Stasis Theory

Fact: Argues about what is objectively true and what factual events have happened. What central facts characterize an issue? Which facts are disputed or agreed upon?

• Does the human soul factually and verifiably exist? If not, abortion opponents should not reference or use the soul as the foundation of their argument. 

• Did Russia interfere in the 2016 U.S. presidential election?

• Were UFOs (now referred to as UAPs) observed by military pilots in the early 2000s?

• Did the COVID-19 virus originate in a lab or naturally from an animal?

• How many civilians have died as a result of artificial intelligence in warfare?

Definition: Clarifies the debate in relation to the definition of one or more terms. Breaks stagnation by defining terminology that is central to the debate.

• Is artificial intelligence considered “conscious” if it can pass the Turing Test and engage in human-like conversations?

• Should deepfake videos be classified as a form of cybercrime or free speech?

• Is online harassment considered “free speech” or should it be defined as a punishable offense?

• When is a civilian casualty in warfare classified as “collateral damage” versus “targeted killing”?

• Should climate-related migration be classified as “environmental refugees” or “economic migrants”?

Cause or effect: Tries to establish a causal relationship between events. Arguments at this stasis look back in time to establish causes.  (Modern Addition)

• Did the rise in social media use contribute to the polarization of political opinions?

• Did government stimulus during the pandemic cause a spike in inflation?

• Is climate change a primary cause of increased wildfires across the world?

• Has the use of social media negatively affected the mental health of adolescents and teenagers in the United States?

• Is artificial intelligence responsible for job displacement in industries like manufacturing and retail?

Quality or value: How good or bad is the subject? Is it (or was it) right or wrong?

• Is using facial recognition technology an invasion of privacy, or is it justified for public safety?

• Should misinformation on social media be considered a serious threat to democracy or just a free speech issue?

• Is it ethical to use CRISPR technology to edit the genes of unborn babies to prevent genetic diseases?

• Is cancel culture justified in holding people accountable for past behaviors, or is it overly punitive?

• Should the rise in inequality be seen as an unavoidable consequence of technological advancement?

Policy: What should be done about the subject? Arguments at this stasis look to the future, considering what action or stance should be taken.

• Should the U.S. government impose stricter regulations on big tech companies like Facebook and Google?

• How should governments regulate cryptocurrency to prevent fraud and criminal activity?

• Should universal basic income be implemented to address the displacement of jobs by automation?

• What should be done to address the global climate crisis and its impact on future generations?

• Should governments implement mandatory vaccination policies during global pandemics?

• Fact 

  • • Is AI already integrated into warfare systems, such as drones, surveillance, or cyber warfare?

    • Are governments and militaries worldwide investing in AI for combat or defense purposes?

    • Are there documented cases of AI-enabled weapons or systems in current or past conflicts?

    • How widespread is the development and deployment of AI for military purposes across different countries?

• Definition 

  • • What do we mean by "AI in warfare"? Does it refer to fully autonomous weapons, decision-making algorithms, cyber warfare tools, cyber defense systems, or all AI military applications?

    • How do we distinguish between AI that assists human operators and fully autonomous systems?

    • How is "autonomous" defined in the context of AI systems in warfare? Is it any system that can operate without human input, or are there degrees of autonomy?

    • Are there clear distinctions between AI-assisted and AI-controlled military systems, and do these distinctions matter in ethical or legal debates?

• Cause or effect 

  • • What is driving the development and deployment of AI in military contexts? Is it the need for faster decision-making, a response to adversaries' capabilities, or cost-effectiveness?

    • Will AI in warfare lead to faster, more precise, and potentially less harmful engagements, or does it risk escalating conflicts by making warfare more detached and automated? 

    • Will AI reduce human casualties, or does it risk increasing the damages of war by making it more impersonal and automated?

    • Could the use of AI lead to unintended consequences, such as accidental engagements or loss of human oversight?

    • What are the broader consequences for global security and power dynamics if AI becomes a core part of military strategies? Could it trigger a new arms race?

    • How might the use of AI in warfare impact civilian populations, both in terms of direct risks and indirect effects like displacement or fear?

• Quality or value 

  • • Is AI making warfare more efficient and reducing human risk, or does it increase the chances of unintentional harm and errors?

