has excellent orators and debtors especially my friend in Sapphire house (there are four houses Ruby,Emerald, Sapphire and Topaz (my house) ). So since I am saying that in…
Last reply by azara, -
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, -
i liked the idea of those of you who asked what everone thought of americans and australians... so i thought i realy would like to know what you guys think about the arabs and muslims....say it honestly please....because we seem to feel that the world is taking this very mistakable impression on us...so...give me your opinions please:)...+ reason.....and i will answer if i have anything to reply..thanks (i already gave my opinion on americans...but australians....i dont really know much about them to judge)
Last reply by sberkmetin, -
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, -
------------------------------------ i think being more intelligent/educated makes people dislike you, because of jealously. if you come to my school, and see how they treat the ib kids, its pretty brutal, we get ridiculed at, joked at and verbally abused all the time because of the fact that we're in this hard program that prepares us for the future, but instead of giving up, we stick together, which builds a great deal of teamwork. But in general my IB friends, are cheerleaders, football players, basketball players, actors, officers, etc, and we don't have a problem with being unhappy. Maybe overworked, but never unhappy, we're actually quite an optimistic bunch. I just…
Last reply by Reality ninja, -
- 44 replies
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http://www.smh.com.au/lifestyle/lifematters/for-love-or-money-20090608-c0j3.html I had to pause when I came across a blog out of South Africa that read, “I think a way forward, or backwards some of you might say, is to encourage our smart, savvy and capable daughters to marry for money.” Since I co-authored a book with a similar premise, this sassy assertion definitely grabbed my attention. The blog’s author Jackie May, an editor for The Times world pages in South Africa, penned these seemingly heretical comments after learning of alarming research by Dr. Caroline Gatrell at Lancaster University in England. Dr. Gatrell found, “women who explicitly choose career over kids …
Last reply by ~Lc~, -
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So I was reading this (http://www.vanityfair.com/politics/features/2006/01/hitchens200601) about Joseph Kony, and the article said that Kony may have multiple personality disorder. And it got me thinking... if a mentally ill person commits a crime, say murder or any crime for that matter, can they be held responsible for it? Is the insanity plea really legitimate? Why or why not? Disclaimer! I am not saying what Kony is doing is "right," merely using him as an extreme case.
Last reply by EllaMilo, -
If you want peace, prepare for war
by Guest- 11 replies
- 16.2k views
"The only way to prepare for peace, is to prepare for war." We discussed this in class recently. What do you guys think? Is war and peace mutually exclusive? Or should a country have an army to be at peace?
Last reply by Amina13, -
- 10 replies
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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, -
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Do you believe in gender equality? do you believe in feminism and what it stands for? If not, Why? This is purely out of curiosity and is not meant to attack anybody.
Last reply by GooseTea, -
Israel is going a bit far this time, with more killings of civilians than actually targeted Hamas extremists. This conflict has gone on long enough, and it's pretty apparent by now, that infancy has prevailed over maturity in the conflict. I'm all for Zionism but they don't really have to be that brutal about it now. Thoughts? Conflicting view points?
Last reply by THE IBKID, -
- 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, -
- 43 replies
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^as the title says it . Why do you think what you think? Do you reckon that age or gender plays a big part on that?
Last reply by fjooiks, -
Recently it's been found that pornography is addicting and there are also a bunch of porn addiction forums and such such as Reddit's No Fap which are becoming famous. Do you believe the negative effects of porn on society are too much and that governments should restrict porn? Apparently porn is illegal for children in many countries yet porn is hardly a simple type and enter away. Should porn be regulated just like other demerit goods like alcohol? Or do you believe that pornography is harmless and isn't causing any problems? In that case, do you think that porn addiction is more of a bad habit more than anything else? I believe that governments should restrict porn on…
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OK, so my TOK teacher seems to think that murder is bad. In any case. I was a bit confused about her thoughts on her take on murder. Apparently, she thinks "murder is bad" is an eternal justified truth. There are many justifications for murder, of course. The thing I do not understand is that, if murder is justified, doesn't that make it acceptable, (meaning NOT BAD) and in some cases even good? My TOK teacher thinks it is always bad, even if you justify it. I think otherwise. We talked about scenarios going from self-defense to varieties of religions. So, is murder always bad? I'd like to hear some opinions! Please and thanks
Last reply by Gracieinchrist, -
- 8 replies
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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, -
Well, more and more the topic of global warming has come up at my school. Mostly we've been talking about the problems, solutions, personal habits, and the future. I'm just curious what you guys have to say for this topic.
Last reply by bolan14, -
- 45 replies
- 10.5k views
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, -
- 29 replies
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This is bloody scary. I didn't think it was THAT long since I was in elementary school. Ok it has really been a while, but still... The video is a bit long but interesting. But scary. Discuss.
