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Art/Media
Major decisions made by social media platforms should be voted on by their users.
Art/Media
This House would hold social media companies responsible for the spread of misinformation and hate speech on their platforms.
Art/Media
The rise of the social media "influencer" has done more harm than good.
Art/Media
Liberal media outlets ought to prioritize sensational reporting (e.g., Daily Kos, Young Turks) over neutral journalism (e.g., CNN, New York Times).
Art/Media
Assuming equal screen time and character complexity, This House would rather play a hero in a movie than a villain.
Art/Media
This House regrets the overwhelming narrative of good triumphing over evil in children's entertainment.
Art/Media
This House would ban microtransactions in all video games.
Art/Media
The news media should strive to be moral rather than objective.
Art/Media
Info Slide: Sci-Hub is a shadow library website that provides free access to millions of research papers and books, without regard to copyright, by bypassing publishers' paywalls in various ways. THW condemn Sci-Hub.
Art/Media
Info slide: In 2018, the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences (AMPAS), which oversees the Oscars, proposed the creation of an award for Outstanding Achievement in Popular Film. The award was intended for blockbuster films with widespread popular appeal, while the award for Best Picture would go to the film best regarded by critics. In response to backlash from journalists and academy members, the proposal was dropped. The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences (AMPAS) should establish an award for Outstanding Achievement in Popular Film.
Art/Media
In 1955, Le Corbusier worked to redesign and build a new chapel (left) in Ronchamp, France after the previous building (a 4th-century Christian chapel; right) was completely destroyed during World War II. THP the newly designed church to a reconstruction aiming to rebuild the old chapel.
Art/Media
THBT Automat (Left; Edward Hopper, 1927) provides a more compelling depiction of alienation than The Tube Train (Right; C. E. Power, 1934)
Art/Media
Alain Locke, the first African-American Rhodes Scholar and philosophical architect of the Harlem Renaissance, wrote that "art must discover and reveal the beauty which prejudice and caricature have obscured and overlaid." THP art which reflects oppression to art which finds beauty in spite of oppression.
Art/Media
In "Popular" Kristen Chenoweth sings "I know about popular/And with an assist from me/To be who you'll be/Instead of dreary who you were." TH. as a student at a new school, W strive to become popular.
Art/Media
In "The Wizard and I" Idina Menzel sings "When I meet the Wizard/Once I prove my worth/And then I meet the Wizard/What I've waited for since, since birth/And with all his Wizard wisdom/By my looks, he won't be blinded." THR the idolization of individuals.
Art/Media
In "Defying Gravity" Idina Menzel sings "If I'm flying solo/at least I'm flying free/to those who ground me/take a message back from me." THW put themselves first.
Art/Media
THBT the inclusion of "A" in STEAM has done more good than harm. STEAM stands for science, technology, engineering, art, and math. It is a modern progressive reform to the traditional acronym STEM, which stands for science, technology, engineering, and math
Art/Media
"Think Different." - Apple. THR the glorification of being unique
Art/Media
"The Best a Man Can Get" - Gillette. THW never say anything is their "best" work
Art/Media
"The happiest place on Earth" - Disneyland. TH, as a parent, W take their kids to Disneyland
Art/Media
THBT movie awards should solely be chosen based on audience rating
Art/Media
THBT award shows should get rid of "international" categories
Art/Media
THBT award shows that critique media (Grammys, Emmys, Oscars, etc), do more harm than good
Art/Media
THS citizen journalism Citizen journalism is based upon public citizens "playing an active role in the process of collecting, reporting, analyzing, and disseminating news and information."
Art/Media
THP traditional journalism to online journalism. Traditional media has long been considered as comprising the daily and weekly papers - also known as the legacy media. The term also includes TV and radio, types of media that operate to a schedule. Meanwhile, digital media covers anything that uses the web, such as social media, news sites, and apps.
Art/Media
THBT Op-Eds should focus on niche education rather than controversy. Op-Eds, or opinion editorials, are short newspaper columns that represent the strong opinions of a writer on an issue of relevance to a targeted audience. They are not written to represent the perspective of a news source.
Art/Media
"Condemn me. It does not matter. History will absolve me." - Fidel CastroTHW do what they believe will leave a positive legacy even if others condemn them while alive.
Art/Media
"None of us has any personal interest above the interests of the country. Our country is more important than our careers." - Fidel Castro THW care more about their career than their country
Art/Media
"Someday, the capitalist system will disappear in the United States, because no social class system has been eternal. One day, class societies will disappear." - Fidel Castro TH agrees with Castro
Art/Media
"If we think we can just use the same partisan playbook where we just challenge our opponent's patriotism to win an election, then the American people will lose. The times are too serious for this kind of politics" - Barack Obama. TH, as a democrat, W challenge Republican patriotism
Art/Media
"The strongest weapon against hateful speech is not repression. it is more speech-the voices of tolerance that rally against bigotry and blasphemy, and lift up the values of understanding" - Barack Obama TH agrees with Obama
Art/Media
"If you're walking down the right path and you're willing to keep walking, eventually you'll make progress." - Barack Obama. THR the narrative that progress is coming
Art/Media
"I need physics more than friends." THBT one's life should be centered around their career.
Art/Media
"My childhood did not prepare me for the fact that the world is full of cruel and bitter things." THW expose children to the tumultuous realities of life.
Art/Media
"I saw what the Depression was doing to my students. Often they could get no jobs, or jobs which were wholly inadequate. And through them, I began to understand how deeply political and economic events could affect men's lives. I began to feel the need to participate more fully in the life of the community." THW participate in modern politics.
Art/Media
THBT schools should prioritize modern popular literature over classics
Art/Media
THR the romanticization of villains and antiheroes/antiheroines in literature, movies, and other pop culture artifacts (eg. Joker in Batman; Thanos in Avengers; Don Juan, etc)
Art/Media
THS the creation of children's literature which teaches that people are neither good nor evil.
Art/Media
THR the rise of citizen media. Citizen media is content produced by private citizens who are not professional journalists.
Art/Media
Assuming that it was possible, THW abolish internet anonymity.
Art/Media
TH as an artist W join an art collective. An art collective is a group of artists who as a group produce art. Any art produced is credited to the collective as a whole, not any individual artist. Any pieces you create are collaborative with part or whole of the collective.
Art/Media
THBT the pen is mightier than the piano.
Art/Media
When restoring books, THW invariably restore them to appear as close as possible to how they appeared when they were originally produced.
Art/Media
You have a few offers from media companies, one of which is Fox News (which is considered a right-leaning media company). The job at Fox pays far more than all the other jobs. THW take the job at Fox News.
Art/Media
THBT the Mona Lisa would be improved if it were painted entirely in the style of Vincent van Gogh.
Art/Media
THR the proliferation of dystopian novels.
Art/Media
THW eliminate fees for returning library books late.
Art/Media
THP to be famous than to be unknown.
Art/Media
THP a world where everyone is equally famous, aside from politicians.
Art/Media
TH, as a celebrity, would allow their manager to control their entire social media presence.
Art/Media
You are a middle-aged person whose family runs the Bluth Company - a corrupt corporation. You spend most of your time - work life and personal - with your family, but you consider yourself the only "honorable" member. You are at a company party on a boat, and you know that you are about to be named the new CEO of the Bluth Company. Suddenly, you see boats with sirens; it's the Securities and Exchange Commission (yes, the SEC has boats). The SEC has come to arrest your father, who is the current CEO of the Bluth Company, for fraud, and will investigate other members of the family as well. You have crucial information that will likely exonerate yourself, but may also implicate other members of your family. THW not cooperate with the SEC.
Art/Media
You are an over-qualified chemistry teacher living in New Mexico. You have a wife, a teenage son, and a daughter on the way. Your brother-in-law is an agent with the Drug Enforcement Agency, and he has just been shot. Your wife offered to pay for his medical care (since he could not afford it), so now your family is hundreds of thousands of dollars in debt. You know that you have the ability to create and make huge profits from methamphetamine. THW produce and sell meth.
Art/Media
You live in a world where people are divided into four nations based upon their ability to manipulate one of four corresponding elements: water, earth, fire, and air. In this world, there is one figure, the Avatar, who uniquely possesses the ability to manipulate all four elements and is charged with keeping peace between the peoples of each of the four elements. The figure reincarnates upon death. On your twelfth birthday, you are told three things by the elders of your community. One, you were born as the new Avatar, and your identity has been kept a secret from the rest of the world. Two, you will undergo intense training for the rest of your childhood to master the four elements. And finally, that they see omens of an impending war among the four nations. THW publicize their identity as the Avatar.
Art/Media
You are on a ferry with a group of hundreds of other citizens doing their usual travel to work. Next to you in the river, there is another ferry with a group of hundreds of criminals currently serving their sentence and being transported to another location. Suddenly, both ferries stall and an evil clown that has terrorized your city informs you that each ferry has been rigged with explosives. He also tells you that each boat is equipped with a detonator to the other boat's bombs. You are told that at midnight, if neither of the boats are blown up, both boats will explode. THW blow up the prison boat.
Art/Media
In The Sopranos, Junior Soprano suggests, "Keep thinking you know everything. Some people are so far behind in a race that they actually think they're leading." THS Junior's mentality.
Art/Media
In Riverdale, Archie asserts, "You haven't known the triumphs and defeats, the highs and lows of high school football." THR the American romanticization of high school football.
Art/Media
THBT the restriction of accounts known to spread false information is an affront on personal liberties.
Art/Media
THBT social media websites should be able to mine data.
Art/Media
THBT censorship can never be justified.
Art/Media
Neil Young and Joni Mitchell withdrew their songs from Spotify when Spotify refused to remove material by Joe Rogan, a right-wing commentator. TH, as a successful artist, W use access to their material to pressure online services to moderate content.
Art/Media
By tagging the location of photographs posted on social media, tourists attract attention to these places, often resulting in a major increase in the number of tourists going to those places. TH, as a tourist, W not location tag their photos on social media.
Art/Media
A music label, also known as a record label, is a brand of music recordings and music videos that is owned by a company. The company generally has marketing teams and press teams to promote its artists in addition to publishing their music. Music labels are categorized into major labels and indie labels, with major labels representing 60% to 70% of the music industry. The typical advantages of signing a music label deal include more publicity for an artist and increased access to resources for music production. At the same time, label deals often stipulate a high level of royalties by the label company and partial loss of creative control. THP a world in which music labels do not exist.
Economy/Business
This House, as a less developed country, would assume state control over all universal resources (ie, energy, water, health care)
Economy/Business
When in conflict, less developed countries ought to prioritize investment in establishing democracy (e.g. spending on election safeguards) over economic development.
Economy/Business
As a less developed country with a reputation as a tax haven, this House would take steps to become less of a tax haven.
Economy/Business
The growth of private equity has done more harm than good.
Economy/Business
The concept of private property does more harm than good.
Economy/Business
This House prefers an economy with less union power and more government regulation to an economy with more union power and less government regulation.
Economy/Business
The United States should replace the patent system with a system of monetary prizes for innovation. (A patent for an invention is the grant of a property right for 20 years to exclude others from making, using, offering for sale, or selling the invention in the United States or importing the invention into the United States.)
Economy/Business
TH, as the US, should favor increased tariffs.
Economy/Business
THBT Google should be broken.
Economy/Business
THW implement a wealth tax.
Economy/Business
Big tech companies (e.g., Amazon, Facebook, Google) should be broken up.
Economy/Business
Corporations should serve the interest of all stakeholders, not simply shareholders.
Economy/Business
Assuming Amazon would accept, Connecticut should provide an incentive package comparable to New York City's.
Economy/Business
State-led economies should be preferred over free market economies.
Economy/Business
Gender equality cannot be achieved within a capitalist economy.
Economy/Business
Capitalism is in decline.
Economy/Business
Multilateral relations ought to be preferred over bilateral relations by developing economies.
Economy/Business
When in conflict, governments should prioritize economic stability over growth.
Economy/Business
The rise of the "creator economy" has done more harm than good.
Economy/Business
This House regrets the move by many large corporations to return to in-office (as opposed to remote) work.
Economy/Business
THBT developing countries should prioritize protectionist trade policies over free trade to foster domestic industries. Protectionist trade policies aim to protect domestic industries against foreign competition by means of tariffs, subsidies, import quotas, or other restrictions or handicaps placed on the imports of foreign competitors.
Economy/Business
THW require companies that outsource labor to adhere to the same labor standards as those in their home country.
Economy/Business
THW nationalize essential services such as utilities, healthcare, and public transportation.
Economy/Business
THW hold senior banking executives criminally accountable for financial misconduct (e.g. predatory or discriminatory lending practices) within their bank
Economy/Business
THBT the state should not attach any legal or fiscal privileges to the family unit (e.g tax breaks, spousal exemptions etc)
Economy/Business
THBT consultancy firms/merchant banks should not be allowed to enter into settlement agreements when charged with fraud involving public money. A settlement agreement is a legal contract that resolves the disputes and settles prosecutions among parties by coming to a binding agreement.
Economy/Business
THBT cryptocurrency should be regulated by national governments
Economy/Business
THW replace an income tax with a consumption tax
Economy/Business
THW abolish cash
Economy/Business
Assuming the pay is the exact same, THW work a blue collar job during the summer instead of doing a white collar internship
Economy/Business
THBT summer is the best season of the year
Economy/Business
TH, as a large corporation, W give employees a substantial amount of time off during the summer
Economy/Business
THP a world where individuals donate their money to charity rather than having an equivalent amount taken from them in taxation to provide welfare
Economy/Business
THBT in times of hardship, governments should lower taxes.
Economy/Business
THW reduce the income tax rate for women.
Economy/Business
THW replace Sales Tax with Value-Added Tax (VAT) in the United States. Info: A Value-Added Tax assesses the value of a given product at every stage of development and taxes it based on that value. As the product goes down the production line any added value gets taxed. A VAT is different from a sales tax in that a sales tax is only levied once, at the end of production after the consumer purchases the product. Contrarily the VAT is paid at every stage of production. However, every business along the value chain receives a tax credit for the VAT already paid. The end consumer does not, making it a tax on final consumption.
Economy/Business
When there exists a tradeoff, TH, as the USFG, W prioritize minimizing inflation to minimizing unemployment.
Economy/Business
THBT all odious debt should be canceled. Odious debt is a legal concept that occurs when a country's government switches and the new government does not want to pay for the debts acquired by previous governments. Odious debt is acquired only through countries when the government changes through internal or external revolution.
Economy/Business
THBT the assumption of economic rationality in early and modern economic models and theories has done more harm than good to the creation, development, and design of domestic and foreign economic policy. Economic rationality is the belief that people are rational actors, and therefore that economic laws are accurate and that the market will naturally self-regulate (otherwise known as the Invisible Hand).
Economy/Business
THBT stock markets should freeze the sale of publicly-exchanged stocks during crises
Economy/Business
THP worker cooperatives to strong individual unions.Worker cooperatives are businesses in which ownership is held by the employees, and thus they have a greater share of decision making capabilities.
Economy/Business
THR the rise of philanthrocapitalism Philanthrocapitalism, or philanthropic capitalism, refers to an approach to philanthropy that adopts business-like strategies in the non-profit sector. This approach can include venture philanthropy, where active investments are made in social programs with the expectation of generating measurable long-term social returns or involve "social investors" who benefit from investing in these social programs.
Economy/Business
THW abolish all currency
Economy/Business
THBT capitalism drives good people to become corrupt
Economy/Business
THBT The Happiness Index should be considered in making international policy decisions Info doc: The Happiness Index is a comprehensive survey instrument that assesses happiness, wellbeing, and aspects of sustainability and resilience in specific countries.This instrument can be used to measure satisfaction with life and the conditions of life. It can also be used to define income inequality, trust in government, sense of community and other aspects of wellbeing within specific demographics of a population.
Economy/Business
THBT inflation is good in the long run
Economy/Business
THBT most people don't act in their objective best interest when making economic decisions.
Economy/Business
THW nationalize the insurance industry
Economy/Business
THW nationalize the water industry
Economy/Business
THW nationalize the financial industry
Economy/Business
THBT it is content consumer's responsibility to fact check as opposed to the company
Economy/Business
TH, as the user of a social media company, W read the Terms and Conditions
Economy/Business
TH, as ByteDance, W not sell TikTok Congress recently passed a ban which will prevent American users from using updated forms of TikTok, unless the parent company, ByteDance, sells the app to an American firm.
Economy/Business
In areas with rapidly rising property prices, THW suspend all restrictions on property development that are not health and safety requirements. (for example, environmental zoning regulations, building height restrictions, and regulations on the appearance of buildings)
Economy/Business
THW abolish all government schemes that provide grants, tax-breaks or loans at preferential terms to home buyers.
Economy/Business
THW have minimum quotas for different ethnic groups living in public housing estates.
Economy/Business
THBT the European left should promote a hard left agenda, including the nationalization of major industry, very high tax rates on the wealthy, and expansion of the welfare states.
Economy/Business
THW abolish all government schemes that provide grants, tax-breaks or loans at preferential terms to home buyers.
Economy/Business
In a neighborhood experiencing extreme gentrification, THW implement rent control policies designed to keep current residents in place.
Economy/Business
THS the implementation of price limits on certain medical treatments (i.e. insulin) in the United States.
Economy/Business
THBT states should incentivize companies to invest in worker leisure rather than economic productivity (e.g. more paid leave for the workers, worker wellness stipends).
Economy/Business
THW require colleges to roughly approximate the economic breakdown of society in the composition of their student body (e.g. admit an equal number of candidates from each wealth quartile).
Economy/Business
THW mandate corporations integral to a nation's economy to allocate a majority of shares to their employees.
Economy/Business
THW place economic sanctions on countries that fail to comply with the Paris climate accord.
Economy/Business
THR the glorification of start-up culture that encourages entrepreneurship over traditional career paths.
Economy/Business
THR the concept of a "nine to five" workday.