    • How do we assess the ethical implications of using AI in combat? Does it uphold or violate principles of just war and human rights?

    • Does AI in warfare give a significant advantage to technologically advanced nations, increasing global inequality and instability?

    • Is the integration of AI in military operations an overall benefit, such as reducing human casualties, or does it introduce unacceptable risks like unintended consequences and errors?

    • How do we assess the ethical implications of autonomous AI systems making life-or-death decisions in warfare?

    • Are there situations where AI in warfare could be considered morally or legally justifiable, or are there inherent risks that make its use problematic regardless of the situation?

    • Could the development of AI for warfare lead to a disproportionate advantage for technologically advanced nations, and how would this impact global stability and inequality?

• Policy 

  • • Should there be international regulations or agreements governing the development and use of AI in military contexts? If so, what specific limitations or controls should be in place?

    • Should autonomous weapons systems be banned, limited, or allowed? If limited, what levels of human oversight should be mandated?

    • Should nations invest more in defensive AI (e.g., cybersecurity and protection) rather than offensive AI (e.g., autonomous drones and weapons)?

    • How should nations address the ethical concerns regarding AI use in warfare? Should there be accountability frameworks in place for decisions made by AI?

    • Should autonomous weapons systems be banned, limited, or permitted? What level of human oversight should be required in AI-assisted military operations?

    • How should accountability be addressed when AI systems are involved in errors or violations of international law?

    • Should the creators or operators of the AI be held responsible for violations and atrocities or should the AI itself be treated as an autonomous agent?

    • Should nations focus more on defensive AI technologies (such as cyber defense) rather than offensive AI applications? What balance should be struck between these uses?

    • How can ethical considerations, such as the laws of armed conflict and human rights, be upheld in the design and deployment of AI in military settings?

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• Fact 

  • • Is Universal Basic Income (UBI) currently being tested in any countries or regions?

    • Have UBI programs been implemented in any large-scale, long-term trials?

    • Are the claims about UBI reducing poverty backed by evidence from pilot programs?

    • Is there data showing that UBI programs improve quality of life for recipients?

    • Is UBI a financially viable solution in countries with diverse economic situations?

• Definition 

  • • What exactly is Universal Basic Income? Does it mean a no-strings-attached, unconditional payment to all citizens, or does it have conditions?

    • How is UBI different from other welfare programs or guaranteed minimum income schemes?

    • Does UBI refer to a program that supplements income or replaces other social safety nets?

    • Should UBI be defined as a universal system for everyone, or only for specific groups such as low-income individuals?

    • Is UBI a social welfare policy or an economic stimulus program?

• Cause or effect 

  • • What is causing the current push for UBI? Is it the rise of automation, widening income inequality, or economic instability?

    • What are the potential effects of UBI on poverty, employment, and the economy? Will it reduce inequality, or will it disincentivize work?

    • How might UBI impact government budgets, inflation, and taxation?

    • Could UBI have social effects, such as enhancing freedom and creativity, or might it foster dependency on government support?

    • How might UBI affect labor markets? Will it encourage entrepreneurship and creative work, or cause people to exit the workforce?

    • Could UBI improve mental health and well-being by reducing financial stress, or could it create new social tensions around work ethic and fairness?

• Quality or value 

  • • Is UBI a viable solution for addressing issues like poverty and inequality, or does it create more problems than it solves?

    • How does UBI compare to other economic reforms or welfare programs in terms of effectiveness and fairness?

    • Is UBI more beneficial than existing social welfare systems, or would it lead to inefficiencies and dependency?

    • Would UBI empower individuals by providing financial security, or would it disrupt work ethics and the labor market?

    • Does UBI enhance economic and social freedom, or does it raise concerns about reliance on government handouts?

    • Is UBI a necessary response to technological unemployment and job automation, or are there better alternatives?

    • Is UBI a morally justifiable policy in the context of growing income inequality, or is it an unfair redistribution of wealth?

    • Would UBI promote individual freedom and innovation, or would it undermine the social value of work?

• Policy 

  • • Should governments adopt Universal Basic Income programs as a permanent solution to economic inequality and job automation?

