From
Ridgedale Library's Socrates Café in Minnesota
started November 1st, 2001
6/26/08
How should we evaluate risk?
Are emotional or intellectual investments as risky as financial investments?
Who deserves respect?
Do we choose our personality?
What is more important, science or religion?
Can stigma be positive or good?
6/19/08
Is immigration good or bad for the United States today?
What are the standards of beauty in our society and are they emotionally and/or physically healthy?
What is democracy and when did it begin?
How would we know that we have a government that is by and for the people?
6/12/08
Are meaning and happiness two separate paths?
Why do people become so polarized?
Reason, logic and evidence versus emotion and prejudice; which is dominant in our society?
6/5/08
What is not normal?
Would kids be better or worse off if raised to be gender-neutral?
Who is deadlier, male or female?
top
5/29/08
When is it ok to cross the line?
What role does religion play in modern society?
If global warming is true, what is the cause and what is the cure?
In our society, what is the standard of beauty?
What are the determinants in determining or judging whether someone is religious?
Why do big lies seem so credible?
5/22/08
How should we evaluate risk?
If someone falls into a trap, do we blame the person who fell in or the person who laid it and why?
Who do assumptions hurt?
Is the American lifestyle out of sync with the natural order?
What is the value of Christianity in America?
What influences a society most?
5/15/08
Are low expectations the secret to happiness?
What is Autism?
What gives life meaning?
How should we evaluate risk?
Are humans special?
Is the gender wage gap a myth?
Is history important?
5/8/08
What do assumptions hurt?
If we loose our memories, what becomes of our identity?
What kind of society would we select from behind the veil of ignorance?
Who should judge judges and why?
Why is privacy important?
5/1/08
Who do assumptions hurt?
What deserves to be preserved?
When is “I was just following orders” a good defense or an excuse?
Are pleasure and happiness the same thing?
Does pro-choice include men?
What gives us the power to philosophize?
What type of health insurance for the United States?
top
4/23/08
What is morality and where does it come from?
What deserves to be preserved?
How should we discipline students, in or out?
Is it important to know whether there is a god or not?
Just what does an atheist believe in?
Should the women in a polygamous community be held responsible for the treatment of their children?
How do we choose when and what to disclose about ourselves?
4/17/08
If we loose our ability to make and retrieve memories, what happens to our identity?
When dealing with criminals, how do we balance justice and retribution?
What is common sense?
What deserves to be preserved?
Does modernization trump culture?
How valid are one’s specific experiences when used to make a more generalized judgment?
Are men generalized nurturers and women specific nurturers?
4/10/08
What deserves to be preserved?
What is the obligation of a citizen?
Does the media give the United States bad images or are they already there?
What plays a greater role in human affairs, imagination or reason?
Who do assumptions hurt?
Should political issues be part of the Beijing Olympics?
What would the best form of government look like?
4/3/08
Who do assumptions hurt?
What is the obligation of a citizen?
Why do things go as well as they do?
What kind of society would we build behind a veil of ignorance?
What are the topics sex, politics, religion and Hitler conversation stoppers?
Who is in charge?
In this society, how do you act to be considered masculine or feminine?
top
3/27/08
Is retirement as we know it dead?
What is a game?
What is a dream?
Is mathematics an invention or a discovery?
How valid are one’s personal experiences when making a generalized judgment?
Has modern medicine gone too far?
3/20/08
What is the relative importance of content versus intent?
What should be the components of a racial dialogue?
How should we choose our CEO’s?
How important is color in our lives?
How do we recognize emotional maturity?
3/13/08
What is success?
How should we pick our leaders?
Can narcissism be a positive trait?
Logic and reason versus emotion; which is dominant for us in human society and why?
3/6/08
How can a person be more objective?
What is bioethics?
What is the difference between work and leisure?
When is fantasy beneficial to reality?
Should we be concerned about the decline in reading in favor of electronic media?
top
2/28/08
How should we pick out leaders?
Is a recession a bad thing?
Why is it that some people see things as black or white while others see the same things as shades of grey?
2/21/08
A Minnesota rule allows judges to accept as many gifts up to $150 without reporting it to anyone. Is this rule good or bad?
Is anarchy ever good?
Is democracy always good?
