Debate Topics, High School & University Students

Economic, Social, Environmental, Cultural, Political Arguments

Jun 9, 2009

Debate Topics, Ideas, University / High School, Vixs, sxc

Considering debate topics that are both socially relevant and have a great amount of research and written material concerning both sides of the issue can be taxing.

When considering a position paper or even a topic for a class, informal, or formal debate it is extremely important to consider what topics are of primacy given the contemporary social, economic, and cultural climate. By choosing an extremely controversial or politically relevant topic or policy to defend or advocate against – one can go a long way toward achieving a much higher mark as well as a more enlightened and educated understanding of the subject matter.

Current Hot Topics, Ideas, and Controversial Themes

There are several topics that are extremely contentious in North American and European society – especially given the rise of the internet, globalism, and the rapid exchange of information between private citizens. This rise in the access of information to the general public has ignited interest in politics and society in a way that hitherto might have been impossible, sparking more than one debate. A few plausible ideas for a formal debate might be :

Laissez-faire capitalism versus socialism or humanism. Examining the faith of many people in the free market and the invisible hand, especially in the past few years following the collapse of world financial institutions - compared and contrasted with the general progressive shift towards democratic socialism and the mixed-market economy. Are regulations necessary to keep corporate greed and financial usury by banks in check? Does socialism benefit the population, in general and with regard to their well-being, health, and education more than free-market capitalism? Prominent thinkers ranging from Ludwig von Mises to Karl Marx to Keynes would be useful in discussion and argument.
Prohibition of marijuana versus legalization or decriminalization of marijuana. Now that "Reefer Madness" era attitudes towards pot have been disproven, and conversely the emergent science indicating that marijuana is benign when compared to two legal and socially acceptable drugs, tobacco and alcohol - should the state continue to prosecute, incarcerate, and sentence nonviolent criminals who possess marijuana for medical or recreational use? Does the gateway drug theory hold any scientific basis or reference? Is medical marijuana permissible? Do pharmaceutical companies and the tobacco and alcohol industries benefit from prohibition? How would we enforce laws regarding impaired driving if marijuana were to be legalized?
Same-Sex Marriage versus the Defense of Marriage Act, or "traditional marriage". Does the Defense of Marriage Act benefit America? How does the possibility of homosexual marriage infringe upon the rights of heterosexual persons? Should religion and the religious have any say with regards to Government legislation surrounding the legal and cultural decision regarding same-sex marriage? How does opposition from same-sex marriage differ from opposition to miscegenation, or inter-racial marriage? Should same-sex couples be afforded adoption rights as per heterosexual couples?
The progressive tax system versus a flat tax system. Is it fair to expect those who earn more to divest more back into their society? Can the wealthy afford to pay more due to their larger pool of discretionary income, and beyond that, is it just to expect them to do so? What potential benefits would society enjoy if, for example, a flat income tax were to be enacted? Can we afford a flat tax in the current economic climate, why or why not?

These questions are questions of substance and intellectual merit that pertain to a great segment of society and deal directly with the questions of rights, beliefs, policies, and outcomes both real and potential – thus making them excellent candidates for a potential and relevant debate.

Decorum and Respect

The most important thing to remember when entering a debate is to remain composed, well-spoken, and polite. Passion is an excellent thing when delivering an opening or closing statement, however laying it on too think will result in a melodramatic aire that will detract greatly from your argumentation. By respecting both the process as well as your opponents, you will gain honour not only from those opponents, but from the audience as well as the moderator.

The best debates are ones that are not reduced to ad hominem attacks and aimless blustering, but rather those that focus on the issues, debating them with vigour and intensity that is truly an exercise of the mind. By attempting to provide a logical framework and supporting evidence for your ideals, you become more in tune not only with your subject matter, but also with your society, culture, and political process as a whole.