    • Should governments implement UBI on a national scale, or should it be limited to specific regions or demographics for testing?

    • What funding mechanisms should be used for UBI? Should it be financed through higher taxes, reallocation of existing welfare funds, or new economic models?

    • Should UBI replace existing welfare programs, or should it work in conjunction with them?

    • What safeguards or limitations should be in place to ensure UBI’s long-term sustainability and effectiveness?

    • Should there be conditions or eligibility requirements for UBI, or should it remain entirely unconditional?

    • Should UBI replace current welfare programs, or should it be integrated alongside them?

    • How should UBI be funded—through higher taxes, redistribution of wealth, or cutting other social programs?

    • Should UBI be implemented gradually or as an immediate, universal policy for all citizens?

• Fact 

  • • Are genetically modified organisms (GMOs) commonly found in crops and food products worldwide?

    • What percentage of food production relies on GMOs, and in which regions or countries are they most prevalent?

• Definition 

  • • What qualifies as a genetically modified food? Is it any organism whose genetic material has been altered, or does it include specific techniques such as gene editing or transgenics?

    • How do we differentiate between traditional selective breeding and modern genetic modification techniques?

• Cause or effect 

  • • What are the driving factors behind the widespread adoption of GMOs? Are they used to increase crop yield, combat pests, or enhance nutritional content?

    • What are the effects of GMOs on food security, agricultural sustainability, and economic development?

    • Do GMOs increase productivity, or are they associated with environmental and health risks?

    • How does the presence of GMOs affect biodiversity, soil health, and the balance of ecosystems?

• Quality or value 

  • • Do GMOs improve food security and reduce hunger, or do they create long-term risks for health and the environment?

    • Are the benefits of GMOs, such as increased yields and resistance to pests, significant enough to justify their use?

    • How do we assess the potential health risks associated with consuming GMOs? Are they as safe as traditional foods, or do they carry unknown risks?

    • Do GMOs promote corporate control over the food supply by concentrating seed ownership in a few large companies, thereby harming small farmers?

• Policy 

  • • Should GMOs be labeled on food packaging so consumers can make informed choices, or is labeling unnecessary if they are proven safe?

    • Should governments regulate GMOs more strictly, and should there be limits on their use in agriculture and food production?

    • Should there be international guidelines or agreements regarding the use of GMOs to address concerns about cross-border environmental and health impacts?

    • Should research into GMOs be expanded to ensure that future modifications are safe and sustainable, or should investment be redirected to organic or non-GMO farming methods?

• Fact 

  • • How many people are affected by student loan debt, and what is the total amount of outstanding debt?

    • Is the burden of student loan debt preventing individuals from achieving financial stability, such as buying homes or starting businesses?

• Definition 

  • • Does "student loan forgiveness" mean the complete cancellation of all student debt, or just portions for certain groups (e.g., low-income borrowers, public service workers)?

    • How does student loan forgiveness differ from student loan repayment programs or income-based repayment plans?

• Cause or effect 

  • • What has led to the student debt crisis? Is it rising tuition costs, insufficient financial aid, or predatory lending practices?

    • What would be the economic effects of forgiving student loan debt? Would it stimulate economic growth, reduce income inequality, or cause inflation and increased government debt?

    • How would student loan forgiveness impact borrowers? Would it relieve financial strain or create a moral hazard by discouraging future responsibility in borrowing?

• Quality or value 

  • • Is forgiving student loans a fair and equitable solution, or does it benefit some groups more than others?

    • Would student loan forgiveness be a short-term fix, or does it fail to address the root causes of rising education costs and predatory lending?

    • How should we evaluate the fairness of loan forgiveness for those who have already paid off their loans or chose not to take on debt?

• Policy 

  • • Should the government enact broad student loan forgiveness, targeted relief for specific groups, or no forgiveness at all?

    • What alternatives to loan forgiveness could address the student debt crisis (e.g., tuition-free public colleges, lower interest rates, expanded financial aid)?

    • Should future student loans be reformed to prevent future debt crises, such as income-based repayment plans or limits on borrowing?

• Fact 

  • • Are social media platforms actively moderating or censoring content?

    • Are social media platforms acting as neutral platforms or do they steer discourse to their advanage?