What does universal healthcare look like?
2/14/08
How should we pick our leaders?
Is diversity a value?
Is love and hate opposed or love and fear?
2/7/08
Where have all the leaders gone?
What is mind?
What is the role of government?
Was the United States the best country in the world and is it still?
top
1/31/08
Why are we irritated when our stereotypes don’t come true?
Do zoos do more harm than good?
Who rules the world?
How should we pick our leaders?
Is anarchy good?
What is the nature of love?
1/24/08
Is American consumerism a sign of material wealth or emotional impoverishment?
What is the role of government?
What makes babies fascinating?
How should we pick our leaders?
Should we pick our leaders?
How much religion is acceptable in government?
Analytical or creative?
1/17/08
What is more important, security or privacy?
What is the end game of the internet?
What is an informed citizen?
How should we pick our leaders?
What wins in social situations, reason or emotion?
Can a democracy be an effective empire?
1/10/08
How do we recognize the difference between our delusional thinking and our wise thinking?
Do words clarify or confuse?
Is anarchy good?
Do animals deserve our protection?
What if?
What is more important, questions or answers?
Are national politicians made by the media?
Is global warming for real?
1/3/08
How does Zeno’s paradox affect real life?
Is the soul in the mind?
Is human evolution coming to an end?
Is there a limit to goodness?
Why do we believe?
top
12/27/07
Is there a limit to goodness?
Does organized religion cause more harm than good?
Will non-violent protest ever be successful?
Is anarchy good?
12/20/07
What are the consequences of immortality?
When something happens that we do not understand, how do we begin to explain it?
What if god has limited power?
12/13/07
Is there something inherently more moral for Mac versus PC?
Is context important?
Is a professional opinion necessarily the best opinion?
Is anarchy good?
Do the ends justify the means?
Should marriage be replaced by marital contracts?
12/6/07
Who is the least qualified American to be President of the United States?
What is the value of repugnance?
Do our reflexes or our cognitive processes determine our personality?
How should belief in god affect our behavior?
What is the most important event in human history?
Is a professional opinion the best opinion?
Is there an idea worth dying for?
top
11/27/07
What is a good balance between altruism, self interest and self-indulgence?
What is the well lived life?
What was/were the big lie/lies in your life?
Do negative experiences have a positive effect on creativity?
Can you ever conquer emotion?
What is the most important turning point in human history?
11/22/07
Happy Thanksgiving!
11/15/07
How important is the past?
Do ideologies ever die?
Why is altruism so darn persistent?
Which sex has the most power and why?
Should Americans have the right to sell their vote?
11/8/07
Is anticipation better than the real thing?
Is guilt useful and if so, why?
Are there any universal paradigms?
11/1/07
What is community?
What is the best form of communication?
What motivates us?
How do we determine who is really in charge?
Is a professional opinion necessarily the best?
How much should the government infringe on private rights in the name of public health?
top
10/25/07
Are we responsible for our feelings?
Who is in the best position to know what is in our best interests?
Is a sadist really just a masochist following the Golden Rule?
Is a professional opinion always the best?
10/18/07
What would Jesus Do?
What is charisma?
Is energy independence possible in the United States?
If we have equality of the sexes, why do only men register for the draft?
Where do ideas come from?
What is philosophy?
10/11/07
How far should a nation or an individual go to defend themselves?
Is it possible to live a blame free life?
Does everything happen for a reason?
10/4/07
Overall, is free trade good for America, why or why not?
Should America use mercenaries?
Should illegal aliens be able to get driver’s licenses?
Should the requirement to submit to random requirements be removed from applications for driver’s licenses?
Should we re-institutionalize the draft for military or other public services?
Are there different classes of fundamental rights?
Can we talk about anything fun?
Who or what created the universe?
What role should culture play in school?
top
9/27/07
What is the most useful emotion?
Does knowledge increase happiness?
The concept, “Innocent until proven guilty”, do we have it and where?
Are all personal opinions learned?
9/20/07
Is language evolving?
Should there be universal health care in the United States?
What do we gain from Socrates Café?
How far should you go to save your own life?
What is reality?
How much of the value of things comes from what we put in?
9/13/07
Is contentment good for us but not for others?