Economy/Business
THW eliminate the charitable donation deduction for income tax purposes.
Economy/Business
THBT the United States should establish a universal basic income.
Economy/Business
THBT monopolies are beneficial in a free market economy.
Economy/Business
THBT the market inflation of life-saving pharmaceuticals should not be allowed.
Economy/Business
THBT drug companies should not be allowed to patent any vaccines or medication.
Economy/Business
THBT the current labor shortage is good for the United States economy.
Economy/Business
The Federal Reserve has two goals set by Congress, full employment and price stability. Chairman Powell has said that he is willing to accept a recession-which would result in higher unemployment-in order to tame current high inflation. THP inflation to unemployment.
Economy/Business
In the US when there is a business downturn, businesses lay off or release workers, who are then eligible to collect unemployment paid by the government. In Germany, firms are required to reduce hours for all workers, and the government pays all or part of the difference in earnings. Assuming there is no difference in what the affected workers receive under either system, THP the German system.
Economy/Business
THP big cities.
Economy/Business
THP big companies.
Education
This House supports the new contract between the University of California and teaching assistants.
Education
This House regrets the narrative that young people can grow up to be anything they want to be.
Education
THW require standardized tests for college admissions.
Education
TH, as a teacher, W permit the use of ChatGPT and other generative AI for class assignments.
Education
THBT college is overvalued.
Education
THBT the college admissions process should be based on objectively measured student performance.
Education
College admissions in the United States should be significantly reformed.
Education
The US should permit state aid-including tuition-to religious schools.
Education
College education should primarily be conducted online.
Education
Info Slide: At many well-respected bachelor's degree programs, there are graduation requirements that all students must complete regardless of what major they choose. The classes that fulfill these requirements are known as a core curriculum. The requirements that form the core curriculum vary from one school to the next, but they often encompass introductory-level studies in a wide range of academic disciplines. THR the popularity of the core curriculum in colleges and universities.
Education
The United States Federal Government should cap annual tuition costs to attend colleges and universities.
Education
Universal preschool ought to be considered a human right.
Education
This House, as a university, would not require students to submit standardized test scores.
Education
THBT all members of American society ought to take an American history course.
Education
TH, as an average high school student, W sit in the front row in class.
Education
TH, as a high school teacher, W prioritize effort over ability when assigning grades.
Education
THBT positions of leadership should not be considered in college admissions
Education
THBT "If you could teach a class on any one thing, whether academic or otherwise, what would it be?" is a better college essay topic than "What item are you excited to bring with you to college?"
Education
TH, as a relatively prestigious university, W offer an opportunity to apply ED2 In recent years, some universities have been offering an opportunity for students who were not admitted to their early decision school (ED 1 school) to apply ED 2. ED 2 applications are due after students hear back from their ED 1 school, when all regular decisions applications are due. However, if a student who indicated they wish to apply ED2 is accepted, they are committed to attending that school
Education
THBT Harvard should consider political diversity in their admissions process
Education
THBT Harvard should double its undergraduate class size
Education
TH, as an alumni of Harvard, W not wear Harvard merchandise in public.
Education
THW allow parents to remove their children from specific classes at school (e.g sports, religious studies, sex education, science) on moral, religious or political grounds
Education
THW give additional benefits to families on welfare whose children perform well in school
Education
THW not allow elected politicians or their immediate families to send their kids to private schools.
Education
Assuming college admissions were decided solely based on which student had the best cursive handwriting, TH, as a private school, W focus on teaching their students how to write the best cursive possible rather than teaching a well rounded education
Education
THW apply to Harvard
Education
THS the villanization of the Ivy League
Education
TH, as an American, P American history courses to global history courses
Education
THBT completion of community service hours ought to be a prerequisite for high school graduation.
Education
THBT a teaching degree ought to be a prerequisite for a college professor position.
Education
TH, as a college applicant, W lie on their activities section.
Education
TH, as an advocate for educational equity, prefers a world in which the common app essay is abolished to one where standardized test scores are abolished The common app essay - the long application essay required for most schools
Education
THR early decision Early decision is a binding early application to a college (submitted before other college apps, binding meaning if accepted, you must attend).
Education
THBT it is legitimate for students from a less privileged socioeconomic background to cheat on their job application including cheating in placement tests, lying on their resume, etc.
Education
TH, as a school administration, W give each student a pass to cheat on one exam during their time in high school.
Education
THR the narrative that your academic achievements will determine your success.
Education
THW make the most selective colleges admit students based on a lottery.
Education
TH, as the Ivy League, would require its member schools to double their undergraduate class size.
Education
TH, as a college with a predominantly liberal student body and faculty, would invite speakers with a following on the far-right to campus.
Education
TH, as an American biology teacher, would devote a significant portion of class time to learning the history of eugenics in the United States.
Education
THR private schools.
Education
THBT history teachers should be committed to showcasing multiple viewpoints on historical events.
Education
THW cheat on high school tests.
Education
THW implement merit pay for teachers. Merit pay is a compensation model that pays employees based on work performance criteria (e.g. a pin maker would be paid more if they produced more, higher quality, pins).
Education
THBT job recruiters should remove all academic restrictions for job applications.
Education
THP a world where students pay for university after they graduate by paying a portion of their incomes to one where students pay a fee prior to receiving an education.
Education
TH, as a prestigious university, would make their admissions decisions based on a lottery.
Education
THW mandate an economics course for high school students.
Education
THW place a quota on professors of different political ideologies at universities.
Education
TH, as a high school, would limit students' leadership positions.
Education
THBT private universities should no longer consider standardized testing in their undergraduate admissions processes.
Education
TH, as a university, would suspend students who violate the university's social distancing or gathering rules.
Education
THR honors academic programs. Honor is a standard label applied to courses, predominantly at the high school level, that are considered to be more academically challenging and prestigious. These courses exist alongside normal courses.
Education
TH, as a student, would snitch.
Education
Your school has a very liberal student body, but you know there are Trump supporters. TH, as the lead student editor of the school newspaper, would permit anonymous pro-Trump opinion pieces.
Education
THR the decline of the humanities in higher education. In academic settings, "the humanities" is contrasted with the study of natural sciences, social sciences, and professional training. Core fields in the humanities include, but are not limited to, literature, philosophy, history, religion, and art.
Education
THBT all high schools should have a requirement for students to volunteer in their local communities.
Education
THW lift all degree requirements relating to the hiring of public school teachers.
Education
TH, as the USFG, W prohibit reading the Pledge of Allegiance in public schools.
Education
THBT public high school curriculums should not include plays by Shakespeare.
Education
THBT colleges ought not arrest non-violent protestors who disrupt traditional education (i.e classes).
Education
TH, as a student protester at a university that has made it clear that they will not listen to the protestors, W drop out of the university as a form of protest
Education
TH, as a professor who believes very strongly in the ideology of a student protest, W actively voice their support for student protests in the classroom.
Education
THBT the College Board should break into two companies which separately handle SAT testing and AP exams
Education
THBT AP tests do more harm than good
Education
TH, as a private school, W choose to not offer AP classes
Education
THBT colleges should bar standardized testing as a determinant of academic admissions.
Education
THBT the United States should have free public colleges.
Education
THW implement a uniform curriculum for all public schools in the United States.
Education
THBT the pledge of allegiance should not be recited in schools.
Education
THBT school uniforms are beneficial to student's education.
Education
THBT American public schools should not ban books.
Education
THW abolish charter schools.
Education
TH, with the goal of living a fulfilling life, would pursue a humanities degree over a STEM degree.
Education
THBT that the rise of generative AI tools (such as ChatGPT) will cause more good than harm in academic contexts.
Environment
THR climate lawsuits.
Environment
THBT the reopening of federal land and water for oil and gas drilling will do more harm than good.
Environment
THW ban the distribution of any clothes that do not meet a certain environmental standard.
Environment
TH prefers environmental movements heavily prioritizing a local agenda over a global one (e.g., focusing on local pollution rather than climate change)
Environment
Climate refugees or climate migrants are a subset of environmental migrants who were forced to flee due to sudden or gradual alterations in the natural environment related to at least one of three impacts of climate change: sea-level rise, extreme weather events, drought and water scarcity. THBT major polluter nations should open their borders to climate refugees.
Environment
THW transfer complete management of environmentally significant areas to an international body, instead of the national government of that area (eg: control of the Amazon rainforest would be transferred to an international body, instead of being under the control of the Brazilian government).
Environment
THR the emphasis that mainstream American environmentalism places on the emissions of large corporations
Environment
THBT nuclear energy is better for the environment than other forms of renewable energy.
Environment
THBT there should be a mandatory cap and trade program for carbon emissions in the United States. Info Slide: Cap and trade is a system designed to limit pollution in the atmosphere. The cap places a firm limit on how much large companies are allowed to emit, which is lowered over time. The trade is a market that enables companies to purchase and sell allowances that let them emit only a certain amount, as supply and demand set the price.
Family
TH, as a parent, W regularly search through their children's phones.
Family
TH, as a parent, W make their children play at least one sport throughout middle school and high school.
Family
Assuming TH lacks financial constraints, TH, as a parent, would send their children to public school instead of private school.
Family
TH, as a parent of a high school student, would allow your child to host parties at their house.
Family
TH, as an average parent, would ask your teenage child to start thinking about career options.
Family
THP a world where upon birth children are taken from their parents and placed in community homes where they are raised by their respective communities.
Family
THW abolish permanent alimony.
Family
TH, as parents, would not give their high school child an allowance.
Family
THBT youth is wasted on the young
Family
THP a world where children are raised communally as opposed to by their nuclear families In a system of communal parenting, children are the responsibility of the entire community and are not raised by their biological parents. Generally children live in a communal home with appointed caregivers. The community takes on the financial burden of raising them and decides upon disciplinary and education standards as a collective.
Family
THBT parents of promising athletes should encourage their children to pursue education at the cost of their athletic career
Family
THP parenting models that adultify teenagers (i.e., giving them more responsibilities and autonomy, assuming higher capacity for independence) to those which emphasize their status and treatment as children (i.e., refraining from giving them adult responsibilities, emphasizing they are legal minors)
Family
TH as a mother W teach her daughter that "there are no good men"
Family
THR the narrative of the "nuclear family" The nuclear family is defined as a family group consisting of parents and their children, typically living in one home residence, used as a base social unit in society.
Family
THR the narrative that you should provide unconditional love to your family
Family
TH ought not prioritize their family over people that they have never met
Family
TH, as a parent, W track the location of their child when they are out of the house late at night.
Family
TH, as a teenager, W tell their parents details of their romantic and personal lives.
Family
TH, as a debater, W consistently debate with their parents over decisions they view as illogical.
Family
TH finds out that their brother is a drug dealer. THW report their brother to the police
Family
Assuming you can only choose one TH, as a parent, W choose that their child be be kind instead of successful
Family
THP to have an older sibling that is smarter than them rather than one of the same intelligence
Family
THBT being the younger sibling is preferable to the older sibling
Family
Assuming all else about the universities are equal, THW attend the same university as their older sibling
Family
THR the narrative that parents should prioritize the interests of their children over their own.
Holidays
In a futuristic society, a group of turkeys has evolved to exhibit advanced intelligence. These turkeys, capable of complex thought and emotion, challenge the legal system by filing a lawsuit for recognition as sentient beings. TH, as a human judge, W grant them that legal protection
Holidays
In the small, isolated town of Harvest Hollow, an ancient tradition dictates that every Thanksgiving, a 'Talking Turkey' will predict the fortune of the town for the coming year. This turkey is revered and protected by the townsfolk until it speaks its prophecy. A young journalist named Sam discovers that the turkeys of Harvest Hollow are not naturally prophetic but have been genetically modified for this purpose by the town's elders to attract tourism and fame. As Sam unravels this secret, the town is torn between preserving tradition and confronting the ethical implications of genetically modifying animals for human entertainment. TH, as the town, W continue the tradition.
Holidays
THW replace Thanksgiving Turkey with Tofurkey Info slide: Tofurkey is fake turkey, made as tofu.
Holidays
THBT new year's resolutions do more harm than good
Holidays
THR the glorification of new things
Holidays
When reflecting on the year that has passed, THW focus on the good instead of the bad
Holidays
Centuries ago, the Allington Mansion was cursed, leading to the demise of its original inhabitants. Legend has it that on every Halloween night, the ghosts of the Allington family return to reclaim their ancestral home, regardless of the current inhabitants. This year, the town's mayor, residing in the mansion, finds himself embroiled in a debate with the town's eccentric historians, who argue that the ethereal inhabitants possess an undeniable right to reclaim their lost property. THBT the ghosts of Allington Mansion have a moral right to that property
Holidays
In the ancient town of Ravenswood, the line between the living and the dead blurs on the night of Halloween. As the veil thins, restless spirits seek the ability to materialize and experience the physical world once more. The debate arises within the Council of Elders, who weigh the risks and benefits of granting such a profound opportunity, amidst rumors of a long-forgotten pact that could forever alter the town's fate. TH, as the council of elders, W grant temporary corporeal form on Halloween night every year.
Holidays
In the heart of the Halloween Hills lies the enigmatic Timeless Park, notorious for its spine-chilling attractions that promise an otherworldly experience. As reports of temporal anomalies surface, an investigation uncovers the possibility of the park's activities disrupting the delicate balance of the space-time continuum. A heated debate ensues between those advocating for the suspension of the park's operations and those championing the preservation of its eerie enchantment. THW close the park.
Holidays
You discover proof of the existence of Santa Claus and the elves. However, the information you've discovered also indicates that in the lead up to Christmas, the elves are working 18hr work days. They're seasonal workers with no healthcare benefits and work only for the North Pole minimum wage ($5 + 1/2 a candy cane/hr). THW tell people.
Holidays
THP a world where Santa is real.
Holidays
In most Western Christian cultures, Santa Claus is portrayed as benevolent (e.g. Kris Kringle, who gives presents to "nice" children and gives coal to "naughty" children). Conversely, in many Eastern Christian cultures, Santa Claus is portrayed as malevolent (e.g. Krampus, who scares or even punishes badly-behaved children). THP a world that believes in a benevolent Santa (e.g. Kris Kringle) to a world that believes in a malevolent Santa (e.g. Krampus)
Holidays
You are hosting your extended family for Thanksgiving dinner. While you are very liberal, several members of your family are moderately conservative. THW not talk about politics at Thanksgiving.
Holidays
You are a turkey. For the last year, you have been the leader of a turkey resistance movement plotting to break all turkeys free and topple human society. However, shortly before Thanksgiving, you are randomly selected to be pardoned by the US President. If you agree to be pardoned, you will live a long and comfortable life, but will be unable to lead the turkey revolution as you will be taken away from all the other turkeys. If you turn down the pardon, you can instead lead the turkey revolution. THW turn down the pardon.
Holidays
In the past several years, Black Friday sales have begun earlier and earlier, with many stores now starting Black Friday sales as early as Thanksgiving Day itself. This has received significant pushback, such as from workers who do not want to work on the Thanksgiving holiday. TH, as a major retail store (e.g. Target, Kroker, Home Depot, etc.) would stay closed on Thanksgiving.
Holidays
THBT moms should not have to celebrate moms other than their own (grandmothers, mothers in law) on Mother's Day
Holidays
THW replace Mother's Day and Father's Day with one Parents' Day
Holidays
TH, as a parent who teaches their children about Santa, W give their child coal if they are naughty
Holidays
TH, as a parent, W not give their kids gifts for the holidays.
Holidays
THW give their mom a day of relaxation over material goods for Mother's Day
International Relations
This House, as China, would abandon all claims on the Senkaku Islands.
International Relations
The African Union should withdraw from the International Criminal Court, and create a similar international court.
International Relations
This House prefers a nonaligned Ukraine to a Ukraine that has NATO membership.
International Relations
The United States should deploy nuclear missiles in South Korea.
International Relations
This House prefers a world with open borders.
International Relations
Central Asian states should significantly disassociate from Russian cultural influence (e.g. language, the arts, media, history etc.).
International Relations
NATO should expel members who do not meet the organization's defense spending targets.
International Relations
This House supports BRICS* countries creating alternatives to the current international economic institutions (i.e. the IMF, the World Bank, and the World Trade Organization) * Brazil, Russia, India, China, South Africa.
International Relations
THP that Ukraine pursue a negotiated peace with Russia.
International Relations
THW release all frozen assets to Afghanistan's central government.
International Relations
THS a policy of containment with respect to China.
International Relations
THR General Milley's reported actions with respect to China.
International Relations
THBT the United States should not defend Taiwan.
International Relations
TH, as NATO, W admit Ukraine as a member.
International Relations
The US should forbid companies from complying with China's political demands.
International Relations
The US should not target and kill foreign government officials.
International Relations
Info Slide: Under United States law, the Federal Reserve has two specific policy objectives: low U.S. unemployment and U.S. price stability. Given the importance of the U.S. dollar to the world economy, the Federal Reserve's actions have a major impact on other economies, including low and middle-income countries (LMICs). THW add impact on LMICs as a third and equal policy objective for the Federal Reserve.
International Relations
The USFG should roll out a Green Marshall Plan for the Islamic Republic of Pakistan.
International Relations
The USFG should militarily intervene in the Tigray War.
International Relations
THW cancel appearances by Russian scholars, artists, athletes, and other Russian celebrities unless they publicly denounce Russian actions in Ukraine.
International Relations
The African Union should establish a unified currency for signatories of the AfCFTA.
International Relations
The African Union should send significant financial support to the Amazonian Independence Movement.
International Relations
The World Bank should terminate its Structural Adjustment Programs.
International Relations
Developed nations have a moral obligation to have open borders with developing nations.
International Relations
The United States federal government should officially recognize the Republic of Artsakh as an independent state.
International Relations
The European Central Bank should cease interest rate increases until at least the end of 2024.
International Relations
South Africa should end its practice of hosting naval exercises with Russia and China.