    • Do platforms like Twitter, Facebook, and YouTube regularly suspend or ban accounts based on their content?

    • Are governments influencing or mandating content moderation policies on platforms like Twitter, Facebook, and YouTube?

    • Is misinformation or hate speech a significant issue on these platforms? 

    • Has unregulated speech on social media started wars or influenced genocides. 

• Definition 

  • • What constitutes "free speech" in the context of social media? Does it include harmful, offensive, or false content?

    • Are social media companies acting as publishers, content providers, neutral platforms, or something else?

    • How do we define "censorship" on social media? Is it only government action, or does platform moderation also count?

    • Where do we draw the line between moderation for safety (e.g., removing hate speech, misinformation, and harmful content) and restricting free expression?

• Cause or effect 

  • • What has caused the need for increased content moderation? Is it the rise of misinformation, hate speech, or political polarization?

    • What are the effects of content moderation on free speech? Does it help create safer online environments, or does it stifle open discourse and dissenting opinions?

    • Could extensive moderation cause distrust in platforms or create echo chambers by limiting diverse viewpoints?

    • What are the potential societal consequences if social media platforms either over-regulate or under-regulate content?

• Quality or value 

  • • Do platforms have a responsibility to protect users from harmful content, or does this responsibility conflict with free speech principles?

    • Is the current level of moderation fair and unbiased, or are certain viewpoints or groups disproportionately targeted?

    • Is content moderation necessary to prevent harm, such as the spread of violence or misinformation, or does content moderation pose a threat to the democratic exchange of ideas?

    • Does the removal of certain content or users improve the quality of discourse, or does it create biases and uneven applications of platform rules?

    • Are current content moderation practices fair and transparent, or are they susceptible to political or commercial pressures?

• Policy 

  • • Should social media companies be held accountable for the content on their platforms, or should they be protected from liability as neutral platforms?

    • Should social media platforms be required to uphold free speech rights similarly to public spaces, or should they maintain the autonomy to moderate content as private companies?

    • Should governments regulate social media platforms to ensure they do not censor lawful speech, or should platforms retain full control over their moderation policies?

    • Should there be clearer distinctions between free speech and harmful content (e.g., hate speech, misinformation), and who should define these boundaries?

    • Should there be international agreements or standards for content moderation that balance free speech and safety across platforms?

• Fact 

  • • Are gun-related crimes and mass shootings increasing or decreasing under existing laws?

    • Do stricter gun control measures correlate with lower rates of gun violence?

• Definition 

  • • Does "gun control" refer to regulations on the sale, ownership, and use of firearms, or only specific restrictions such as background checks and assault weapon bans?

    • How do we define "assault weapons," "high-capacity magazines," or "universal background checks" in this context?

• Cause or effect  

  • • What are the root causes of gun violence? Is it easy access to firearms, mental health issues, socio-economic factors, or a combination of these?

    • What effects would stricter gun control measures have? Would they reduce crime rates and mass shootings, or would they infringe upon personal freedoms without significantly lowering violence?

    • What would be the potential unintended consequences of gun control laws, such as creating a black market for firearms?

• Quality or value 

  • • Is gun control necessary to ensure public safety, or does it infringe on Second Amendment rights?

    • Does limiting access to firearms make citizens safer, or does it make them more vulnerable to crime?

    • Is gun violence a serious enough issue to warrant further restrictions, or are existing laws sufficient if properly enforced?

• Policy 

  • • Should stricter gun control laws be enacted, such as universal background checks, assault weapon bans, or waiting periods?

    • Should there be more focus on mental health services and addressing root causes of violence rather than restricting gun ownership?

    • Should gun control laws be uniform across states, or should individual states have the right to set their own policies based on local needs and values?

    • Should law enforcement and regulatory agencies prioritize better enforcement of current gun laws over creating new restrictions?

1. Fact 

   • • Are companies like Google, Facebook, Amazon, and Apple collecting significant amounts of user data?

     • How prevalent is data collection among tech companies, and what types of data are being gathered (e.g., browsing history, location, purchasing habits)?

2. Definition 

   • • What do we mean by "data privacy"? Does it refer to an individual’s right to control their personal information, or does it extend to how companies handle, store, and share this data?