Last reply by theloserwins, -
As I'm sure many people have noticed, there is a lot of anti-US sentiment in the world today. As a US citizen, the question I have to ask is, is this how everyone in the global community feels? I was hoping that IB students from around the world would be able to help me answer this question. The only thing I ask is that you list your country, and whether your response is meant to reflect your personal opinion, or the opinion of your country as a whole. Thank you, and may the force be with you.
Last reply by Ruan Chun Xian, -
- 25 replies
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The IB, of course, claims that it is not a political organisation but there is a lot of evidence to the contrary. For instance the IB is totalitarian. Not only does it want to educate you academically but it wants to mould your personality, via CAS and TOK especially, to become an internationalist global citizen. It also seems to preach moral/cultural relativism; just look at the IB mission statement. The International Baccalaureate aims to develop inquiring, knowledgeable and caring young people who help to create a better and more peaceful world through intercultural understanding and respect. To this end the organization works with schools, governments and internatio…
Last reply by Emilia1320, -
- 45 replies
- 9.8k views
Hey guys M&m_Fan99 (Thaddeus Peuterschmidt) back with another IB Survival forum post! So, today's QOTD (question of the day) is: "Is my school's uniform policy sexist?", if you couldn't tell from the title of this forum post. In the uniform policy, it is stated that girls are not allowed to have their skirts more than 10cm above their knees, but there are no rules about how high boys can wear their shorts. Many are outraged at this and is calling this inequality. So IB Survival forum viewers, what do you think? Do you think my school is being sexist? :ivan:
Last reply by -TJ-, -
- 58 replies
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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, -
- 70 replies
- 8.9k views
okay so i have heard that scientists say that students work better in classes of the same gender, but some people say that this is not true, what do you guys think about having single gende classes? i was in a single gender class for the last 2 years because my school test drove the idea, sadly there won't be any single gnder in grade 8, but i had a great time and i agree that our school marks are better then the ones we had in co-ed, firstly, mny were able to be themselves and there were no boys to outshine them, bu i also see this as a pro because we have no competion within the class with boys (outside class is another story..... ) so do you agree, disagree?
Last reply by LeMaki, -
- 51 replies
- 8.3k views
Hi everyone, So the reason I am bringing up this topic is that my grandfather is a homophobe. He hates the legalisation of Gay marriage for reasons I cannot comprehend. So, back to the topic at hand, I am interested in your opinions regarding homosexuality and/or homophobia. I for one, believe that everyone should have the right to marriage and love, irrespective of gender, but there probably are people who don't agree. I personally support the United States, and other countries in legalising this, and hope that Asian countries follow suit. So let me know what you think about this. Cheers, King112
Last reply by Moony_SkyFullOfStars, -
- 14 replies
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I have a feeling the discussion can take a TOK turn but I'll just post it here for now. Pillow Angel Ethics What kind of doctors would agree to intentionally shorten and sterilize a disabled six-year-old girl to make it easier for her parents to take care of her? The question has had message boards steaming for days, but the answers are in no way easy. Dr. Daniel Gunther and Dr. Douglas Diekema, who first revealed the details of "The Ashley Case" in the Archives of Pediatric and Adolescent Medicine, think that many of their critics don't understand the nature of this case. Talk to them, and you confront every modern challenge in weighing what medicine can do, versus what …
Last reply by thinkgreen95, -
- 1 follower
- 33 replies
- 8.2k views
Hi guys, it's me again. I have a topic which I hope is going to make some of you interested. So, lately I've been thinking about human existence. As far as we know, there is not a single reason or purpose for us humans to exist. We don't have to do anything, we have free will (more or less), and we do what we want. But why? I mean, why us? Out of all species, it had to be us. We are the most intelligent specimen we know of, and we are self aware. Is it a good thing? We are able to do literally anything we want, yet we are stuck because of technology and laws and whatnot. What's the point in living? The more I think about it the less life seems appealing to me. Family, f…
Last reply by Gracieinchrist, -
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, -
Trump's Win 1 2 3
by ari_zuchinni- 42 replies
- 8.1k views
What do you guys think about Donald Trump winning?
Last reply by neil072, -
- 1 follower
- 53 replies
- 8k views
The title says it all. What's your opinion on abortion? We've been discussing that topic on our TOK class for about two months and we can't seem to finish this debate. The thing is, that every time we start this topic, we end up in the wrong field - religion. I know there are religious aspects of this, but I really am interested in your opinion on this topic? I want to finish this debate with someone since none of my colleauges are willing to do so out of the class. Not to get in too many details to soon, just to say that I think that abortion is, well, doable. I'm definitely not against it. My main point is that, when it comes to such an, well, unwanted consequence - …
Last reply by -TJ-, -
- 60 replies
- 7.9k views
wich is better: compulsory voting or non-compulsory and why?