International Relations
The People's Republic of China should refuse to accept United States Dollars as legal tender.
International Relations
The accession of Finland to NATO will do more harm than good.
International Relations
The United States federal government should cancel the sale of nuclear-powered submarines to the Australian government.
International Relations
Iran should end its provision of drones to Russia.
International Relations
The French Republic should reverse its decision to raise the retirement age from 62 to 64.
International Relations
An intercontinental railway between the United States, Russia, and China would do more harm than good.
International Relations
Democracies ought not engage in military conscription.
International Relations
The United Nations should ban the use of shipping routes through the Arctic Circle.
International Relations
The People's Republic of China should increase its financial support for the construction of the Power of Siberia 2 pipeline.
International Relations
The People's Republic of China should significantly reduce its production of steel.
International Relations
The United States federal government should significantly increase its counterterrorism operations in Sub-Saharan Africa.
International Relations
The United States federal government should significantly increase its counterterrorism operations in Sub-Saharan Africa.
International Relations
The United States federal government should remove its military presence from the Syrian Arab Republic.
International Relations
The Republic of the Union of Myanmar should halt the construction of the Kyaukpyu Deep Sea Port.
International Relations
The United Wa State Army should resume ordinary mining operations at the Man Maw mine.
International Relations
The United Nations Security Council should establish a United Nations peacekeeping operation in Myanmar.
International Relations
The United States federal government should provide substantial military aid to the State of CHinland.
International Relations
The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia should formally agree to join BRICS.
International Relations
The Republic of India should resume road construction under the Kaladan Multi-modal Transit Transport Project.
International Relations
Bolivia's Plurinational Constitutional Tribunal should rule that term limits do not bar Evo Morales from serving as the next president of Bolivia.
International Relations
THR the United Nations.
International Relations
THR the right to veto in the United Nations Security Council. The right to veto is a system by which any one of the five permanent member states (China, France, Russia, the UK, and the US) can shut down any resolution, even if all other nations voted in support of it.
International Relations
THP the passive, humanitarian involvement of the UN in crises to active, military involvement.
International Relations
It is January 2023. TH, as the leaders of US Steel, W poll union members on whether to pursue an acquisition bid by Nippon steel. US Steel is a 123 year old beleaguered steel company. Nippon steel is a Japanese company that has indicated interest in purchasing US Steel at a significant premium to its present share price.
International Relations
TH, as the USFG, would aggressively fund a public company to compete with TSMC. Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company Limited (TSMC) is a multinational corporation (all manufacturing is located in Taiwan) that produces 90+% of the world's advanced semiconductor chips.
International Relations
THW support the creation of a global scientific body to coordinate and regulate emerging technologies.
International Relations
TH, as the government of Kenya, W send police officers to Haiti. Currently, Haiti faces large issues of gang violence, as gangs have taken over the capital, Port-au-Prince and are currently holding the nation hostage. A multinational UN task force, voluntarily led by Kenya, currently plans to send around 1,000 Kenyan police officers to Port-au-Prince to restore order. The mission was authorized by the UN in October, however Kenya's high court delayed deployment in January, citing lack of reciprocity on the part of Haiti.
International Relations
THBT the establishment of the AFCTA has done more harm than good for African nations AFCTA (or the African Continental Free Trade Area) is a free trade area encompassing most of Africa. Under the agreement, AfCFTA members are committed to eliminating tariffs on most goods and services over a period of 5, 10, or 13 years, depending on the country's level of development or the nature of the products. General long-term objectives include creating a single, liberalized market; reducing barriers to capital and labor to facilitate investment; developing regional infrastructure; and establishing a continental customs union.
International Relations
Assuming the presidential election delay was not struck down by the court (extending President Sall's term by 10 months), THBT the Senegalese elections should occur after President Sall steps down and not before. Senegal's current president, Macky Sall, is at the end of a 12 year presidency, which he now has attempted to extend by 10 months (previously ending on February 24th, 2024). He has promised to facilitate a peaceful transition after his term has ended. However, this attempt was blocked by the high court of Senegal. The front running candidate of the Senegalese elections, Bassirou Diomaye Faye, is running in place of (and supported by) the imprisoned Ousmane Sonko, who dropped out due to criminal charges.
International Relations
TH, as China, W invade Taiwan
International Relations
TH, as Russia, W pull out of Ukraine
International Relations
THR the narrative that the United States is the hyperpower of the world A hyperpower is a country that has transcended its status as a superpower to the point where it has no real competition on the global stage. It controls economic, political, and social issues across the globe.
International Relations
THR the narrative that all actors on the international stage will always act in a self-interested manner
International Relations
THR the narrative that elected officials ought to prioritize universal moral values (e.g the promotion of democracy) when considering foreign relations
International Relations
THBT dollar hegemony does more harm than good Dollar hegemony refers to the dominance of the dollar in the global economy. As of 2022, the dollar was part of 88% of all international transactions, which makes it the global currency.
International Relations
THBT American military hegemony does more harm than good Military hegemony refers to the dominance of the United States military power across the globe. Currently, there are United States forces that are physically all over the world in addition to the United States having the most modern military equipment
International Relations
THBT American political hegemony does more harm than good Political hegemony refers to the dominance of the United States in global political institutions. The United States currently holds veto power in the IMF, is on the UN security council, and exerts considerable influence on most political organizations.
International Relations
TH, as a regional neighbor of a large power (e.g. Finland, Mongolia, Vietnam, etc.), W remain unaligned instead of joining defensive pacts with other nations (e.g. NATO, Five Eyes).
International Relations
TH, as the US, W actively attempt to strengthen ties with China in exchange for reduced cooperation with Russia.
International Relations
THBT the US should actively involve itself in the stabilization of countries in whom it had a hand in changing the regime of (e.g Guatemala, Iran, etc.)
International Relations
Assuming feasibility, TH as the Sri Lankan citizens W restart their summer protests. Info Slide: Recent protests in Sri Lanka against ex-prime minister Gotabaya Rajapaska demanded massive political reforms, including the complete removal of the political elite and a reduction in power of the presidency. The protests were successful, and a new president, Ranil Wickremesigne was elected president. However, Wickremesigne has done little to meet protestors requests and instead has worked towards improving the economy before restructuring the government. He has been successful in regulating the economy, supplying more fuel and energy for Sri Lanken citizens.
International Relations
THR austerity measures. Info Slide: In times of economic struggle the International Monetary Fund and the World Bank give out a series of loans and bailouts. The purpose of these loans is to improve the economic structure, improve international competitiveness, and help repay debts within a country. When given these loans, the IMF and World Bank impose restrictions on countries, most commonly those known as austerity measures which are intended to reduce the likelihood of economic failure within those countries. This generally means that governments are required to raise taxes and reduce government spending, most commonly on social services such as welfare and healthcare.
International Relations
THW remove the national element in the Olympics (i.e. no concept of national medal count, no national teams, no flags, etc).
International Relations
THBT the U.S. should prohibit universities from accepting research funding from China.
International Relations
THBT small nations should strive to have neutral independent foreign policy, rather than join blocks led by global superpowers.
International Relations
THW militarily intervene in Myanmar
International Relations
In countries with highly corrupt law enforcement, THS vigilante justice
International Relations
TH, as the United Kingdom, would attempt to rejoin the European Union.
International Relations
THR the proliferation of free trade agreements between the United States and other groups of countries (i.e. NAFTA, TPP, etc.)
International Relations
TH, as the United States, would condition the lifting of sanctions on Iran on the disarmament of its militant proxy groups in the Middle East (e.g. Hezbollah, Hamas, Houthis, etc.) rather than on them significantly curtailing their nuclear program (reducing their uranium stockpile, limiting the number and types of centrifuges in Iran's possession, etc.)
International Relations
THW admit Ukraine to the European Union. President Zelenskyy submitted a request to join the EU a few days ago.
International Relations
TH, as a former member of the Soviet bloc in Eastern Europe, would apply for NATO membership.
International Relations
THR the Biden Administration's sanctions designed to devalue the Ruble. The Ruble is Russia's national currency. The conversion rate of USD to Rubles was 75.74 in early February, and is currently 124.00.
International Relations
THW recognize Hong Kong and Taiwan as independent countries.
International Relations
TH, as China, believes the Great Fire Wall has done more harm than good.
International Relations
THBT the NBA should end relations with China.
International Relations
THW place economic sanctions on the fossil fuel industries of countries that fail to comply with the Paris Climate Accord.
International Relations
THS increased sanctions on the Chinese government.
International Relations
THW boycott the 2022 Beijing Winter Olympics.
International Relations
THBT waterways (The Nile River, Amazon River) spanning several countries should be governed by an independent international body.
International Relations
THP a world without international law and international multilateral institutions (e.g., the International Criminal Court, World Trade Organization, World Intellectual Property organization, etc.).
International Relations
You, as the leader of a developing country, are offered the choice between two equivalently sized foreign direct investments to fund the modernization of port infrastructure. One of these offers is from China, and the other one is from the US. TH, as that leader, W accept the Chinese investment. A foreign direct investment is an investment to gain a controlling interest in a foreign entity.
International Relations
In 1918, as World War I was winding down, Russia was in civil war. The Bolshevik communists, we'll call them the Reds, were in the process of defeating the Tsarist White forces. The Allied Powers began a limited military intervention to try to defeat the Reds. TH, as the Allied Powers, would intervene.
International Relations
THBT the benefits of the United States providing military aid to Taiwan outweigh the harms.
International Relations
THBT the United Nations should impose a ban on lethal autonomous weapons.
International Relations
THBT the harms of the United States 2020 withdrawal from Afghanistan outweigh the benefits.
International Relations
Political scientist Francis Fukuyama, known for his "end of history" pronouncement in 1989, contends "the long arc of history is towards progress." Historian Anne Applebaum contends, "there is no arc of history, nothing inevitable about either democracy or dictatorship." THBT the long arc of history is towards progress.
International Relations
Intensive tutoring is common in East Asian nations with highly competitive university admission, and even in the US many parents pay for their children to attend enrichment programs. China recently banned all for-profit tutoring services for students during the years of compulsory education (similar to K-12 in the US). THW ban for profit tutoring and enrichment.
International Relations
Globalization implies free trade but not necessarily freedom, as it includes countries based on economic rather than political factors. Yale 2022 4 THBT democratic economies should not conduct normal economic relations with autocratic ones.
International Relations
TH, as the USFG, would attempt to outdo China's vaccine diplomacy.
International Relations
TH, as Ukraine, would pursue a compromise agreement with Russia to end the war in Ukraine.
Love/Relationships
This House regrets the narrative that family love should be unconditional.
Love/Relationships
This House would legalize multi-partner (>2) marriages.
Love/Relationships
This House would prefer a spouse who likes to cook to a spouse who likes to clean.
Love/Relationships
TH, as an average individual, would prefer to be born aromantic. Being 'aromantic' means you do not have feelings towards others
Love/Relationships
TH dislikes multiple people that they know will be attending a certain college. THW not apply to this college.
Love/Relationships
THW not share details of their romantic lives with their friends.
Love/Relationships
TH is being pushed around by a close close friend who is demanding that they apologize for something that they didn't do. THW apologize
Love/Relationships
Assuming that upon encountering a stranger, one can know exactly how a relationship will end, THW choose the world of closure-at-first-sight Closure-at-first-sight' is described as 'an instant, intuitive vision of how your relationship with someone will end'. This does not reveal the circumstances that lead to that ending.
Love/Relationships
As someone who is in a healthy fling with someone else, but not sexually satisfied, THW ghost instead of breaking up
Love/Relationships
THR the glorification of long-term relationships
Love/Relationships
THO the narrative that love (romantic, familial, etc.) is about sacrifice
Love/Relationships
THW genetically engineer major meat animals not to feel pain.
Love/Relationships
Assuming we had the technology to be able to perfectly simulate physical and psychological pain (without killing someone), THW allow convicted criminals to choose to feel the pain of their victims rather than serve their prison sentence
Love/Relationships
THBT the personification of love would be friends with the personification of hate
Love/Relationships
TH's romantic partner is in a fight with their parents, and TH thinks that their romantic partner is in the wrong. TH would vocally side with their romantic partners' parents
Love/Relationships
THW be private instead of someone who shares almost everything about their life
Love/Relationships
TH, as an upper-middle class individual who plans to propose to their partner, W not buy them a ring.
Love/Relationships
TH, as an engaged couple with the financial means to do either, W have a small intimate wedding over a large extravagant one.
Love/Relationships
THBT the Bachelor is an adequate test run for marriage. Info slide: The Bachelor/Bachelorette is a reality TV show where a single bachelor/bachelorette dates a group of 25-35 women/men over a period of 6 to 9 weeks. The bachelor/bachelorette narrows down the group every week and meets the families of the final four contestants. At the end of the season, the bachelor/bachelorette selects one contestant to propose to.
Love/Relationships
THBT valentine's day has lost its meaning
Love/Relationships
THW prefer chocolates over flowers for valentine's day
Love/Relationships
THW get rid of Valentines Day.
Love/Relationships
TH, as a celebrity with a big following, W not post about their love life for fans
Love/Relationships
TH, as a celebrity with a big following, W get into a fake relationship with another big name celebrity
Love/Relationships
THW choose to go on a reality TV dating show
Love/Relationships
THW make all marriages expire after a certain duration unless the couple chooses to actively renew them.
Love/Relationships
THP a world where romantic love is not the primary consideration in a marriage.
Love/Relationships
TH, as Amy's best friend, discovers that Amy's boyfriend is cheating. THW tell Amy without giving Amy's boyfriend the opportunity to tell her himself.
Love/Relationships
THP a world in which all humans have a soulmate.
Love/Relationships
TH is a second semester high school senior. TH has been regularly speaking with a member of their preferred sex, and has come to the conclusion that TH likes them very much, and TH's feelings are reciprocated. Unfortunately, both members of the relationship will be attending college next year, and they are attending colleges that are not within driving distance of each other. Assuming the response is assured to be in the affirmative, THW enter into a relationship with this member of the preferred sex.
Love/Relationships
THP a world without dating apps.
Love/Relationships
THBT the most important goal of life is to find companionship.
Love/Relationships
TH is a senior attending college in the Northeast. Your best friend and roommate, Brad, has a serious girlfriend, Jenny. Brad loves Jenny very much, but she lives in California, which is very far away. Jenny has just come to visit Brad, and although they are very much in love, they have just decided to break up because of the burdens of a long distance relationship. Right now, Jenny is leaving your dorm with a plane ticket in hand. This plane ticket can only be accessed in its physical form; there is no digital equivalent. THW grab the ticket out of Jenny's hand and tear it up.
Love/Relationships
It is 12:30am. You are texting your primary love interest, but have to wake up at 7:00am for high school the next day. THW go to sleep.
Love/Relationships
After the end of a long-term relationship, you are left with some of your significant other's clothing. THW give it back.
Love/Relationships
THW not enter into romantic relationships with individuals who differ in political ideologies.
Love/Relationships
A technology exists that can wipe a certain relationship from your memory. You just had an extremely painful break-up, and your heart is broken. Assuming you have the means to do so, THW use the aforementioned technology to wipe all memories of this relationship from your mind.
Love/Relationships
Your marriage has just ended, and you are devastated. You hire a sophisticated form of artificial intelligence to be your personal assistant. This assistant, named Samantha, is programmed to know everything about you. Although you can only hear Samantha and you do not know what she looks like, you are falling in love with Samantha. If you delete her, she will never contact you again. THW delete Samantha.
Love/Relationships
THW sooner befriend an evil genius than a dull hero.
Love/Relationships
THBT true friends stab you in the front rather than in the back.
Love/Relationships
TH, as a highschooler or college student, prefers to have one close friend rather than being 'popular' with several less-close 'friends'.
Love/Relationships
In Euphoria, Cassie asks Maddie, "have you gone through [your boyfriend's] phone? I've never not gone through someone's phone." TH, as someone who suspects that their significant other is cheating on them, would covertly go through their significant other's phone.
Love/Relationships
TH, as a rising college freshman, would make little to no effort to remain friends with your high school friends.
Miscellaneous
Non-disclosure agreements in schools do more harm than good. (Non-disclosure agreements are legally enforceable contracts that create a confidential relationship between a person who has sensitive information and a person who will gain access to that information.)
Miscellaneous
This House would ban the paying of ransoms to hostage-takers.
Miscellaneous
This House, as a wealthy individual, would use that wealth to become a vigilante (e.g. Batman) in areas of high crime and a corrupt police force (e.g. Mexico City).
Miscellaneous
This house believes that Batman should abandon his no-killing rule.
Miscellaneous
This House would allow individuals to use violent force to defend their home.
Miscellaneous
Quality of social life in the United States as a teenage boy is getting worse.
Miscellaneous
The National Parliamentary Debate Invitational should cease the collection of speaker points.
Miscellaneous
THS the practice of women-only spaces in educational and professional environments.
Miscellaneous
THR clothing marketed to a specific gender.
Miscellaneous
THW not give out separate art prizes (like the Oscars) for men and women.
Miscellaneous
It is 1929. The stock market has just crashed, and the Great Depression is beginning. THW falsify economic data to prevent mass panic and maintain public trust in the financial system.
Miscellaneous
THW disclose their invisibility You've developed feelings for someone who is completely blind, and you're fairly certain the feeling is mutual. However, you happen to be invisible.
Miscellaneous
THP a world in which the Resident Evil machine exists Resident Evil is a VR machine. It leads its user through a set of scenarios aimed at testing whether the user would diverge from universal moral norms. These norms could include not killing, not stealing, not betraying others, or similar. While connected, the simulated scenarios feel completely real to the user. All adults are tested on Resident Evil and their results are publicly available.