     • How should "personal data" be defined in today’s digital age? Does it include metadata, anonymous data, or only personally identifiable information (PII)?

3. Cause (or effect): 

   • • What factors have led to growing concerns over data privacy? Is it the scale of data collection, lack of transparency, or data breaches?

     • What are the potential effects of large-scale data collection on users' privacy, security, and autonomy? Could it lead to increased surveillance, manipulation of consumer behavior, or misuse of personal information by third parties?

     • How does data collection affect democracy and political influence, especially through targeted advertising and election interference?

4. Quality or value 

   • • Is the collection of user data by tech companies beneficial to consumers by providing personalized services, or is it a violation of individual privacy rights?

     • Do the benefits of data collection, such as improved user experiences and innovations, outweigh the risks of breaches, misuse, or surveillance?

     • How do ethical concerns around consent and user autonomy affect the quality of data practices in Big Tech?

5. Policy 

   • • Should stricter regulations be enacted to govern how tech companies collect, store, and use personal data? If so, what should these regulations entail?

     • Should users have more control over their data, such as the right to opt out of data collection or request that their data be deleted?

     • Should governments enforce transparency in data practices, requiring tech companies to disclose how data is collected and used?

     • How should cross-border data transfers be regulated, considering many Big Tech companies operate globally under differing national privacy laws (e.g., GDPR in the EU vs. the U.S.)?

1. Fact 

   • • Is cancel culture a widespread phenomenon, or is it overhyped by the media?

     • Are individuals, celebrities, or public figures actually being "canceled" in significant numbers?

     • Does cancel culture result in real-world consequences, such as job loss, de-platforming, or damaged reputations?

     • Is there evidence that cancel culture disproportionately affects certain groups of people?

     • Are the actions and accusations that lead to cancellations based on verifiable facts or allegations?

2. Definition 

   • • What exactly is "cancel culture"? Is it a form of accountability, mob justice, or something else?

     • How does cancel culture differ from traditional forms of protest or public critique?

     • Is cancel culture simply a new term for boycotting, or is it a distinct social phenomenon?

     • Does cancel culture include both online and offline behaviors, or is it primarily an online issue?

     • How do we differentiate between holding someone accountable and “canceling” them? Where is the line?

3. Cause or effect 

   • • What factors contribute to the rise of cancel culture? Is it driven by social media, political polarization, or shifting cultural values?

     • What causes someone to be "canceled"? Is it a result of public outcry, media attention, or the actions of organized groups?

     • What are the psychological effects of being "canceled" on individuals?

     • What impact does cancel culture have on free speech and open discourse? Does it create fear of speaking out?

     • What are the long-term effects of cancel culture on society’s ability to forgive and allow for personal growth?

     • Does cancel culture actually lead to meaningful social change, or does it primarily foster division and resentment?

4. Quality or value 

   • • Is cancel culture a positive force for accountability and social justice, or a harmful practice that stifles free expression?

     • How damaging is cancel culture to individuals' reputations, careers, and personal lives?

     • Is cancel culture justified in holding people accountable for past behaviors, or is it overly punitive?

     • To what extent does cancel culture create a chilling effect on public discourse?

     • Are there any beneficial aspects of cancel culture in terms of creating safer, more respectful communities?

     • How severe is the impact of cancel culture on marginalized voices—does it empower them or suppress dissent?

5. Policy 

   • • Should social media platforms regulate or moderate cancel culture behaviors, such as mass reporting or harassment?

     • Should there be legal protections for individuals who are "canceled" to prevent defamation or wrongful dismissal?

     • Should institutions, such as employers or universities, adopt policies on how to respond to cancel culture pressures?

     • How can society balance the need for accountability with the protection of free speech and due process?

     • Should public figures or organizations be given formal processes to address accusations before being "canceled"?

     • Should educational efforts be made to foster more productive forms of criticism and dialogue instead of cancel culture?

1. Fact 

   • • Is cryptocurrency usage increasing globally, and if so, by how much?

     • Are cryptocurrencies being widely adopted for everyday transactions, or are they mostly used for speculative investment?

     • Are there instances of cryptocurrency being used for illegal activities, such as money laundering or tax evasion?