Last reply by ezra, -
- 47 replies
- 7.8k views
So I was thinking about this today (because I'm morbid like that) and I was wondering what you guys thought. Is having a death penalty justified? Do we, as humans, have the right to decide when another person's life should be ended? I personally believe in the death penalty, I believe it to be a necessary social device to maintain control and order, but I also think it should be a sentence used sparingly at best (i.e. no going all crazy Texan). It should be reserved for those criminals who have committed crimes of the worst sort: crime against humanity; war crimes; genocide; torture; jus cogens violations, etc. Adolf Hitler-esque criminals that is. I think it's incredibly…
Last reply by Sandwich, -
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2319145/A-mother--aged-15-Thought-horrified-stories-schoolgirl-mums-Then-read-jaw-dropping-interview.html The article above ^ has the story. Basically, a 12-year-old girl from Nottingham got pregnant and gave birth. She then had sex with the same guy 10 months after the first baby was born, and now has a second one at the age of 15. The father has seen the first baby once and hasn't seen the second one ever. He also allegedly has children with three or four other sexual partners. (Take the overt father-bashing with a grain of salt since this is the Daily Mail.) The UK is currently funding this girl and her mother (who is singlehande…
Last reply by r1111, -
- 58 replies
- 7.5k views
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, -
Nuclear power 1 2 3
by shalala- 59 replies
- 7.4k views
So basically, the other day I was discussing with my brother whether nuclear power is a maintainable source of energy.(Here I am taking for granted that most people think that fossil and bio fuel should be phased out.) Me and my brother turned out to have rather different opinions where he is pro, and I am con. Thus, I might have a bit too imaginary approach, haha. Now I am turning to this forum for a better perspective. Is nuclear something we should expand or reduce? Is it positive that nuclear power now is in a offensive light due to what happended in Japan?
Last reply by Sabs44, -
- 35 replies
- 7.4k views
Hi guys! So, I know this might be a TOK type of thing, but I really would like to hear the opinions of others about this. For about a year now I've been thinking that eating is a huge waste of time and a human flaw. We spend over 3 hours everyday eating, preparing the food, or even ordering it in a fast food restaurant. Don't you think that this time could be used much more efficiently doing other things such as research, creation of new technology and many other things? Think about it in a perspective - what if people didn't have to spend so much time eating everyday? What if we could just eat some kind of smoothie every morning (or once a week) that would have the c…
Last reply by IB Memes, -
Gay Marriage 1 2 3
by ShineeLikeMe- 51 replies
- 7.3k views
Alright guys. Intense battle going on in the of California for the past decade. Gay marriage. Proposition 8 which banned the right for gays to marry just got struck down about a month or two ago. There are basically two sides to this. Proponents claim that legalizing gay marriage will give gays the 1024 federal rights they do not have. Opponents of gay marriage claim that this is just another step in the gay agenda and that this goes against the Biblical teachings. And then theres the issue of the word marriage in general. Should we allow gays to marry and have their federal rights but just call this union something different (i.e civil union, domestic partnership), or…
Last reply by Morpheus, -
- 1 follower
- 20 replies
- 7.2k views
Talking about Abortion: Pro-Life or Pro-Choice The conversation surrounding abortion has always been controversial. Even in the 21st century, the thought of discussing abortions in some communities has been tabooed. Unfortunately, this so called 'taboo' has been the reality of some women - whether it be the result of unprotected sex, sexual assault or fear of keeping the child, millions of women have had to choose between life or choice. Some factors that may affect the final decision include, but are not limited to, gender, religion and society. Dialogue of abortion and the pro-life and pro-choice stances have normally taken place between 'adults'. However, I think…
Last reply by Sifuna, -
- 8 replies
- 7.1k views
I was having this discussion today with someone and was wondering what you guys think. So, is there a true and undeniable difference between being a realist or a pessimist? Or are they actually the same thing, but seen in different lights?
Last reply by -._._.-, -
- 61 replies
- 7.1k views
So... I probably shouldn't touch on this, because the subject is very controversial. But i recently broke away from the church and became what I like to call non-religious. But many of my peers think that i am crazy and i feel somewhat bad about it but logically i cannot choose one single religion. Can someone help me? Maybe just give some comments so i can see if i am crazy or not.
Last reply by FahaD, -
- 8 replies
- 7k views
Hey guys, I want to do engineering in university but I want to be challenged throughout the four years. Therefore I'd like to know which engineering degree is the most demanding.
Last reply by Nigel Isaiah Murillo,