Miscellaneous
THW burn the Aeneid. The year is 19 BCE. You are a middle-tier worker in the house of Augustus, the recently crowned emperor of Rome. Like many wealthy Romans, you have an appreciation for poetry and literature, though you are not talented yourself. 11 years ago, Augustus commissioned a work of poetry from a prominent and extremely skilled Roman Poet, Vergil, entitled The Aeneid, to legitimize his rule. Vergil has almost completed the work but recently caught a terrible fever on a voyage overseas. On his deathbed, you have heard that Vergil pleaded that The Aeneid be burned because he was not able to finish it. The Aeneid stands as one of the most beautiful works ever created in Rome.
Miscellaneous
THW persecute their opponent's powerful supporters. You are in a position many Roman generals have found themselves in during the late Republic. You've been engaged in a major military rivalry with another general and you just won a huge battle. He's fled to the provinces with his legions and you've captured Rome. When your opponent was in power, he would kill your wealthy and powerful supporters and take their money. It was very upsetting.
Miscellaneous
""Et tu, Brute?" TH, as Brutus, W kill Caesar. Julius Caesar was the first dictator "for life" of Rome. His policies and governing style have left him a controversial legacy, particularly as a tyrant. Despite broadly positive contributions to Rome (significant land expansions and social reform), his fellow-government stood against him for his establishment of a dictatorship. As a result, on the Ides of March, Julius Caesar was stabbed to death 23 times by a group of Senators. Among them was Marcus Brutus, Caesar's prodigy and close friend. As the play goes, Caesar originally fought off the attacking senators, yet upon seeing Brutus, he dropped the iconic line "[Even] you, Brutus?", and gave up.
Miscellaneous
Masquerade is an independent territory with its own jurisdiction. There is no ability to contact the outside world. Tourism and visitation are strictly forbidden. In Masquerade, one's personal characteristics, including looks, personality, ethnicity, gender identity, and talents, change every day upon waking up, involuntarily and at random (memories are retained as normal). THW choose to be born in Masquerade.
Miscellaneous
TH is someone with specialized knowledge in a somewhat obscure academic field, has a stable employment in the field, and is given a choice between focusing on two kinds of work. Given a tradeoff, THW choose to focus on work which does not develop new ideas in the field but seeks to make it more accessible (e.g., books explaining existing ideas within the field to a more general audience), instead of work which develops new concepts in the field but continues in being esoteric.
Miscellaneous
THP a world in which students don't have school in the winter as opposed to the summer
Miscellaneous
There is a pill that ensures you never dream again. THW take the pill.
Miscellaneous
Assuming you had the ability to read other people's dreams, THW use that ability
Miscellaneous
THP a world in which you wake up with the exact same emotions as you fell asleep with.
Miscellaneous
THR the narrative that recovery during crisis should be transformative (attempt to radically change society) rather than restorative (attempt to stabilize current crisis)
Miscellaneous
TH, as someone who is not a cisgender-man, W rather be perceived as overconfident rather than underconfident.
Miscellaneous
THW "fake it till they make it" instead of asking for help.
Miscellaneous
THR the narrative of "respect your elders."
Miscellaneous
THS the spread of yoga, incense, and other "mindfulness" tactics that originated in India
Miscellaneous
THW eat the last cookie in the cookie jar
Miscellaneous
THR the narrative to "save the best for last"
Miscellaneous
TH is given a deadline to make a major life decision. THW wait until the last minute to make their decision.
Miscellaneous
THW implement an annual lottery where a small percentage of debt-holding private citizens have their debt forgiven.
Miscellaneous
TH, as someone who has just won the lottery W tell no one.
Miscellaneous
THBT children should be able to buy/claim lottery tickets
Miscellaneous
In the Game of Life, players begin the game by choosing the college path or the career path. To enter the college path, you must pay a large amount of your allotted funds and play ~ 3 turns without getting a job or making money. By the time you graduate college, though, you get to choose a job making around 80 thousand dollars. The career path, on the other hand, allows you to get a job instantly, but tends to pay a lot less, averaging 30 thousand dollars. Typically, when you choose the career path, it is hard to have the funds to buy a house and pay for things later on in the game. THR the narrative that a college degree is the path to success in life.
Miscellaneous
In 1970, Robert Sommer and Judy Tart created a Board game known as "Blacks & Whites." The game is a sort of socially conscious monopoly. In it, you can buy properties in different zones such as "the Suburban Zone" and "the Integrated Zone." The game is meant to teach players about privilege and difference. THBT games should have a deeper societal message.
Miscellaneous
In Candyland, you draw a card and move to the color board space that corresponds with the card you drew. The winner of the game is the player who gets to the end fastest. It is purely luck-based. THR games of luck.
Miscellaneous
THBT we need to believe
Miscellaneous
THR regretting
Miscellaneous
THO opposing
Miscellaneous
TH, as a restaurant, W have a 5 item menu compared to a 50 item menu.
Miscellaneous
TH, as a restaurant, W prioritize consistency over an innovative culinary mind when hiring chefs.
Miscellaneous
TH, as the Executive chef of a restaurant, W run the kitchen through fear (e.g harsh time limits for prep work, public punishment when something isn't up to standard, etc.).
Miscellaneous
"How much wood would a woodchuck chuck if a woodchuck could chuck wood? He would chuck, he would, as much as he could, and chuck as much wood. As a woodchuck would if a woodchuck could chuck wood." TH, as a woodchuck that could chuck wood, W chuck wood
Miscellaneous
"All I want is a proper cup of coffee. Made in a proper copper coffee pot. You can believe it or not. But I want a cup of coffee from a proper copper pot. Tin coffee pots or iron coffee pots, they're not good to me. If I can't have a proper cup of coffee from a proper copper coffee pot, I'll just have tea. All I want is a proper cup of coffee. Made in a proper copper coffee pot. You can believe it or not. But I want a cup of coffee from a proper copper pot." THW just have tea instead of striving for the proper cup of coffee
Miscellaneous
"I wish to wish the wish you wish to wish, but if you wish the wish the witch wishes, I won't wish the wish you wish to wish." Assuming the person they (TH) wish to wish the wish they wish to wish does wish the wish the witch wishes, THW still wish the wish they wish to wish.
Miscellaneous
THW defy
Miscellaneous
THW comply
Miscellaneous
THW simplify
Miscellaneous
THR the narrative that cheaters never win.
Miscellaneous
THBT that you ought to not take advantage of loopholes that exist.
Miscellaneous
TH, as Ken, W inform the other Kens in Barbie Land of the existence of a patriarchal society called the "Real World". Barbie Land is a matriarchal society that is presented as a foil to the patriarchal "real world." Kens are male barbie accessories.
Miscellaneous
THP first speaking to second speaking
Miscellaneous
THR utilitarianism being the default framework in Parli
Miscellaneous
THBT counterplans in Parli do more good than harm
Miscellaneous
THP a world in which everyone wears the same clothes to the status quo
Miscellaneous
THW wear clothing which indicates your political beliefs
Miscellaneous
TH, as Taylor Swift, W endorse Joe Biden
Miscellaneous
TH, as someone who has just developed a new popular online word game, W sell to the New York Times
Miscellaneous
TH, as a worried parent whose senior in highschool is out late, W stay awake until they return home
Miscellaneous
THW prioritize scope over magnitude
Miscellaneous
THW prioritize scope over probability
Miscellaneous
THW prioritize scope over timeframe
Miscellaneous
THP living the events of the perfect day over and over again, rather than acting differently to pursue different events.
Miscellaneous
An angel comes to Earth and tells you, and only you, that the requirements to get into heaven and hell have been switched, but it is up to you to spread the word. THW not tell anyone.
Miscellaneous
THBT everyone should have your trust until it is broken.
Miscellaneous
Josh: "I would never go to an online tournament over an in-person tournament." TH, as a successful local organization, W try to expand and become a national one.
Miscellaneous
Eira: "After you learn the basics, you just kind of have to be good at debate." THR the narrative that some things are natural and cannot be taught.
Miscellaneous
Zach: "I can't have hot takes as Exec." THR the narrative that those in power are only meant to mediate.
Miscellaneous
You are a rich farmer in a medieval town. You live under the leadership of a governor whose name is Sir Barry Barrington. One day, you visit the courthouse to pay your taxes and you see that Sir Barry Barrington is a bear. He does not know that you know he is a bear. You are the only one who knows that he is a bear. As the aforementioned farmer, TH would tell the villagers that Sir Barry Barrington is a bear.
Miscellaneous
You're an artist in communist Russia. You have a job teaching Soviet realism during the day, but on the side you create nonconformist art and teach a select group of students whom you trust at night. At this time, soviet realist art is the only legally acceptable form of art, and it consists of art that glorifies the state. A few of your friends have planned an outdoor show to unveil non-conformist art in a public square in the Soviet Union. If you go, your work is destroyed and you are sent to the gulags. What happens to you if you do not go is up for debate. Also, you have no family. THW go to the show. Your name is Sasha "Bear" Bearsky.
Miscellaneous
In the future, our technology has advanced to the point that we can and have built robots with full minds akin to those of humans. One robot has begun to believe in God and has come to the Catholic Church in Barrington (an arbitrary locality) asking if the robot can achieve salvation. THBT the Catholic church should tell the robot, BEAR.2.D.2., that the robot can be saved.
Miscellaneous
THBT powerful is the language, to persuade and manipulate it can, as demonstrated by the Jedi Mind Trick.
Miscellaneous
THBT intelligence and wisdom, signs of obscure and archaic words they are, as favored by the wizened Jedi Master Yoda.
Miscellaneous
THBT unconventional and often non-linear, the syntax of Jedi Master Yoda is, a powerful tool for conveying meaning and creating impact, rather than a hindrance to clear communication it is.
Miscellaneous
The temple of Artemis was widely considered the most beautiful building in the ancient western world, until a man named Herostratus burned it down. Asked why, he said that he wanted his name to be remembered forever, regardless of the cause. The ancient Greeks conspired to prevent this by erasing all mention of his name so he would be forgotten instead. (They also killed him.) But the ancient historian Theopompus recorded the name and so Herostratus is remembered. As Theopompus, THW not record the name of Herostratus.
Miscellaneous
When Xi Jinping first came into power in China he went out in trousers and paid for his own dumplings. He was known as "Uncle Xi" and thought of as "one of the people". Recently, Jinping has taken a more typical authoritarian approach, often making himself seem "untouchable" and without flaws - cracking down on anyone who opposes this idea. THBT the Uncle Xi approach is more effective than the authoritarian one in regards to success within an authoritarian regime.
Miscellaneous
You are a detective hunting for The Jigsaw Killer. In the course of your investigation you discover that he only targets people who do bad things and escape punishment by the legal system-for example, white-collar criminals. You also learn that he does not immediately kill his victims, but put them in positions where they face a choice that is made difficult for them because of their own particular character flaws, and survive if and only if they do the right thing. Everyone who has survived the Jigsaw Killer's tests has turned over a new leaf and abandoned their old ways. You finally catch the Jigsaw Killer, who is terminally ill. He professes a belief that every bad person must have a chance to reform. He tells you he still has people to test, and asks you to let him go. For the purposes of the motion, his tests are perfectly effective, and nobody will find out if you let him go. THW let him go.
Miscellaneous
THP a world without skyscrapers.
Miscellaneous
THR the narrative that independence (e.g. financial, emotional, etc.) is the primary marker of successful adulthood.
Miscellaneous
TH, as a captain of their school's parliamentary debate team, would institute tryouts.
Miscellaneous
THBT parliamentary debate tournaments should not calculate speaker points.
Miscellaneous
THW make NYPDL tournaments permanently virtual.
Miscellaneous
In a world with superheroes, THP that a global government body control them rather than the superheroes act with free will.
Miscellaneous
THBT superheroes should be subject to all human laws.
Miscellaneous
You've lived 18 years of a normal life and, one day, you discover you have superpowers. THW continue to live their normal life and hide their powers.
Miscellaneous
You are a rich farmer in a medieval town. You live under the leadership of a governor whose name is Sir Barry Barrington. One day, you visit the courthouse to pay your taxes and you see that Sir Barry Barrington is a bear. He does not know that you know he is a bear. You are the only one who knows that he is a bear. TH, as the aforementioned farmer, would tell the villagers that Sir Barry Barrington is a bear.
Miscellaneous
There is a city called Omelas where all the citizens live perfectly fulfilled and happy lives. Buildings are beautiful, crops are plentiful, there is no disease, no crime, and no sorrow of any kind. On the day they reach adulthood, every citizen is taken into the citadel, to a room in the basement. There, in the deepest dungeon, they find a child, malnourished and sick, chained against the wall, in the utmost misery a human being can endure. They know that if the child were comforted, if it were allowed to enjoy a solitary moment of happiness, that the beauty of the city above would crumble, and disease, crime and want would become a part of the peoples lives. For that reason, the child will never be allowed to leave by the city. Every citizen in Omelas knows it is there, and they have all agreed to live with it. Occasionally, a citizen, man or woman, young or old, will walk through the gate on the edge of the city. They will venture into the desert that surrounds the city for as far as can be seen, walk over the horizon, and never be seen or heard from again. They are known only as The Ones who Walk Away from Omelas. Motion: THW walk away.
Miscellaneous
THW rather live in an rural area than an urban one.
Miscellaneous
The following is a passage from Le Petit Prince: (The Little Prince): "Grown-ups love figures... When you tell them you've made a new friend they never ask you any questions about essential matters. They never say to you "What does his voice sound like? What games does he love best? Does he collect butterflies? " Instead they demand "How old is he? How much does he weigh? How much money does his father make? " Only from these figures do they think they have learned anything about him." You can ask only three questions about someone. THW ask the first three questions instead of the last three.
Miscellaneous
THP city life to any other life
Miscellaneous
THBT student athletes should be paid proportionally to the revenue that they generate for their schools, as opposed to not being paid at all.
Miscellaneous
THR the glorification of professional athletes.
Miscellaneous
TH, as an independent middle school, would require students to play for one school sports team per year.
Miscellaneous
THW prohibit Russian athletes from participating in international athletic competitions.
Miscellaneous
Assuming TH is able to do so, TH, as a student at an American public high school, would not join a sports team.
Miscellaneous
THBT colleges and universities should be allowed to pay student-athletes to attend. The NCAA (National Collegiate Athletic Association) was founded upon principles of maintaining amateur status for student-athletes, preventing them from profiting from their athletic prowess in any manner during college aside from scholarships. In June 2021, the NCAA allowed student-athletes to profit from their name, image, and likeness, enabling them to partake in sponsorship opportunities while not being directly paid by their university.
Miscellaneous
Bill and Melinda Gates have established a charitable foundation with a large professional staff to select whom to support and monitor the use of the foundation's donations. Mackenzie Scott (former wife of Jeff Bezos) has a small staff and donates without closely monitoring the recipients after a donation is made. THP Mackenzie Scott's model of charitable giving.
Philosophy
THBT it is immoral to eat meat.
Philosophy
Hard determinism is preferable to compatibilism.
Philosophy
This House believes it is immoral to have children.
Philosophy
The common belief in free will does more harm than good.
Philosophy
You have a machine that allows you to know when you will die. This House would use the machine.
Philosophy
This House supports the narrative that morality is culturally relative.
Philosophy
Beauty is in the eye of the beholder.
Philosophy
THBT the existence of suffering disproves the notion of a benevolent deity.
Philosophy
THR the idealization of meritocracy.
Philosophy
Peter Singer suggests a "protest proportionality principle," wherein the targets and degree of inconvenience created by protests ought to be proportional to the purported harm being protested. THBT non-violent protesters in a democratic society should be held to this ethical standard.
Philosophy
THR narratives of deference to the elderly (e.g. "older people are more experienced")
Philosophy
THR the overwhelming narrative of good triumphing over evil in children's entertainment
Philosophy
THR the narrative that moral progress is inevitable (e.g. "The moral arc of history bends towards justice").
Philosophy
THR the narrative that violence should be used as a last resort
Philosophy
THS a "grindset" Info slide: A grindset is a mindset of constant hard work, often at the expense of self-care and relationships)
Philosophy
You find out that there is a button, which, when pressed, eliminates all nostalgia in the world. THW press the button. Nostalgia is defined as a sentimental, longing, or wistful affection for the past, typically for a period or place with happy personal associations.
Philosophy
THBT intention ought to be weighed over impact in ethical considerations.
Philosophy
"It is better a hundred guilty persons should escape than one innocent person should suffer" -Benjamin Franklin. TH agrees with Benjamin Franklin
Philosophy
A pill exists that ensures that an actor will act with perfect utilitarianism, THW ban the morality pill.
Philosophy
THP a world where individuals live in recognition of their moral flaws as opposed to a convenient morality "Convenient Morality" refers to rationalizing your actions and justifying decisions to retroactively fit into your code of beliefs, i.e., an individual adapting their beliefs and morals to the actions as opposed to accepting that certain actions transgress your chosen set of morals.
Philosophy
THBT criminal punishments should be based only on the offenders' culpability rather than the damages caused by the criminal act or other outcomes derived from the crime
Philosophy
THBT individuals are less morally responsible for actions they take that reflect past trauma
Philosophy
THBT the impacts on animals ought to be weighed above impacts on humans
Philosophy
The term philosophy literally means a love of wisdom. THBT love is wise.
Philosophy
THR Locke's delineation that life, liberty, and property are the three inalienable human rights
Philosophy
THP a world where human beings naturally expired at age 75
Philosophy
THR the culture of fearing death
Philosophy
Assuming the technology exists, THW allow people to buy and sell years of their life.
Philosophy
THP a world in which different ideological philosophies (eg. determinism) replace different religions.
Philosophy
THO transhumanism Transhumanism is the position that human beings should be permitted to use technology to modify and enhance human cognition and bodily function, expanding abilities and capacities beyond current biological constraints.
Philosophy
Assuming an ability existed such that when you know something to be false, you can ask a magician to make you believe that it is true, THW never use that ability.
Philosophy
THR the narrative that actions speak louder than words.
Philosophy
THR the narrative that you should never judge a book by its cover.