     • Are governments currently regulating cryptocurrency markets, and to what extent?

     • Is there a consensus among financial experts about the stability or instability of cryptocurrency markets?

2. Definition 

   • • What exactly is "cryptocurrency"? Is it considered a digital currency, an asset, or a commodity?

     • How do cryptocurrencies differ from traditional forms of money like fiat currency?

     • Are all digital currencies considered cryptocurrencies, or are there distinct categories (e.g., stablecoins, tokens)?

     • Should Bitcoin, Ethereum, and other cryptocurrencies be classified under the same umbrella, or do their purposes and technologies warrant separate classifications?

     • What does "cryptocurrency regulation" entail? Does it involve oversight of exchanges, individual transactions, or the technology itself (e.g., blockchain)?

3. Cause or effect 

   • • What is causing the rapid rise in cryptocurrency usage? Is it due to technological advancements, distrust in traditional banking systems, or something else?

     • What factors drive the volatility of cryptocurrency prices? Is it market speculation, lack of regulation, or manipulation by large holders ("whales")?

     • What are the potential effects of regulating cryptocurrencies on innovation in the fintech sector? Would increased regulation stifle technological growth or foster stability and trust?

     • What impact could cryptocurrency regulation have on decentralized finance (DeFi) systems?

     • How might the regulation of cryptocurrencies affect global financial systems, particularly in countries with weaker economies or unstable fiat currencies?

     • Would the regulation of cryptocurrencies reduce their attractiveness as an alternative financial system for those in developing countries?

     • How would regulation affect the potential for fraud and cybersecurity risks in cryptocurrency markets?

4. Quality or value 

   • • Are cryptocurrencies a revolutionary and beneficial financial technology, or do they pose significant risks to economic stability?

     • Is the unregulated nature of cryptocurrencies inherently dangerous, or is it an important feature that fosters innovation and financial freedom?

     • Does the volatility of cryptocurrencies make them unsuitable as a stable medium of exchange, or is this a temporary characteristic of a young market?

     • Are cryptocurrencies being unfairly targeted by governments because they disrupt traditional financial systems, or is regulation a necessary response to legitimate concerns about fraud and crime?

     • Should cryptocurrency regulation be seen as a protective measure for consumers and investors, or would it impose unnecessary constraints on financial autonomy?

     • Is it ethical for governments to intervene in the cryptocurrency market, given its decentralized and open-source nature?

5. Policy 

   • • Should cryptocurrencies be regulated like traditional financial assets (stocks, bonds), or do they require new regulatory frameworks?

     • What kinds of regulations should be implemented for cryptocurrency exchanges? Should they be treated like banks, stock exchanges, or something else?

     • Should governments regulate the creation of new cryptocurrencies (initial coin offerings, ICOs) to prevent fraud, or would this stifle innovation?

     • Should cryptocurrency transactions be taxed in the same way as other financial transactions, or should they be treated differently due to their decentralized nature?

     • Should governments introduce central bank digital currencies (CBDCs) to compete with or replace decentralized cryptocurrencies?

     • How can regulators ensure that cryptocurrency regulations are consistent across international borders, given the global nature of digital assets?

     • Should regulations focus on protecting consumers and investors from fraud, or should they focus on preventing the use of cryptocurrency in illicit activities?

     • Should anonymity in cryptocurrency transactions be limited or banned to prevent money laundering, or is privacy a fundamental right that should be protected?

     • Should financial institutions be allowed to integrate cryptocurrency into traditional banking services, or should cryptocurrencies remain separate from conventional financial systems?

     • Should there be different regulatory standards for large-scale cryptocurrency holders and individual users, or should regulations apply equally to all participants in the market?

1. Fact 

   • • Are more people engaging in gig work through platforms like Uber, Lyft, DoorDash, and Fiverr?

     • Is the gig economy growing faster than traditional employment sectors?

     • Are the majority of gig workers relying on these jobs as their primary source of income, or are they supplementing other forms of employment?

     • How many people are currently employed in gig work?

     • What percentage of the economy does the gig economy account for?

     • Is gig work limited to certain industries, or is it expanding across multiple sectors?