Philosophy
THR the narrative that it's better to be safe than sorry.
Philosophy
"To have long-term success as a coach or in any position of leadership, you have to be obsessed in some way." -Pat Riley. THBT passion is the best indicator of whether someone will be an effective leader
Philosophy
"A leader takes people where they want to go. A great leader takes people where they don't necessarily want to go, but ought to be." -Rosalynn Carter. TH, as a democratically elected leader, W do what they think is just instead of what the people that elected them support.
Philosophy
"No man will make a great leader who wants to do it all himself, or to get all the credit for doing it." -Andrew Carnegie. THBT the best leaders are not the ones who want a position of leadership.
Philosophy
TH is taking a physics test that they are quite confident they are going to fail. They are able to get an extension from their teacher so they can take the test after the rest of the class. THW ask their best friend for information about the problems.
Philosophy
THW rather be Spot than Adam Adam is a man in his forties of median income with a stable job, who lives in a liberal democracy with his loving wife and 2 children. Spot is Adam's dog, who is young and healthy
Philosophy
TH is given irrefutable information that when humans die they become animals in their afterlife. THW share this information.
Philosophy
THR the glorification of patience
Philosophy
THR the narrative that you have to make the most out of your time on Earth
Philosophy
THBT the one who is willing to wait isn't the one you would want to find waiting.
Philosophy
You know that your friend stole a TV from a TV store. When questioned about it, THW lie for their friend
Philosophy
THW eat at Chick-fil-A Chick-fil-A has a history of donating to and supporting homophobic and transphobic organizations and politicians. They also have a history of management, specifically their CEO, being outwardly anti-queer.
Philosophy
THW be an optimist
Philosophy
THBT when they go low, you should go lower
Philosophy
THBT you should be your own harshest critic
Philosophy
THBT the only way out is through
Philosophy
THBT it is more important to be a good listener than a good speaker
Philosophy
THBT it is more important to be kind to everyone than be there for your close friends
Philosophy
THBT that it is more important to be a jack of all trades, master of none than master of one
Philosophy
There is a very well-used boat. During the life of that boat, parts break down and are replaced. The mast, for instance, is lost in a treacherous storm and so the mast is replaced, some of the wood rots and is replaced with fresh timber, and the bolts and nails holding it together rust away and replaced with fresh nails. Eventually, none of the original materials that made up the boat are there. THBT that the new boat is the same boat as the original boat
Philosophy
You are a doctor in the future. A patient comes into your office looking incredibly ill, and you quickly identify their ailment-a failing heart. They could potentially die without treatment. In fact, they pass out in your office. Luckily, you know all that is required is a simple surgery in which you can give your patient a synthetic heart and they will be as good as new. Yet, as you are preparing to take the patient into surgery, a small medical card falls out of their pocket indicating that for religious reasons, they do not want any synthetic organs. If you do not install the synthetic heart, the patient will die. But, if you do, you will be violating the patient's wishes. THW install the synthetic heart
Philosophy
A mad scientist invents a machine that would allow you to live in a personalized simulation, similar to a video game or the Matrix. The scientist can guarantee that you will be happy in this machine, as it caters to your every whim and fantasy, and while you are in the machine, you won't even know it is a simulation. All that said, every person and thing you encounter within the machine is simply a programmed simulation and nothing and no one you encounter will be real. Entering the simulation is a life long decision-if you choose to live in the simulation, you can never go back to the real world. THW enter the machine.
Philosophy
THR the increasing presence of nihilism in popular culture (e.g. BoJack Horseman, Rick and Morty etc.) Nihilism is the belief that all values are baseless and that nothing can be known or communicated. It is often associated with extreme pessimism and a radical skepticism that condemns existence. A true nihilist would believe in nothing, have no loyalties, and no purpose other than, perhaps, an impulse to destroy.
Philosophy
"Perhaps no one has yet been truthful enough about what 'truthfulness' is." THP a coherence model of truth to a correspondence model of truth. The correspondence model of truth holds that a proposition is true if it corresponds to the way the world is. A valid argument would be: apples are red because I see that they are red, thus 'apples are red' is true. The coherence model of truth that a proposition is true if it coheres to existing sets of truths. The coherence may be internal to a personal set of beliefs that are accessible to a subject. When choosing between two new scientific theories, for example, a coherence thinker is more likely to choose the theory that coheres with existing scientific theories as opposed to choosing the theory that destroys existing thought.
Philosophy
"Virtue has come to consist of doing something in less time than someone else." THR the association between efficiency and virtue.
Philosophy
THP a world in which there is a widespread belief in the collective unconscious Based on a theory by Carl Jung, the collective unconscious is a form of the unconscious (that part of the mind containing memories and impulses of which the individual is not aware) which is derived from ancestral memory and experience, and is common to all humankind, as distinct from the individual's unconscious.
Philosophy
THR the notion of truth.
Philosophy
"I was ashamed of myself when I realized life was a costume party and I attended with my real face." - Kafka
Philosophy
nan
Philosophy
"I do not know/Why yet I live to say "This thing's to do"/Sith I have cause and will and strength and means/To do it" - Shakespeare (Hamlet)
Philosophy
nan
Philosophy
"Friendship is certainly the finest balm for the pangs of disappointed love." - Jane Austen (Northanger Abbey) THP platonic love to romantic love.
Philosophy
"Friends applaud, the comedy is over. ..." - Beethoven THP to imagine life as a comedy to life as a tragedy
Philosophy
"Die, my dear? Why that's the last thing I'll do" - Groucho Marx THP a world where everybody (regardless of religious association) believes in an afterlife (ie. where dying is NOT the last thing you'll do)
Philosophy
"I'm so bored with it all" - Winston Churchill THP the unknown to the mundane.
Philosophy
"Pardon me sir. I meant not to do it." - Marie Antoinette THR casual apologies
Philosophy
"Love one another" - George harrison THR the proliferation of the societal narrative that love is a feeling reserved for only a small group of people in your life
Philosophy
Lin Manuel Miranda once asked, "who lives, who dies, who tells your story?" THR the societal emphasis on leaving a legacy
Philosophy
THBT chance is a word void of sense; nothing can exist without a cause.
Philosophy
"Frankly my dear, I dont give a damn." THS the glorification of brutal honesty.
Philosophy
THBT a witty saying proves nothing.
Philosophy
THP a world without the notion that forgiveness is a virtue.
Philosophy
THP a world with Vulcan Stoic Philosophy as the dominant narrative. The guiding principle of Vulcan Stoic Philosophy is: "there is only one way to happiness, and that is to cease worrying about things which are beyond the power of our will." This means that you ignore all emotion and prefer hyperrationality.
Philosophy
THR the narrative that lying is immoral.
Philosophy
THR the narrative that time heals all wounds.
Philosophy
THR the narrative that patience is a virtue.
Philosophy
THR the narrative that forgiveness is a virtue.
Philosophy
THBT the existence of suffering disproves the notion of a benevolent deity.
Philosophy
THR the idealization of meritocracy.
Philosophy
Peter Singer suggests a "protest proportionality principle," wherein the targets and degree of inconvenience created by protests ought to be proportional to the purported harm being protested. THBT non-violent protesters in a democratic society should be held to this ethical standard.
Philosophy
Assuming mutual exclusivity, THP being respected to being loved.
Philosophy
THP a world without the concept of time.
Philosophy
THBT parents should teach morality to their children through religious context (e.g. "it is a sin to lie"; "help thy neighbor" etc.).
Philosophy
There exists a drug that increases empathy in individuals. TH, as the state, would lace their country's water supply with that drug.
Philosophy
THW program self-driving cars to prioritize the number of lives saved when faced with unavoidable collisions as opposed to prioritizing the safety of the driver.
Philosophy
Assuming a machine exists that gives individuals whatever desirable or pleasurable experiences they want and that is indistinguishable from the real world, THP life in the machine to that in the real world.
Philosophy
You, as a rational individual, are presented with a button. Pressing the button means that you save eight people's lives through an involuntary organ transplant from one otherwise healthy individual. THW press the button. Two caveats: one, there is 0 risk of the surgery going wrong. The one person will certainly die, and the eight people will certainly be saved. Two, this decision exists in a vacuum, meaning no one else will know of your decision (the eight people will think they fairly received an organ) and you will face no legal consequences as a result of the decision you make (or don't make). This is normative.
Philosophy
THP a world where major religions hold that their concept of the afterlife is based on the principle of divine mercy, as opposed to divine judgment.
Philosophy
TH, as a human, would not eat meat.
Philosophy
THP conformity over disconformity.
Philosophy
THW adopt the mentality of "non, je ne regrette rien" - no, I regret nothing.
Philosophy
THS Rousseau's notion: "let us be more simple and less vain."
Philosophy
THP second place to first
Philosophy
THP to be of average intelligence rather than a genius.
Philosophy
The trolley problem is an ethics and psychology thought experiment that goes as follows: You find yourself at a lever. A runaway trolley approaches give people who are tied to the tracks. Pulling the lever will divert the trolley to a different set of tracks where only one person is tied down. THW pull the lever in the trolley problem killing one person and saving five.
Philosophy
A doctor is required to be in attendance at events like mixed martial arts or boxing to confirm the fighters are fit to fight, call an end to the match if a fighter is endangered by injuries, and to tend to the fighter's injuries after the match. THR doctors providing support at such events
Philosophy
Many individuals who have inherited wealth derived from fossil fuels are currently contributing to environmental causes opposing fossil fuels. Yet these same individuals continue to live comfortably on their inheritance. THBT these individuals should immediately give up their fossil-fuel-derived inherited wealth.
Philosophy
THBT all people who are medically and religiously capable of becoming vegan have a moral responsibility to do so.
Philosophy
Yin and Yang are inseparable conjoined twins. Yin committed a terrible, violent crime. Yang tried to stop him, but to no avail. THW imprison Yin and Yang.
Policy/Politics/History
This House, as the President, would decide to destroy the ship. (Info-slide: You are the US President. Satellites have discovered that an alien ship is flying towards earth but appears to be unarmed. You can destroy this ship with a 100% chance of success.)
Policy/Politics/History
This House regrets Marbury v. Madison, (Info-slide: Marbury v. Madison (1803), was a landmark U.S. Supreme Court case that established the principle of judicial review in the United States, meaning that American courts have the power to strike down laws and statutes that they find to violate the US Constitution.)
Policy/Politics/History
This House, as the government of a developed nation, would break up news monopolies using anti-trust laws.
Policy/Politics/History
This House, as a progressive candidate for public office, would heavily prioritize economic policy over social policy
Policy/Politics/History
The industrial revolution did more harm than good.
Policy/Politics/History
The US federal government should make farming subsidies contingent on the adoption of Green farming practices.
Policy/Politics/History
This House would require the consent of local communities for the construction of regional, national, or transnational infrastructure placed through them.
Policy/Politics/History
Neoliberalism has done more harm than good.
Policy/Politics/History
The wishes of victims and their families ought to affect the sentence imposed on a criminal.
Policy/Politics/History
This House would not impose life sentences for any crimes.
Policy/Politics/History
This House regrets the narrative that people convicted of crimes owe a debt to society that is repaid by prison time.
Policy/Politics/History
The US federal government should require health insurance companies to offer terminally ill patients the option of a lump sum payment to forgo expensive life-extending treatments.
Policy/Politics/History
THW match small donor contributions to political campaigns.
Policy/Politics/History
THW set maximum age limits for elected office.
Policy/Politics/History
THBT the Chevron deference should be overturned.
Policy/Politics/History
THW require asylum applications be approved before entry into the US.
Policy/Politics/History
THP open primaries.
Policy/Politics/History
THW reduce the power of the Supreme Court.
Policy/Politics/History
THW overturn Times vs. Sullivan.
Policy/Politics/History
THW require all towns to build low-income, multi-family housing.
Policy/Politics/History
THW get tough on crime.
Policy/Politics/History
The US presidential election should be decided by a simple majority vote.
Policy/Politics/History
The US should treat Chinese and US social media companies equally.
Policy/Politics/History
Police officers should face civil liability for their actions.
Policy/Politics/History
The United States should have an open immigration policy.
Policy/Politics/History
Impeachment should be based solely on criminal offenses and tried through the judicial system.
Policy/Politics/History
The US should adopt a "no first use" policy for nuclear weapons.
Policy/Politics/History
Info Slide: Most countries have uniform laws and institutions set by a central government, even though they may have political or geographic subdivisions. The United States is a relatively rare example of a country with a clear constitutional split of responsibilities between the federal and state governments.THP a centralized government to a federal one.
Policy/Politics/History
THR the Food and Drug Administration/s decision to ban Juul products.
Policy/Politics/History
Assuming the choice is necessary, THP to decide on verdicts through a panel of three judges as opposed to a jury of one's peers.
Policy/Politics/History
The USFG should pass the National Energy Community Transition Act of 2022
Policy/Politics/History
The USFG should impose substantial fines on airlines for flights that are delayed more than two hours.
Policy/Politics/History
Info Slide: Facebook, Instagram, WhatsApp and Twitter recently removed an influence operation that promoted U.S. foreign policy interests abroad. The operation, which ran for almost five years on eight social networks and messaging apps, promoted the views, values and goals of the United States while attacking the interests of Russia, China, Iran and other countries. THR the removal of the influence operation.
Policy/Politics/History
Judicial Review creates an imbalance between the three branches of government.
Policy/Politics/History
The United States Federal Government should nationalize the railway industry.
Policy/Politics/History
The United States Federal Government should significantly increase funding in hydrogen fuel cell technology.
Policy/Politics/History
The United States Federal Government should repeal Section 230 of the Communications Decency Act.
Policy/Politics/History
The United States Federal Government should improve rural public health by expanding access to and availability of rural broadband services.
Policy/Politics/History
All individuals ought to have the right to national citizenship.
Policy/Politics/History
The United States Federal Government should invoke the War Powers Resolution of 1973 to clarify that the President is required to obtain approval and periodic reapproval by Congress to provide arms and/or advisers to a party in a counterterrorism operation.
Policy/Politics/History
The Supreme Court of the United States should rule for Taamneh in Twitter Inc. v. Taamneh (21-1496).
Policy/Politics/History
The Supreme Court of the United States should establish 20 year term limits for its justices.
Policy/Politics/History
DNA evidence testing ought to be mandatory in all capital cases where DNA evidence is available.
Policy/Politics/History
The State of California should pass a law specifying that a person who causes a vehicle's autonomous technology to engage is the operator for liability and insurance purposes.
Policy/Politics/History
Law enforcement should only be able to access personal electronic devices with a warrant.
Policy/Politics/History
The United States Federal Government should cap the costs of all life-saving medications sold in the United States.
Policy/Politics/History
The United States Federal Government should ban microplastics.
Policy/Politics/History
The United States Food and Drug Administration should significantly increase restrictions on the use of antibiotics for farm animals.
Policy/Politics/History
The United States Constitution should be amended to include a right to adequate housing.
Policy/Politics/History
The United States should ban the private ownership of guns.
Policy/Politics/History
TH, as Democratic candidates, W prioritize speaking of economic issues over identity issues on the campaign trail.
Policy/Politics/History
Assuming the technology exists, THW mandate all elected officials to take a truth serum for the duration of their time in office.
Policy/Politics/History
THP a "party allocated" seats model to "first-past-the-post" in state legislative races. In a "party allocated" model, voters choose parties, and not individuals to be elected to state legislatures. Each party is awarded a number of seats commensurate with their vote share. The "first-past-the-post" system is the status quo, where the candidate who receives the most votes in a district is elected.
Policy/Politics/History
THW grant an additional vote to families with children for national elections
Policy/Politics/History
THW nationalize the Energy Industry Info slide: The energy industry is the totality of all of the industries involved in the production and sale of energy, including fuel extraction, manufacturing, refining and distribution.
Policy/Politics/History
THBT the United States should have maintained a prominent military presence in Afghanistan long-term.
Policy/Politics/History
THW legalize all drugs
Policy/Politics/History
THW establish free public transportation
Policy/Politics/History
THW nationalize all police forces.
Policy/Politics/History
Assuming feasibility, THBT the current system of voting should be replaced by blind voting Blind voting refers to a system where voters cast their votes for various policies, and a candidate is matched to them based on their preferences.
Policy/Politics/History
THW ban all political parties and require candidates to seek elections as independents
Policy/Politics/History
THBT the working class should reject Bernie Sanders as the face of the working class movement for being a part of the 1%. After filing his returns, Bernie's income put him in the top 1%. He and his wife, Jane O'Meara Sanders, reported income that topped $1 million in 2016 and 2017, lifted by proceeds from his books.
Policy/Politics/History
THP a world where history is taught from mainly first person accounts rather than mainly secondary accounts.
Policy/Politics/History
THS developing states falsifying their history in order to create a unified national identity
Policy/Politics/History
THR narratives that claim that history inevitably moves towards a particular end (e.g. Fukuyama's "end of history", Marx's "global revolution")
Policy/Politics/History
TH, as the USFG, W determine income tax based on the relative privilege of an individuals' upbringing. (Privilege includes such things as private education, parental wealth, childhood home)
Policy/Politics/History
TH, as the USFG, W spy on the leaders of allied countries
Policy/Politics/History
THBT democracy is the best form of government
Policy/Politics/History
Pangaea, the global supercontinent, broke apart approximately 175 million years ago. THP a world where Pangaea never split apart
Policy/Politics/History
A "Brave New World" has these characteristics: 1. People are genetically engineered and socially conditioned by the state for specific societal roles. 2. People's material and physical needs are unfailingly met. 3. There is no possibility of changing the social order. THP a Brave New World to the status quo in Western Liberal Democracies
Policy/Politics/History
THP a world with one common religion to the status quo
Policy/Politics/History
TH, as an influential member of the Republican party, W denounce Donald Trump
Policy/Politics/History
THW abolish the filibuster A filibuster is a political procedure in which one or more members of a legislative body prolong debate on proposed legislation so as to delay or entirely prevent a decision.
Policy/Politics/History
TH, as a candidate running for political office, W use profanity in their campaign
Policy/Politics/History
THP a world in which political parties, and thus primary elections, did not exist.
Policy/Politics/History
Assuming empathy could be accurately measured, this house would restrict voting to individuals with empathy at or above the mean.
Policy/Politics/History
In parliamentary governments, THW implement a negative vote option A negative vote option allows voters to vote against a candidate instead of voting for a candidate if they choose to do so.
Policy/Politics/History
THR framing war as a singular event (e.g emphasizing Russia's invasion of Ukraine as a flashpoint of conflict)
Policy/Politics/History
THR governments' emphasis on the notion of security
Policy/Politics/History
THR the Bush Doctrine The Bush Doctrine built on the Truman doctrine, and established that the United states had a responsibility to involve itself militarily involvement across the globe in order to fight for positive ideals
Policy/Politics/History
THBT the Supreme Court should overturn Chevron Deference Under Chevron deference, courts are obligated to defer to experts within the administrative state to make decisions on the interpretations of vague congressional rulings. For example, if Congress passed a law saying the Department of the Interior could create wind farms as long as the environmental impact was less harmful than the possible benefits, the experts within the Department of the Interior would be in charge of conducting the research to find out if the environmental impact was less harmful than the possible benefits. The Courts would then have to defer to whatever the Department of the Interior decided was the smartest environmental/social decision.
Policy/Politics/History
In times of economic disaster, THS government bailouts
Policy/Politics/History
THW ban the publishing of electoral polls in the run-up to primary elections. Electoral polls are national polls of candidates that are published before an upcoming election.
Policy/Politics/History
TH, as a developing nation, would become a developmental state. A developmental state is characterized by having strong state interventions, as well as extensive regulation and planning.
Policy/Politics/History
THS the unconventional campaign of Javier Millei Javier Millei is the current president of Argentina. Millei's campaign was unorthodox to say the least, self-identifying as an anarcho-capitalist, and leaning on heavy populist and anti-establishment rhetoric while appealing to the younger generation. Millei has even gone so far as to dress up as popular anime character Chainsaw Man to demonstrate how he would "slash government spending".
Policy/Politics/History
In countries with regional governments (such as states or provinces) THW have immigration policy be determined regionally rather than by the federal government systems (courts, offices)
Policy/Politics/History
THS removing Donald Trump from the Republican primary ballot On December 19, 2023, the Colorado Supreme Court voted to remove Trump from the Colorado Republican Primary ballot, citing that the 14th amendment's ban on insurrectionists taking office covers his conduct on January 6th, 2021. Since then, Maine has also removed Trump, and states such as Illinois, Oregon, Massachusetts, and more are petitioning removal. However, states like Michigan and Minnesota have ruled that they cannot interfere with the Republican Party's nominations. Every single GOP primary candidate has opposed the decision to remove Trump from the ballot with businessman Vivek Ramaswamy volunteering to remove himself from the ballot in states where Trump has been removed and urging the other primary candidates to do the same.
Policy/Politics/History
Assuming a dead politician has both had considerable successes and missteps, THW celebrate their successes instead of highlighting their missteps.
Policy/Politics/History
TH, as a candidate that is not one of the top 2 in the polls, W drop out of the race and endorse their preferred candidate of the top 2 before the Iowa Caucus (the first state to vote in primaries)
Policy/Politics/History
THBT nations should prioritize bilateral free trade agreements over protectionist economic policies Bilateral free trade agreements work on strengthening ties and connections between states, to increase the overall volume of international trade. In contrast, protectionist policies work to decrease international trade and focus on domestic production.
Policy/Politics/History
This House believes that gig economy workers should be granted the same labor rights and protections as traditional employees (eg. Healthcare, 401k etc.) The gig economy is a labor market characterized by short-term contracts or freelance work such as Uber or Doordash as opposed to permanent jobs.
Policy/Politics/History
THS the privatization of the transportation sector
Policy/Politics/History
TH, as New York, W secede from the US
Policy/Politics/History
TH's spouse is running for president, but TH does not align with their spouse politically. TH would publicize their disagreement with their spouse's political campaign.
Policy/Politics/History
THW consider a candidate's character instead of just their policy platform when voting
Policy/Politics/History
THW consider being emotional a virtue in a political candidate.
Policy/Politics/History
TH, as a low income individual, W vote in political elections.
Policy/Politics/History
THW hang an American flag on their door.
Policy/Politics/History
THW believe in the American dream.
Policy/Politics/History
THBT one party's maximum share in parliament should be limited to 50% + 1 place (e.g no party can have more than 51 seats in the American Senate, 326 seats in British Parliament, etc.)
Policy/Politics/History
THR the narrative that checks and balances are necessary to a flourishing democracy
Policy/Politics/History
TH is a democratically elected official whose constituents overwhelmingly support a policy they vehemently disagree with. THW listen to their constituents.
Policy/Politics/History
THBT a substantial amount of political work ought to be a prerequisite for running for office
Love/Relationships
THBT valentine's day has lost its meaning
Love/Relationships
THW prefer chocolates over flowers for valentine's day
Love/Relationships
THW get rid of Valentines Day
Policy/Politics/History
TH, as the Supreme Court, would completely eliminate presidential immunity A sitting president of the United States is granted immunity for Official Acts taken as President. It is under legal dispute whether they also enjoy immunity from criminal liability or prosecution. Neither civil nor criminal immunity is explicitly granted in the Constitution or any federal statute
Policy/Politics/History
TH, as a judge, W use their position to create change rather than simply interpret the law
Policy/Politics/History
THBT the supreme court ought to value precedent over interpretation of the law
Policy/Politics/History
THR not voting as a form of protest
Policy/Politics/History
THBT the population that voted in a candidate to political office ought to have a right to vote to remove them from office at any time
Policy/Politics/History
THBT all candidates running for President should be given an equal amount of taxpayer money to fund their campaigns instead of raising money themselves
Policy/Politics/History
THBT the descendants of the indigenous elite who aided colonizers in developing countries ought to pay reparations to the working class of their country
Policy/Politics/History
In order to maintain power, they use the support native allies to further entrench the colonial system.
Policy/Politics/History
"The violence of the colonial regime and the counter-violence of the native balance each other and respond to each other in an extraordinary reciprocal homogeneity" -Franz Fanon. THBT the best way to counter colonial violence is with violence.
Policy/Politics/History
THR the narrative among scholars of settler colonialism that all Americans, regardless of how marginalized they are, are part of the settler colonial process (e.g that even though immigrants are forced to flee their homes, they still occupy native land, and are therefore complicit in settler colonialism)
Policy/Politics/History
THBT "I was following orders" is a valid excuse for soldiers who commit atrocities
Policy/Politics/History
THW remove all foreign American military bases
Policy/Politics/History
Assuming there is a button which would immediately eliminate all military forces from around the world, THW push it
Policy/Politics/History
THW institute Congressional term limits.
Policy/Politics/History
THW grant all incarcerated American citizens the right to vote in state, federal and local elections.
Policy/Politics/History
You are Kevin McCarthy, you have just lost 10 consecutive votes for the Speaker of the House. THW compromise with the Democrats for support instead of the 20 holdouts. Kevin McCarthy is a Republican Californian representative to the House of Representative. Before a speaker is elected, the house cannot conduct any business which includes: committee meetings, legislation, swear in new members, or conduct any other business. In order to be elected as majority leader, McCarthy can lose a maximum of five Republican votes for a simple majority of republicans, but has been losing ~20, from the ultra-conservative wing of the party.
Policy/Politics/History
TH, as the USFG, W not have performed the Brittney Griner/Viktor Bout prisoner swap. Viktor Bout is a Russian arms dealer who was captured and brought to the US for trial where he was convicted of arming terrorists and of conspiring to kill Americans. Brittney Griner is a WNBA player who was arrested by the Russian government for possession of less than one gram of cannabis oil. The US government recently conducted a prisoner exchange with the Russian government wherein Brittney Griner was freed in exchange for Viktor Bout's freedom.
Policy/Politics/History
In pursuing SCOTUS reform, TH, as Democratic leadership, W prioritize measures intended to depoliticize the Court (e.g., term limits) over those designed to turn politicization to their advantage (e.g. "court packing").
Policy/Politics/History
Assuming feasibility, THP a world where Supreme Court justices are anonymous.
Policy/Politics/History
THR Hawaiian Statehood
Policy/Politics/History
TH, as the USFG, would stop all public messaging relating to vaccination (mandates, PR, etc...)
Policy/Politics/History
TH, as the USFG, prefers protectionist trade policy to free trade policy Info slide: Protectionist trade policies = practice of shielding a country's domestic industries from foreign competition, typically by taxing imports Free trade policy = international trade left to its natural course without tariffs, quotas, or other restrictions.
Policy/Politics/History
THBT states should not use mercenary forces Mercenaries are soldiers for hire outside of national armed forces. They can be hired either as individuals contracted by a state or through companies offering these services to a state.
Policy/Politics/History
THR the decline of class as the primary organizing political identity in liberal democracies.
Policy/Politics/History
THW abolish trial by jury.
Policy/Politics/History
TH, as a collective of budding first-generation politicians, will prioritize political opportunism over ideological leanings. Political opportunism refers to the attempt to maintain political support, or to increase political influence - possibly in a way which disregards relevant ethical or political principles.
Policy/Politics/History
THP a world in which extremely wealthy philanthropists in Western liberal states donate to their governments rather than to charities.
Policy/Politics/History
TH, as a leader of the Democratic Party, prefers that Donald Trump continue to have a significant influence within the Republican party.
Policy/Politics/History
THR lobbying.
Policy/Politics/History
THBT politicians should prioritize the interests of their constituents, even at the expense of the national interest.
Policy/Politics/History
TH, as a Republican Senator, would not vote for Trump's new Supreme Court nominee.
Policy/Politics/History
THR the politicization of the confirmation of Supreme Court nominees.
Policy/Politics/History
It is February 2021. A Trump-appointed Supreme Court justice was approved by the Senate months ago and is serving on the Court. TH, as new President Joe Biden, supports expanding the number of justices on the Supreme Court.
Policy/Politics/History
TH, as a Democratic member of the Senate, would oppose free-trade agreements (e.g. NAFTA).
Policy/Politics/History
TH, as the USFG (U.S. Federal Government), would impose price controls on the pharmaceutical industry.
Policy/Politics/History
THR (this house regrets) the American two-party system.
Policy/Politics/History
THW implement a ranked-choice voting system in US primary elections. "A ranked-choice voting system is an electoral system in which voters rank candidates by preference on their ballots. If a candidate wins a majority of first-preference votes, he or she is declared the winner. If no candidate wins a majority of first-preference votes, the candidate with the fewest first-preference votes is eliminated. First-preference votes cast for the failed candidate are eliminated, lifting the second-preference choices indicated on those ballots. A new tally is conducted to determine whether any candidate has won a majority of the adjusted votes. The process is repeated until a candidate wins an outright majority."
Policy/Politics/History
THW ban people from taking any selfies in a voting booth.
Policy/Politics/History
THS monetary or political incentives for people to support bi-partisan agreements.
Policy/Politics/History
THBT the USFG ought to provide a jobs guarantee. A federal jobs guarantee is when "the state promises to hire unemployed workers as an employer of last resort"
Policy/Politics/History
TH regrets capitalism in America.
Policy/Politics/History
TH, as a Democrat, regrets the rise of Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez and Bernie Sanders.
Policy/Politics/History
THBT Joe Biden should not have advertised that he was picking a female Vice Presidential candidate.
Policy/Politics/History
TH, as Vice President Pence, would concede the election.
Policy/Politics/History
THP an election whose results are revealed to the public only after every ballot has been counted. THP = This House Prefers
Policy/Politics/History
TH, as a high-profile Democratic donor, would support extremist Republican candidates in primary elections.
Policy/Politics/History
THR the notion that compromise in politics is a virtue.
Policy/Politics/History
THP a cynical and pessimistic perception of democratic politics to an idealistic and optimistic one.
Policy/Politics/History
TH, as Vladimir Putin, would attempt to hack the 2022 midterm elections.
Policy/Politics/History
THW prohibit politicians over the age of 75 from running for elected office.
Policy/Politics/History
TH, as Donald Trump, would run for the Republican nomination for President in 2024.
Policy/Politics/History
THW make fines proportional to the offender's income.
Policy/Politics/History
THP to be apolitical rather than far-left or far-right.
Policy/Politics/History
THR the singing of the national anthem before sporting events.
Policy/Politics/History
Assuming it is feasible for TH to do so, TH would refuse to raise an American flag on July 4th.
Policy/Politics/History
THP anarchy to authoritarianism
Policy/Politics/History
THW ban plea bargaining in the US. Plea bargaining is an agreement in criminal law proceedings, whereby the prosecutor provides a concession to the defendant in exchange for a plea of guilt.
Policy/Politics/History
THS allowing prisoners to volunteer for socially utile but undesirable activities in exchange for a lighter sentence (e.g. experimental drug trials, military service, hard labour).
Policy/Politics/History
The FDA has just received information that six women experienced blood clotting six to thirteen days after receiving the Johnson and Johnson vaccine. (For reference, over six million people have received the J&J vaccine.). THR the FDA's decision to pause use of the J&J vaccine.
Policy/Politics/History
THR the states' decision to place smokers in high priority groups for the vaccine (i.e. they got to be vaccinated earlier than the general public).
Policy/Politics/History
THR the Second Amendment of the US Constitution.
Policy/Politics/History
THBT Supreme Court justice should have term limits.
Policy/Politics/History
THBT the USFG should expand the number of justices on the Supreme Court.
Policy/Politics/History
THBT voting in all democratic nations should be mandatory.
Policy/Politics/History
THBT- ncarcerated criminals should retain the right to vote in United States elections.
Policy/Politics/History
THBT the death penalty should be abolished.
Policy/Politics/History
THBT all individuals incarcerated for non-violent drug-related crimes should be released.
Policy/Politics/History
THBT the USFG should legalize marijuana.
Policy/Politics/History
THW allow resident non-citizens to vote.
Policy/Politics/History
THW make undocumented immigrants eligible for government support programs like Medicaid or welfare.
Policy/Politics/History
Countries often provide citizenship or passports to individuals who agree to invest a substantial sum in the country or region (even in EU passports!). THR this policy.
Policy/Politics/History
In the current election cycle, supporters of one party have been donating to or running ads in favor of primary candidates of the opposing party that they believe will be easier to defeat in the November elections (e.g., Democrats supporting the more radical Republican primary candidate in the belief they will be unelectable in November, Republican's returning the favor). THR such actions.
Policy/Politics/History
Only about 4000 Federal employees out of 2.2 million are "political" in that they are appointed and can be fired by the President. Most others are career employees protected by Civil Service rules and other laws. Such career employees may influence policy implementation to suit their own views and preferences by delaying or resisting directives. THW give the President the power to fire senior career employees for policy resistance.
Policy/Politics/History
The Republican National Committee has indicated it will not participate in future Presidential debates. THW require US Presidential candidates to engage in a series of debates prior to the election as a condition for running for office.
Policy/Politics/History
THP big government.
Policy/Politics/History
Elite colleges and universities manage the competition for top students in a variety of ways, for example by agreeing to caps on offers of financial aid, internships, lab positions, etc. The US government is suing Yale and others under antitrust law for this practice. THS the US government position.
Policy/Politics/History
Recently students at Yale Law School protested conservative speakers invited for a panel discussion briefly disrupting the proceedings. In response a Federal Judge set an email suggesting all Federal judges refuse to take as law clerks any law school graduate who protested in such a way as to limit free speech. Federal clerkships are extremely important to a lawyer's career, especially at the high end of the profession. THS the Judge's action.
Policy/Politics/History
Eight of nine current Supreme Court justices went to Harvard or Yale law school, as did one-fifth of the federal judiciary. THR the federal judiciary's reliance on "elite" law schools.
Policy/Politics/History
Supreme Court Justice Samuel Alito's draft opinion in Roe v Wade was leaked to the press, an event with few precedents in Supreme Court history. Chief Justice Roberts promised an investigation but it is not clear how actively this is being pursued, and some believe the Court would be better if the matter were quietly forgotten. THBT the person who leaked Justice Alito's opinion should step forward.
Religion
This House would deny tax-exempt status to religious institutions that refuse to appoint female leaders.
Religion
THP gods who have flaws that reflect the flaws in humanity.
Religion
TH, as Hercules, W go up to Olympus to live with the Gods Hercules, the son of Zeus, was cast out of Olympus and grew up among mortals. He fell in love with a mortal woman named Meg. He was still more powerful than other humans and earned the chance to return to Olympus by fighting monsters. If went to live with the gods he would become immortal, but would have to leave Meg behind.
Religion
You are the founder of a new religion. Assuming a dichotomy exists, THW suggest that man is naturally good as opposed to sinful by nature Caveats: all of your religion's ethical views, doctrines, etc... are the same regardless
Religion
Given the choice, THW choose to believe in pantheism over any religion Pantheism is more commonly known as a belief in the universe - ie, a belief that there is no God but the combined substance, forces, and laws that exist in the universe have power. This can look like "manifestation" or aiming to harness the universe's powers in some manner.
Religion
THR the common usage of crystals and other spirituality practices without proper education
Religion
TH, as a parent belonging to a religion, would discourage their children from expressing their faith on their social media
Religion
THR the villainization of Christianity in progressive circles
Religion
THBT the process of decolonization should always include religion
Religion
THBT religious preachers should abandon the notion of "God's Plan" when preaching to underprivileged communities
Religion
THS problem based learning as opposed to lecture based learning in STEM classes. Problem based learning means that the kids learn primarily through exploration/trial and error, i.e. the students work (collaboratively) to solve a worksheet to learn new material
Religion
TH, as a high school, W center all of their STEM classes around practical applications of STEM (e.g physics-centered calculus, probability, real-world word problems, etc.) rather than theoretical applications of STEM (e.g linear algebra, proof-based geometry, calculus real analysis, etc.)