     • What data shows the growth of the gig economy in recent years?

     • Are there any official studies or reports documenting the benefits and drawbacks of gig work?

     • Is gig work fundamentally different from traditional part-time work or self-employment? If so, how?

2. Definition 

   • • Does the term "gig economy" refer only to freelance or contract work, or does it include temporary, part-time, or short-term positions as well?

     • Does the gig economy only include digital platforms, or can it include offline, manual labor gigs?

     • How is gig work different from traditional employment or freelance work?

     • Are delivery drivers and rideshare drivers the only workers in the gig economy, or does it also include freelance writers, designers, and tech contractors?

     • Should independent contractors and temporary workers be considered part of the gig economy?

     • How does the gig economy affect worker rights, job security, and employer accountability?

     • Does the rise of gig work benefit consumers through cheaper services, or does it degrade job quality across sectors?

3. Cause or effect 

   • • Is the rise of the gig economy due to technological advances like mobile apps and online platforms?

     • Has the gig economy grown because of a shift in worker preferences toward flexibility, or because traditional jobs have become less secure?

     • Did the economic instability caused by recessions and the COVID-19 pandemic lead more people to seek gig work?

     • How does gig work impact income stability for workers?

     • Does the gig economy contribute to increased inequality, or does it provide more opportunities for economic mobility?

     • What is the effect of gig work on traditional employment models and worker benefits, like healthcare and retirement plans?

4. Quality or value  

   • • Does the gig economy provide workers with much-needed flexibility, or does it exploit them by offering low pay and no benefits?

     • Is the gig economy empowering to workers who want autonomy, or does it result in precarious and unstable employment conditions?

     • To what extent are gig workers facing unfair compensation or unsafe working conditions?

     • How widespread are problems like wage theft, lack of insurance, or denial of employee rights for gig workers?

     • Do companies that rely on gig workers gain more efficiency and reduced labor costs?

     • Is the gig economy contributing to economic growth, or is it eroding traditional businesses and worker protections?

5. Policy 

   • • Should gig workers be classified as employees with access to benefits like healthcare and retirement, or should they remain independent contractors?

     • Should governments pass new regulations to protect gig workers, or should they allow gig platforms to continue operating with minimal oversight?

     • Should platforms like Uber and Lyft be required to provide minimum wage guarantees or other protections for their workers?

     • Should there be limits on the number of hours a gig worker can work to prevent exploitation?

     • Should there be stricter tax policies to ensure gig platforms are contributing fairly to the economy?

     • Should gig economy platforms be subject to the same labor laws as traditional employers?

     • Should unions or cooperatives be formed for gig workers to increase collective bargaining power?

     • Should governments offer a universal basic income (UBI) to mitigate the instability of gig work?

     • Are there hybrid employment models that could give gig workers the benefits of traditional employment without compromising flexibility?

1. Fact 

   • • Is climate engineering currently being practiced on any significant scale?

     • What evidence exists that climate engineering can effectively mitigate climate change?

     • Are there documented projects or experiments in geoengineering that have had measurable impacts on the climate?

     • Has any climate engineering research resulted in unintended environmental consequences?

     • Are there natural processes that mimic the effects of proposed geoengineering techniques?

2. Definition 

   • • What exactly qualifies as climate engineering or geoengineering?

     • Does climate engineering refer exclusively to large-scale technological interventions like solar radiation management, or does it include smaller actions such as carbon capture and storage?

     • Should afforestation and reforestation be considered geoengineering, or are they simply traditional environmental practices?

     • Is geoengineering a form of climate mitigation or a last-resort adaptation strategy?

     • What distinguishes climate engineering from natural climate solutions like ecosystem restoration?

3. Cause or effect 

   • • What are the primary causes behind the push for climate engineering? Is it the failure to reduce emissions globally or the increasing urgency of climate impacts?

     • What role do industrial activities and greenhouse gas emissions play in creating the need for geoengineering?

     • What are the potential long-term effects of geoengineering on global weather patterns and ecosystems?

     • Could geoengineering lead to unintended consequences, such as changes in rainfall patterns or ocean acidification?

     • How might large-scale climate engineering affect geopolitical relationships and international cooperation on climate issues?