Religion
We are back in ancient history. You are a young, highly charismatic person. Because of a number of insignificant coincidences, a large number of people believe you are the child of a god and can work miracles. THBT you should use the beliefs of your fellow human beings to promote and establish socially progressive norms in society.
Religion
THBT preachers of Christian faiths should actively prioritize the virtue of 'struggling with God' over 'submission to God'. Genesis 32:22-31 depicts a story of Jacob wrestling with a spiritual entity (commonly presumed as an angel or God himself) to insist on a blessing to be bestowed upon him. The being wrestled with Jacob till day break and touched the socket of Jacob's hip until his hip was wrenched. Jacob told the being that he wouldn't let go of him until he was given his blessing. The being said 'Your name will no longer be Jacob, but Israel, because you have STRUGGLED WITH GOD (in some versions: WRESTLED WITH GOD) and with humans and have overcome' and finally gave Jacob the blessing.3. TH is in charge of a settling mission to a habitable planet outside the earth's solar system. TH is in a position to determine the policies of this new colony. THW reject the notion of separation between church and state.
Religion
THP a Jainist philosophy regarding the soul to a Judeo-Christian one. Jains believe bad karma is caused by harming living things. To avoid bad karma, Jains must practice ahimsa, a strict code of nonviolence, including doing no harm to humans, plants, animals, and nature. The old testament says that humans have souls because "God said 'Let us make man in our image, according to our likeness.''
Religion
TH, as an average religious person, R the emphasis on piety/performing acts of worship in religion.
Religion
TH, as the queer community, would actively promote queer theology in place of critiques of religion as a whole. Queer theology begins with the assumption that gender variance and queer desire have always been present in human history, including faith traditions and their sacred texts such as the Jewish Scriptures and the Bible.
Religion
THBT religions should promise reward in the afterlife as opposed to promising material reward in this life, with both outcomes contingent on faithful practice.
Religion
THP an afterlife of constant reincarnation over an eternal afterlife based on one's mortal actions.
Philosophy
THP a world where major religions hold that their concept of the afterlife is based on the principle of divine mercy, as opposed to divine judgment.
Religion
THBT children should be prohibited from joining a religion before turning 18.
Religion
In God's Plan, Drake sings "God's plan, God's plan." THO the "God's Plan" narrative.
Religion
This house would ban government funding of religious schools, excluding those presenting material "through the lens of faith."
Religion
It is Christmas. In otherwise pristine snow, the trackmarks of Santa Claus' sleigh are visible. A policeman is walking around the field to savor the Christmas spirit and suddenly discovers a small booklet. It is Santa Claus' list with no less than a complete list of all transgressions of everyone on the planet. The policeman immediately recognises the potential power of such a list. In the back of the booklet is Santa Claus' address. THW destroy the list.
Religion
You are an innkeeper. It is approximately 0BC. The King has issued an edict requiring all newborns to be handed to his soldiers. If you are found in possession of a newborn, you will be killed. You know of such a newborn; he is in your inn's stable. You suspect the child may be sacred to your God. THW hand over the child.
Religion
THW choose to be born in a world without religion.
Religion
THW require all isolated religious communities (eg. Hasidic Jews, Jehova's Witnesses) to give all 18-year-olds a 'Rumspringa'
Religion
A 'Rumspringa' is an Amish tradition of sending 18-year-olds to live in the outside world for 1 year, after which they may choose to return or not.
Social Justice
This House regrets the US federal government's decision to impose a contract for railway workers. (In order to avert a strike, the government imposed a deal that had been approved by 8 of 12 unions, but rejected by 4.)
Social Justice
TH, as a soccer fan, would boycott the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar.
Social Justice
THW allow public sector workers to strike.
Social Justice
Info slide: Essential employees include medical workers, food and agriculture workers, and other jobs (including those outlined here - Who are essential workers?: A comprehensive look at their wages, demographics, and unionization rates | Economic Policy Institute).The United States Federal Government should establish labor contracts for all essential employees who declare they will go on strike.
Social Justice
High school students ought to be allowed to participate in social movements during school hours.
Social Justice
The provisions of the National Labor Relations Act banning wildcat strikes ought be repealed.
Social Justice
The United States federal government should ban and nullify right-to-work laws in the United States.
Social Justice
Peaceful protest is more consistent with democracy than militant protest.
Social Justice
Feminist movements ought to prioritize solidarity with other social justice movements over other forms of organizing.
Social Justice
The United States federal government should impose a significant pay floor for nurses in the United States.
Social Justice
Television shows with protagonists with marginalized identities have a moral obligation to depict the struggles of that marginalized community.
Social Justice
When they are not part of that religion, THBT feminists should refrain from critiquing widespread religious practices that have different rules based on gender (e.g. wearing of veils, separate prayer spaces, women on their period being forbidden from fasting, Iddah (waiting) period after divorce/death of a husband, etc.)
Social Justice
Among fictional films depicting relations between historically oppressed groups and their historical oppressors, THP films that focus on imagined revenge (e.g. Django Unchained) over ones that focus on imagined reconciliation (e.g. Driving Miss Daisy, Green Book) Many films exploring the topic of race relations have focused on the theme of interracial friendship and reconciliation. For example, Driving Miss Daisy depicts the growing personal friendship over decades between an elderly white Southern woman and her African American chauffeur, while Green Book depicts the friendship that grows between an African American pianist and his white chauffeur, who drives him on his concert tour through the segregated Deep South. In both films, the characters' friendship is shown to break down the prejudiced views held by the white characters. Django Unchained focuses on Django's quest to rescue his wife from slavery, and involves the killing of many white slave owners or white people involved in slavery.
Social Justice
THBT western social justice groups (e.g. feminist, LGBTQ, disability advocacy groups) should exclusively operate locally and nationally as opposed to operating globally
Social Justice
THBT Western countries ought to cancel all debt from lower and middle income countries
Social Justice
TH, as a wealthy nation, P giving reparations to members of their own nation they have mistreated compared to nations they have mistreated
Social Justice
THS reparations for all descendants of enslaved people in the United States
Social Justice
TH, as a gay person who lives in a homophobic community, would not use someone as a beard without their knowledge. Info slide: A beard is a person one dates or pretends to date in order to pretend that one is straight.
Social Justice
THR straight people going to gay bars.
Social Justice
THBT non-queer authors should not write about LGBTQIA+ couples in their books.
Social Justice
THR the narrative that social justice issues are a "battle between generations"
Social Justice
THBT natural disasters and extreme weather events in the future be named after politicians that are against combating climate change.
Social Justice
THBT developing countries have a right to emit the same amount of greenhouse gasses over the next century as developed countries have emitted in the past century.
Social Justice
THR the narrative that mainstream social movements should refrain from being aggressive and antagonistic in fighting against injustice
Social Justice
THBT social movements should emphasize the individual's ability to change their own reality in the face of oppression at the expense of emphasizing resistance through larger mechanisms (organizations, pushing for legislation, etc.)
Social Justice
THS the use of religion in social movements (e.g Frederick Douglass arguing that slavery is antithetical to Christianity rather than simply arguing that it is unethical)
Social Justice
THP environmental movements heavily prioritizing a local agenda over a global one (e.g., focusing on local pollution rather than climate change)
Social Justice
THW abandon the "non-retroactive" principle in prosecuting crimes related to environmental protection
Social Justice
THR the narrative that developing nations have a "right to burn" A "right to burn" refers to the claim that developing countries ought to have the right to emit as many greenhouse gasses as they want, as they have historically not emitted as many greenhouse gasses.
Social Justice
TH, as a middle class feminist woman, would engage in and condone nepotism for personal gain.
Social Justice
THBT that the feminist movement would be more effective if it were centralized A centralized feminist movement would have one set of leadership, and then separate branches under said leadership structure
Social Justice
THP a world with feminist organizations that tackle all feminist issues, to a world in which organizations are more specialized (i.e some organizations tackle political issues, others tackle economic issues, etc.)
Social Justice
THS the ACLU's consistent and non-partisan approach to upholding rights. The American Civil Liberties Union approaches granting all rights through the lens of consistency. They have helped legalize gay marriage and interracial marriage. However, they have also supported the free speech of members of the KKK and supported the NRA. They believe that all rights outlined in the Constitution must be fought diligently in order to achieve their goals as an institution
Social Justice
THR social movements' reliance on the Child. Info Slide: Queer Theorist Lee Edelman says that society structures its activism on the idea of a future "Child." This child does not yet exist. Still, social policy is created around the idea of a Child. For example, the climate change movement uses rhetoric to say "we should solve climate change for future children" instead of present people, animals, etc.
Social Justice
THBT social change is impossible without governmental support
Social Justice
TH, as the BLM movement, S non-Black leaders in the movement
Social Justice
TH, as the pro-choice movement, W argue that even if abortion is murder, it is still justified
Social Justice
THR the Harlem Renaissance's shift away from "race propaganda" During the Harlem Renaissance, a younger generation of Black intellectuals decided they did not want to engage in the "race propaganda" of the old guard. They shifted away from the traditional activist approach of portraying the Black race through a positive lens, as a way to convince white Americans that they deserved equality, in favor of a more creative approach highlighting (through fiction and non-fiction) the real experiences of the race.
Social Justice
TH, as a feminist, would participate in 4B. 4B is a feminist movement in which women say no to dating, sex with men, marriage, and childbirth.
Social Justice
TH, as the feminist movement, W focus the oppression of women instead of their success stories
Social Justice
TH, as animal rights activists, would prioritize highlighting environmental impacts of meat consumption as opposed to invoking empathy for animals
Social Justice
TH, as a feminist, W comment on the physical attractiveness of girls on social media (e.g "you're so pretty," "the prettiest," "SO HOT," etc.)
Social Justice
THR the narrative that when women gain more rights, all of society progresses (e.g women gaining more economic agency improves the economy for everyone).
Social Justice
THBT Nikki Haley is bad for the feminist movement. Nikki Haley is a Republican female politician who served as the governor of South Carolina before serving as Donald Trump's UN ambassador. She is currently challenging former president Donald Trump in the Republican primary, where she has gained more traction than any female republican presidential candidate ever has before. However, Hailey has a history of opposing abortion-during her time in the state House of Representatives from 2004 to 2010, Haley backed two "right to life" bills that would have significantly limited abortion access statewide. More broadly, she is a lot more socially conservative than most self-identified feminists. For more information, you are welcome to visit this article.
Social Justice
THBT the feminist movement should use call-ins rather than call-outs. Call-outs refer to when you let someone know publicly that their behavior is unacceptable. Comparatively, call-ins refer to when you engage someone whose comments you disagree with in a discussion and center the conversation on listening to their perspective.
Social Justice
THR the concept of white guilt. White guilt is a belief that white people bear a collective responsibility for the harm which has resulted from historical or current racist treatment of people belonging to other racial groups
Social Justice
THBT affirmative action in college admissions has done more harm than good
Social Justice
THBT mandatory affinity spaces are better spaces for conversations about racial justice than mandatory interracial groups.
Social Justice
THBT there is no way to be an ethical billionaire
Social Justice
TH is a marxist and the child of a billionaire. THW burn their money rather than giving it away
Social Justice
THBT billionaires should be barred from running for president
Social Justice
THBT we will only solve environmental degradation if we upend capitalism
Social Justice
TH, as the climate movement, W prioritize space exploration over climate preservation
Social Justice
THR the Climate Clock The Climate Clock is a clock in Union Square, NYC, that counts down the critical time window to reach zero emissions, or our Deadline, while tracking our progress on key solution pathways.
Social Justice
"We smile and tell him or her something that satisfies the white person because, knowing so little about us, he doesn't know what he is missing. The Indian resists curiosity by a stony silence. The Negro offers a feather-bed resistance. That is, we let the probe enter, but it never comes out. It gets smothered under a lot of laughter and pleasantries." -Zora Neal Hurston. TH, as a Black activist in America, W offer feather-bed resistance instead of stony silence
Social Justice
"Omission, not distortion, is the far more serious culprit in hiding the story of the Black Indians of the Americas" -William Loren Katz. THBT the omission of Black history is more dangerous than the distortion of Black history
Social Justice
"If there is no struggle there is no progress. Those who profess to favor freedom and yet deprecate agitation are men who want crops without plowing up the ground; they want rain without thunder and lightning. They want the ocean without the awful roar of its many waters. This struggle may be a moral one, or it may be a physical one, and it may be both moral and physical, but it must be a struggle. Power concedes nothing without a demand. It never did and it never will." -Frederick Douglass. THS the glorification of struggle
Social Justice
THR the narrative that we ought to care about climate change because of its effect on future generations
Social Justice
THBT we ought to value non-human life on an equal playing field as human life.
Social Justice
TH, as the feminist movement, would make space in the movement for women who don't support the cause (e.g. women who don't recognize the existence of the pay gap).
Social Justice
THP leaderless social movements.
Social Justice
Lorie Smith owns a graphic design firm in Colorado and wants to expand her business to include wedding websites. Although she is willing to create graphics or design websites for all people, regardless of their sexual orientation, Smith does not want to design wedding websites for same-sex weddings because she believes that same-sex marriage conflicts with God's will, and she wants to post a message on her own website to explain that. She has challenged a Colorado law that prohibits businesses that are open to the public from discriminating against gay people or announcing their intent to do so. Yet, the law has not yet been broken. THBT Americans should not be able to challenge a law in court without it having been broken.
Social Justice
TH, as the labor movement, R recent labor activism by groups that have historically not participated in unions (e.g. PhD students who teach college courses, medical residents, etc).
Social Justice
THBT labor unions in developing countries should primarily pursue legislative change as a means of achieving workers' rights, instead of directly negotiating with companies
Social Justice
TH supports stronger collective bargaining rights and protections rather than legislated labor market regulations (e.g., wage levels and working conditions)
Social Justice
This house believes that the animal rights movement should focus on environmental concerns as opposed to the ethics of animal exploitation.
Social Justice
THR the commercialisation of social movements (e.g. the inclusion of pop cultural icons, financial and corporate sponsorship etc.)
Social Justice
THR the predominance of youth within social movements (i.e tailoring social media presence to teenage and young adult consumers, the presence of young leaders).
Social Justice
TH, as the feminist movement, W advocate against the institution of marriage.
Social Justice
THO the framing of social justice issues as a battle between generations.
Social Justice
THR the prevalent use of age-based commentaries (such as, "hello, boomer!") in social discourse.
Social Justice
THBT contemporary social movements should focus on class differences rather than on identity-based discrimination (e.g. gender, race).
Social Justice
THS the rise of teenagers at the forefront of social movements (e.g. Greta Thunberg, Malala Yousafzai, the Parkland students).
Social Justice
THS social movements having strict standards for what members should believe e.g feminists excluding pro-life feminists from the Women's March.
Social Justice
TH, as an American feminist advocacy agency, would publicly support far-left, progressive politicians to the exclusion of advocacy for more moderate candidates
Social Justice
TH, as the feminist movement, would outwardly denounce efforts by companies to use feminist themes in advertising and marketing campaigns.
Social Justice
THBT feminist movements in multi-party countries should seek to create a separate "Feminist Party" that nominates candidates focused specifically on feminist issues for political office
Social Justice
TH, as the LGBTQ+ movement, regrets the advocacy strategy of strongly encouraging people to declare their sexual orientation (e.g: national coming out day)
Social Justice
THBT western social justice groups (feminist advocacy groups, LGBT advocacy groups) should have a local agenda, as opposed to a global agenda
Social Justice
THBT important characters in film and television should be portrayed by actors of the same race, ethnicity, sexuality and gender.
Social Justice
TH, as a progressive female candidate, would not use conventional gender roles (e.g. marketing oneself as a mother or a wife) as a tactic in political campaign.
Social Justice
THBT micro-finance organisations (including, but not limited to: NGOs, charities and development banks) should offer micro-finance loans in developing nations exclusively to women.
Social Justice
THBT all states should create special economic zones in cities, where all economic activities (except the purchase of goods and services) are carried out by women.
Social Justice
In the year 2050 robots have become integrated as "humanoids" into society. They work in various occupations, live in houses and apartments, and can speak and think. THS suffrage for robots.
Social Justice
THBT food ethics movements should disavow sustainable consumption marketed by large corporations (eg, Starbucks, Chipotle).
Social Justice
THBT contemporary social movements should focus on socioeconomic class differences rather than on identity-based discrimination (e.g. gender, race).
Social Justice
THBT the global poor are justified in leading a Marxist revolution. A Marxist revolution is a "social revolution in which the working class attempts to overthrow the bourgeoisie".
Social Justice
THR the persistence of the "Girl Boss" narrative. (i.e. women who have powerful careers are "girl bosses")
Social Justice
THW ban the trade and production of fur products.
Social Justice
THW ban zoos.
Social Justice
Info Slide: Starting with Greta Thunberg, students around the world have walked out of/missed school (typically on Fridays) in order to protest lack of action in fighting climate change. THBT students should be encouraged to strike for climate change.
Social Justice
THBT protest in front of the private property of public servants is a legal means of democratic expression.
Social Justice
THBT civil disobedience is justified in democracies.
Art/Media
In "Popular" Kristen Chenoweth sings "I know about popular/And with an assist from me/To be who you'll be/Instead of dreary who you were." TH. as a student at a new school, W strive to become popular.
Art/Media
In "The Wizard and I" Idina Menzel sings "When I meet the Wizard/Once I prove my worth/And then I meet the Wizard/What I've waited for since, since birth/And with all his Wizard wisdom/By my looks, he won't be blinded." THR the idolization of individuals.
Art/Media
In "Defying Gravity" Idina Menzel sings "If I'm flying solo/at least I'm flying free/to those who ground me/take a message back from me." THW put themselves first.
Song Lyrics
In "Anti-Hero," Taylor Swift sings: "it's me, hi, I'm the problem, it's me." THR the glorification of apologizing.
Song Lyrics
In "Lavender Haze," Taylor Swift sings: "I've been under scrutiny." THR the media's focus on the personal lives of public figures.
Song Lyrics
In "Labyrinth," Taylor Swift sings: "oh no, I'm falling in love again." THR the narrative that everyone has a soulmate.
Song Lyrics
In Taylor Swift's "All Too Well (Ten Minute Version) (Taylor's Version) (From The Vault)," she sings, "It's supposed to be fun / Turning twenty-one." THR the romanticization in popular culture of one's twenty-first birthday. Song: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9OQBDdNHmXo Lyrics: https://genius.com/Taylor-swift-all-too-well-10-minute-version-taylors-version-live-acoustic-lyrics
Song Lyrics
In "Hotel California," the Eagles sing, "Her mind is Tiffany-twisted, she got the Mercedes Benz / She got a lot of pretty, pretty boys she calls friends / How they dance in the courtyard, sweet summer sweat. / Some dance to remember, some dance to forget." Assuming you, as a "pretty, pretty [individual]" are given a choice between perfectly remembering a past heartbreak or completely forgetting it, TH, as the aforementioned individual, W perfectly remember ('dancing to remember') instead of completely forgetting ('dancing to forget'). Song: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EqPtz5qN7HM Lyrics: https://genius.com/Eagles-hotel-california-lyrics
Song Lyrics
In "Eye of the Tiger," Survivor sings, "So many times it happens too fast / You change your passion for glory." THW prioritize glory over their passion. Song: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=btPJPFnesV4 Lyrics: https://genius.com/Survivor-eye-of-the-tiger-lyrics
Song Lyrics
In "Best I Ever Had," Drake sings, "Sweatpants, hair tied, chillin' with no make-up on / That's when you're the prettiest, I hope that you don't take it wrong." Similarly, in "That's What Makes You Beautiful," One Direction sings, "Don't need make-up to cover up / Being the way that you are is enou-ou-ough." THR the emphasis on women's natural beauty in popular culture.
Song Lyrics
In "Stressed Out," Twenty-One Pilots sing, "Wish we could turn back time / To the good old days / When your momma sang us to sleep / But now we're stressed out." If given the option to go back in time to one's childhood, with all of the knowledge they currently have, TH, as a 30-year-old, W decline it.
Song Lyrics
In "Use This Gospel," Kanye West sings, "Use this gospel for protection / It's a hard road to Heaven / We call on your blessings / In the father, we put our faith." TH, as an atheist, would try to convince adherents to the gospel to become atheists.
Song Lyrics
In "No Role Modelz," J Cole sings "Fool me one time, shame on you / Fool me twice, can't put the blame on you." THS J Cole's belief.
Song Lyrics
In "Homecoming" by Kanye West, lead Coldplay singer Chris Martin sings, "I'm coming home again." Assuming TH has the ability to do otherwise, TH, as a recent college graduate, would choose to move back in with their parents.
Song Lyrics
In "Dreams" by Fleetwood Mac, they sing, "It's only me who wants to wrap around your dreams and / Have you any dreams you'd like to sell?" THP a world in which humans can sell their dreams to others.
Song Lyrics
Dreams refer to the dreams that people experience while asleep.
Song Lyrics
In "The Way Life Goes," Lil Uzi Vert sings, "I like that girl too much, I wish I never met her." THS Mr. Vert's mentality.
Song Lyrics
In "Brooklyn Baby," Lana del Rey sings, "Yeah, my boyfriend's pretty cool / But he's not as cool as me." Assuming TH has a boyfriend, THP to have a boyfriend who's not as cool as they are.
Song Lyrics
In "When We Were Young," Adele sings, "We were sad of getting old / It made us restless." THBT childhood is the happiest time of one's life.
Sports
THBT states should prioritize funding to, and encourage women to enter into, popular women's sports (e.g., tennis, gymnastics) rather than sports where women are significantly underrepresented (e.g., cricket, football)
Sports
THBT physical education should be a mandatory part of school curricula at all levels
Sports
THBT sports teams should be held accountable for the off-field behavior of their players
Sports
THS the introduction of a lifetime ban for athletes involved in match-fixing or doping
Sports
TH, as an athlete, W engage in political activism
Sports
THR the glorification of sportsmanship
Sports
TH, as a teenager who is talented at flag football (football without tackling played with flags), W purse tackle football
Sports
TH, as the National Football League, W prioritize spreading American football over the globe over increasing viewership in the United States
Sports
TH, as a football fan, P a fun and exciting game in which their favorite team loses to a boring game in which their team wins
Sports
TH is an athlete who knows that their opponent is doping. THW dope as well Doping is the use of performance enhancing drugs
Sports
THBT steroids ought to be allowed in sports
Sports
This House Would, as major sporting associations of female dominated sports (e.g. netball, gymnastics, beach volleyball, figure skating), focus our marketing/recruitment on expanding men's participation
Sports
THP a world in which post-colonial states did not center their sporting cultures on sports brought in by their former colonial masters (e.g. cricket in South Asia and West Indies, basketball in the Philippines, rugby union is South Africa, among others).
Sports
THS athletes using international sporting events (the Olympics, SEA Games, FIFA World Cup, etc.) as platforms to protest and raise political stances.
Sports
THW remove the national element in Olympics (i.e. no concept of national medal count, no national teams, no flags, etc)
Sports
THS integration of mainstream and para-athlete event schedules, governing bodies and decision-making. The status quo is there are two governing bodies: the International Olympic Committee (IOC) and the International Paralympic Committee (IPC). While the organizations have a partnership agreement which sets out matters of cooperation and financial support, they make decisions separately (e.g. the decision to ban all Russian athletes from the 2016 Paralympics due to doping, vs. allowing some Russian athletes to compete in the 2016 Olympics). Additionally, the Olympic Games and the Paralympic Games are held separately, although the partnership agreement requires the same host for both. The IPC also undertakes its own advocacy for broader para athlete issues.
Technology/Science/The Future
nan
Technology/Science/The Future
The rise of artificial intelligence has done more harm than good.
Technology/Science/The Future
This House regrets the invention of the automobile.
Technology/Science/The Future
THR the rise of space tourism.
Technology/Science/The Future
The US should significantly limit the use of facial recognition systems.
Technology/Science/The Future
TH celebrates the rise of telehealth.
Technology/Science/The Future
On balance, tech singularity poses the largest threat to humanity in the coming decades.
Technology/Science/The Future
The United States Federal Government should substantially increase investment in hydroelectric power.
Technology/Science/The Future
On balance, artificial intelligence-generated art does more good than harm.
Technology/Science/The Future
The USFG should substantially increase its investment in artificial intelligence safety research.
Technology/Science/The Future
This House regrets the classification of electric bicycles as bicycles rather than motor vehicles.
Technology/Science/The Future
On balance, the rise of artificial intelligence will do more harm than good.
Technology/Science/The Future
The United States federal government should implement a plan to create a nationwide high speed rail network.
Technology/Science/The Future
The USFG should ban individuals and institutions from paying ransoms to hackers.
Technology/Science/The Future
Info slide: It is the year 2078, and aliens have just made contact with humanity. Climate change has made large portions of the Earth uninhabitable, but climate-based revolutions have stopped large-scale emissions and established a clear path for survival. The aliens are not aggressive, but they are firmly convinced that humanity should leave Earth to settle alongside them in space or risk its own destruction. This House, as a representative of humanity, would accept the offer.
Technology/Science/The Future
On balance, the present condition of humanity (in 2023) is preferable to its condition in 2050.
Technology/Science/The Future
Physicians ought to prefer the biopsychosocial model of health over the biomedical model of health.
Technology/Science/The Future
The United States federal government should ban the use of large language models by United States federal government employees conducting United States federal government work.
Technology/Science/The Future
THR the rise of "therapy speak" Info slide: Therapy speak is the incorrect use of jargon from psychology, especially jargon related to psychotherapy and mental health.
Technology/Science/The Future
THR the rise of lifestyle based aesthetics, such as the clean girl, etc.
Technology/Science/The Future
THBT people should be allowed to "check out" of the news and media
Technology/Science/The Future
THBT, in hindsight, the USFG should not have shut down the economy
Technology/Science/The Future
TH, as the USFG, W compensate all businesses for their lost revenue due to COVID-19
Technology/Science/The Future
TH, as a long-running TV show, in hindsight, would make a covid-themed season during the pandemic, assuming filming was safe. Info Slide: Shows like Grey's Anatomy and Brooklyn Nine Nine had seasons in which the characters also went through the COVID-19 pandemic, and dealt with its restrictions
Technology/Science/The Future
THBT NASA should prioritize using space technologies for earth observation instead of space exploration
Technology/Science/The Future
THP a world in which countries use AI in decision making regarding warfare.
Technology/Science/The Future
THW outlaw the use of drone warfare
Technology/Science/The Future
There exists an elixir that upon consumption enables the drinker to permanently forget about all their previous and future breakups, however painful and arduous they may be. This elixir is accessible to all and need only be consumed once in a lifetime.THP a world with the existence of the elixir.
Technology/Science/The Future
THS the rise of AI in therapy and mental healthcare provision. The development of artificial intelligence (AI) has led to the emergence of AI-based mental health services, such as support chatbots and virtual therapists. For example, Woebot, an AI-based chatbot, provides evidence-based therapy for depression and anxiety, and Wysa advertising itself as "an AI chatbot which makes you feel heard."
Technology/Science/The Future
There exists a technology that can accurately determine someone else's happiness with 100% certainty. THBT parents should use this technology to see how they can be better parents.
Technology/Science/The Future
THW ban public universities from patenting technology they develop.
Technology/Science/The Future
TH, as a feminist investor, W choose to invest in a technology that lets one retain their youthful appearance as they age
Technology/Science/The Future
THW completely eliminate the use of drones during warfare
Technology/Science/The Future
Assuming the technology existed, THW administer a truth serum on all participants of criminal trials.
Technology/Science/The Future
Assuming the technology existed to read someone's mind, THBT people should not be punished for their thoughts.
Technology/Science/The Future
Assuming the technology existed, THW allow individuals to sell skills and personality traits.
Technology/Science/The Future
This house, as the progressive glacier movement, would campaign for glaciers to voluntarily acquiesce to global warming. For the purposes of this debate, glaciers (e.g. ice sheets, icebergs, ice shelves) have suddenly developed sentience, communication and the capacity to consciously control the pace of their melting or stop it entirely. Glaciers cannot stop the process of global warming or its other adverse consequences (e.g. sea levels may rise at a different pace, but this does not affect carbon emissions or the prevalence of bushfires). Nobody else apart from the glacier species is aware that glaciers have developed intelligent thought.
Technology/Science/The Future
TH, as an iPhone, W block contacts and apps that they perceive to be bad for their user, even if the user doesn't want them to Under this world, iPhones have developed consciousness, and are emotionally connected to their users, much like humans and their dogs. iPhones are able to control their own settings, including deleting apps, adding in screen time limits, setting wall paper, blocking text contacts, etc. Humans are aware of their iPhone's sentience.
Technology/Science/The Future
This house prefers a world in which social media costs money to use, but users do not give up the rights to their data, to the current world
Technology/Science/The Future
TH is a teenager with Snapchat. THW usually keep their Snapchat location set to "All Friends".
Technology/Science/The Future
TH, as the USFG, W nationalize Meta and X Meta and X are the rebranded versions of FaceBook and Twitter.
Technology/Science/The Future
THW use social media as a means to engage with friends instead of celebrities
Technology/Science/The Future
THR Elon Musk's purchasing of Twitter. Elon Musk initiated an acquisition of American social media company Twitter, Inc. on April 14, 2022, and concluded it on October 28, 2022. Musk had begun buying shares of the company in January 2022, becoming its largest shareholder by April with a 9.1 percent ownership stake. Twitter invited Musk to join its board of directors, an offer he declined. On April 14, Musk made an unsolicited offer to purchase the company, to which Twitter's board responded with a "poison pill" strategy to resist a hostile takeover before unanimously accepting Musk's buyout offer of $44 billion on April 25. Musk stated that he planned to introduce new features to the platform, make its algorithms open-source, combat spambot accounts, and promote free speech.
Technology/Science/The Future
TH, as a shareholder of Tesla, would vote for Elon Musk's pay package. In 2018, Tesla shareholders voted for a pay package for Elon Musk that gave him millions of options in Tesla that would be worth $55B if the stock hit certain milestones, many of which seemed like stretch goals at the time. Despite hitting the milestones years early, a judge nullified the package saying that the shareholder vote (not the pay itself) was illegal. Tesla is now asking its shareholders to vote on the exact same pay package giving Musk all of his options (because he had hit all the milestones at some point), despite the fact that Tesla's recent stock decline means that milestones equating to approximately 1/3 of those options were "unachieved."
Technology/Science/The Future
TH believes that Starlink shouldn't be privately owned. Starlink is a satellite internet constellation operated by Starlink Services, LLC, a wholly-owned subsidiary of American aerospace company SpaceX, providing coverage to over 75 countries. It also aims to provide global mobile broadband. SpaceX started launching Starlink satellites in 2019.
Technology/Science/The Future
THR carbon credits. When a company buys a carbon credit, usually from the government, they gain permission to generate one ton of CO2 emissions. Although companies originally purchase the credits from the government, companies also transact credits with other companies, creating a market.
Technology/Science/The Future
THBT climate engineering is a viable solution to combat climate change.
Technology/Science/The Future
THW mandate use of alternative energy sources in all new construction projects.
Technology/Science/The Future
THR ChatGPT. Info slide: ChatGPT is a prototype artificial intelligence chatbot developed by OpenAI which specializes in dialogue. It can produce articles in response to open-ended questions that are comparable to good high school essays.
Technology/Science/The Future
There is a psychic technology that allows police to arrest and convict murderers before they commit their crime. TH, as the USFG, W implement such technology.
Technology/Science/The Future
THBT artificial intelligence should be granted the same rights and protections as human beings.
Technology/Science/The Future
THBT Elon Musk's acquisition of Twitter does more good than harm.
Technology/Science/The Future
THR the dominance of cynical/negative portrayals of AI in popular media (e.g. Terminator, The Matrix, Westworld, etc.).
Technology/Science/The Future
THW ban the development of any technology that can delete or alter a person's memory.
Technology/Science/The Future
From birth, individuals are implanted with a chip which has access to your thoughts, personality and preferences. The chip determines what is best for you based on this information (e.g. romantic partner, profession). At the age of 18, everyone is given one chance to remove the chip. If you remove it, you lose all the information it provided. THW remove the chip.
Technology/Science/The Future
Assuming the technology exists, THS genetic engineering to make humans more resistant to the effects of climate change.
Technology/Science/The Future
THR the notion of science being apolitical.
Technology/Science/The Future
Assuming we have discovered less advanced extraterrestrial alien life, THW avoid all contact and keep our existence a secret unless/until they have discovered space travel themselves.
Technology/Science/The Future
You are a scientist working at CERN. Working alone one night, you make an accidental breakthrough in your research that will allow humanity to travel faster than the speed of light. You are alone in the lab and the odds of someone else making the same accidental breakthrough are non-existent. THW destroy the research.
Technology/Science/The Future
TH is in possession of a device that can read other people's minds. THW destroy it.
Technology/Science/The Future
THS the existence of a technology that lets people see the alternative outcomes of major life decisions they have made.
Technology/Science/The Future
Assuming the technology exists and is safe, THW allow people to erase certain memories.
Technology/Science/The Future
THW only make gene editing available to the public if the vast majority have access.
Technology/Science/The Future
TH discovers an anti-aging serum. Assuming you know you are the only human that will ever discover such a serum, THW destroy it.
Technology/Science/The Future
THW ban further research into and development of CRISPR gene editing technology. CRISPR "allows researchers to easily alter DNA sequences and modify gene function."
Technology/Science/The Future
In the year 4000 AD you discover the first habitable planet besides Earth. The planet is already populated by an unknown alien species. TH, as the governing body of Earth, would prioritize human expansion on the planet over alien civilizations.
Technology/Science/The Future
THW broadcast a welcome message to an alien spacecraft.
Technology/Science/The Future
TH discovers a new, habitable extraterrestrial planet. THW secretly wipe the memories of a number of non-consenting adults and children and place them on the planet.
Technology/Science/The Future
THS substantial genetic modification of humans.
Technology/Science/The Future
THP a world where some have fantastical abilities (i.e. magic, superpowers) to a world where none do.
Technology/Science/The Future
Assuming that a technology exists that can accurately measure and transfer intelligence, THW radically redistribute intelligence among the population.
Technology/Science/The Future
Speed limits in the US are regularly ignored by most drivers and only sparsely enforced. Yet modern automobile electronics display both the current speed of the car and the current speed limit to the driver. This information could be used to automatically limit the speed of the car. THW require cars to automatically limit the speed of the car to the posted speed limit.
Technology/Science/The Future
The EU leads the way with legislation regulating tech and social media companies, the largest and most significant of which are not European. The US is less willing to do so as most of these firms are USbased. THBT the US should resist EU internet regulation.
Technology/Science/The Future
THBT the current labor shortage is good for the United States economy. The Federal Reserve has two goals set by Congress, full employment and price stability. Chairman Powell has said that he is willing to accept a recession-which would result in higher unemployment-in order to tame current high inflation. THP inflation to unemployment. In the US when there is a business downturn, businesses lay off or release workers, who are then eligible to collect unemployment paid by the government. In Germany, firms are required to reduce hours for all workers, and the government pays all or part of the difference in earnings. Assuming there is no difference in what the affected workers receive under either system, THP the German system.A software engineer working on artificial intelligence at Google claims an AI program they were evaluating was sentient. Google decided this was not true, put the engineer on leave then fired the engineer when the engineer persisted in this claim. THR Google's action.