4. Quality or value 

   • • Is geoengineering a morally acceptable response to climate change, or does it present too many risks to natural ecosystems?

     • How effective are proposed geoengineering methods compared to reducing emissions through renewable energy and conservation?

     • Does climate engineering offer a realistic solution to the climate crisis, or is it simply a temporary fix?

     • Are the risks associated with climate engineering, such as potential environmental disasters, greater than the potential benefits?

     • Is the uncertainty surrounding geoengineering's long-term impacts too high to justify its use?

5. Policy 

   • • Should governments invest in research and development for climate engineering technologies?

     • Should international agreements regulate geoengineering activities, or should individual nations have the autonomy to pursue these solutions on their own?

     • What oversight or governance mechanisms should be in place to ensure the safe and ethical use of climate engineering techniques?

     • Should geoengineering be a last-resort strategy, only to be used if emissions reduction targets are not met?

     • Should there be a global moratorium on large-scale geoengineering projects until more research is conducted on potential risks?

1. Fact 

   • • Is euthanasia or assisted suicide currently legal in any countries or states?

     • Are there documented cases of patients opting for euthanasia or assisted suicide?

     • Do euthanasia and assisted suicide result in more peaceful deaths for terminally ill patients compared to other end-of-life care options?

     • Is there evidence of misuse or abuse in places where euthanasia or assisted suicide are legal?

     • Do medical professionals commonly support or oppose euthanasia and assisted suicide?

2. Definition 

   • • What is the difference between euthanasia and assisted suicide?

     • Does euthanasia only apply to terminally ill patients, or can it be used for other forms of suffering?

     • What constitutes "voluntary" euthanasia? How is consent established, and what safeguards are in place?

     • Is euthanasia a medical procedure, or is it an ethical or legal issue?

     • Does assisted suicide involve only the terminally ill, or can individuals with chronic or psychological suffering seek this option?

     • What separates euthanasia from other forms of end-of-life care, such as palliative sedation or withholding treatment?

3. Cause or effect 

   • • What has led to increased demand for euthanasia and assisted suicide in certain regions?

     • Is the legalization of euthanasia driven by advances in medical technology, or by societal shifts in views on suffering and autonomy?

     • What are the psychological and emotional effects on families when a loved one chooses euthanasia or assisted suicide?

     • What impact does legalizing euthanasia have on the healthcare system, particularly in terms of patient care and medical ethics?

     • What are the potential societal consequences of normalizing euthanasia? Could it lead to a slippery slope where euthanasia is used in non-terminal cases?

     • Does the availability of euthanasia or assisted suicide reduce the development or use of palliative care options?

4. Quality or value 

   • • Is euthanasia a humane and compassionate choice for those suffering from terminal illnesses, or does it undermine the value of life?

     • Does allowing assisted suicide provide more dignity to patients at the end of life, or does it open the door to potential coercion and abuse?

     • Is euthanasia a necessary option in modern medicine, or are there adequate alternatives such as palliative care and hospice services?

     • Does the legalization of euthanasia create societal acceptance of death as a solution to suffering, or does it reflect a compassionate response to unbearable pain?

     • Is there a moral distinction between actively ending a life (euthanasia) and allowing someone to die through passive means (withholding life support)?

     • Is the availability of euthanasia and assisted suicide a sign of progress in personal autonomy, or does it devalue the sanctity of life, especially for vulnerable populations?

5. Policy 

   • • Should euthanasia and assisted suicide be legalized in countries where they are currently banned?

     • What kind of legal safeguards should be in place to prevent abuse of euthanasia and assisted suicide laws?

     • Should there be age restrictions on euthanasia, or should it be available to minors under certain conditions?

     • Should doctors and healthcare providers have the right to refuse participation in euthanasia or assisted suicide on moral or religious grounds?

     • Should euthanasia be covered by public health insurance, or should it be treated as an elective procedure?

     • What role should government agencies play in regulating euthanasia and assisted suicide, especially in terms of monitoring compliance with the law?

     • Should the decision to pursue euthanasia be limited to terminally ill patients, or should it include people with chronic, non-terminal conditions?

     • Should mental health evaluations be mandatory before someone is granted access to euthanasia or assisted suicide?