What do the terms liberal and conservative mean to each of us?
What is reality?
top
8/30/07
Is there such a thing as a free lunch?
Is patriotism another form of religion?
What do we do when an honest mistake gets people killed?
8/23/07
What is the value, purpose and utility of public art?
Is the world over populated?
Do humans create or just discover and rearrange?
Why is a conservative a conservative and a liberal a liberal?
What do you do when an honest mistake gets people killed?
What is the most effective way to create a change that you might desire?
Who gets to decide what is offensive or forbidden?
8/16/07
How do you know when you are thinking for yourself?
Is anything supernatural?
When do we draw the line?
Do we need more mass transit?
8/9/07
What do you believe that you cannot prove?
What is charisma?
What is the best advice that you have ever received?
Is time a prerequisite for morality?
Should equal right and equal obligation go together?
8/2/07
Why does math work?
Does age define you?
Can contentment create ingenuity?
Which is more important, the family you are given or the family you make?
Do both certainty and uncertainty exist?
In what sense can human beings be said to follow rules?
Has the Bill of Rights always been justified?
top
7/26/07
How high is up?
What does it mean to be fully present in the moment?
Which is more important, the family you are given or the family you make for yourself?
What do you believe that you cannot prove?
Do men and women think differently?
Are some people more equal than others?
How do we know what is true?
7/19/07
What is the fascination in American culture with being “bad”?
Does age define us?
Is propaganda a necessary evil?
If words had more specific meaning, would our thinking be clearer?
7/12/07
What is infinity?
What is the difference between equanimity and apathy?
Do we have a right to health care and what is the best way to deliver it if we do?
Should there be exceptions to the Golden Rule?
7/5/07
What is the way of life of the ideal American?
How do you define what it means to be an American?
Does age define you?
top
6/28/07
What is the purpose and utility of sports?
What is the difference between equanimity and apathy?
What should your country do for you?
Is doubt necessary for thought?
6/21/07
Is the infinite anything?
What is the most effective way to protest?
What is the purpose of sports?
What is the impact of profound knowledge on self-esteem?
How do we differentiate equanimity from apathy?
Is god a delusion of the human mind?
Should equal rights and equal obligations go together?
6/14/07
Are there any government programs that should not be funded?
What is charisma?
What would be the line between a prejudice and a rationally held position?
6/7/07
What does it mean to be rich?
Should claiming fear be enough to put another in jail?
How important are symbols and metaphors to thought and communication?
top
5/31/07
Faith or delusion?
What is dominant in human interaction, imagination or reality?
Why do we remember certain things and forget others?
5/24/07
Has society become more offensive or more offended?
If art has a moral impact, does art have a moral responsibility?
Should the government force public transportation on the people to save fuel?
50% of rape charges are admitted to be false by the accuser, why is this not common knowledge?
5/17/07
What is the world’s most meaningful film and why?
What does it mean to be a true leader?
What is safe enough?
What does it mean to really help someone?
What is wisdom and how is it achieved?
5/10/07
What is safe enough?
What is the best explanation of the ultimate nature of reality?
Should fire works be illegal?
What can fiction teach us?
What’s preferable: Anarchy or Tyranny?
Is fact stranger than fiction?
Should equal rights mean equal obligation?
5/3/07
Why are religions different?
What is infinity?
Which is better: doing the right thing for the wrong reason or doing the wrong thing for the right reason?
It is possible to have government without bureaucracy?
Why don’t people trust people that they don’t know?
4/26/07
What is discipline?
At the next presidential election, why can’t we have whoever gains the most votes as President and the second most votes as Vice President?
What should the purpose of punishment be, retribution, reform, or deterrence?
Is doing the wrong thing for the right reason better than doing the right thing for the wrong reason?
What is a terrorist?
4/5/07
What is infinity?
What, if anything, is worth dying for?
What is the essence of cool?
Is advancement in technology aiding in the decline of society?
Should equal rights also mean equal obligations?
Who are we?
top
3/29/07
What is hip?
What is the difference between madness and anger?
What is the cause of human suffering?
What is the duty we owe to ourselves?
Could Jesus heat a burrito so hot even He could not eat it?
3/8/07
If you could erase any memory, would you?
What would a revolution look like in USA today?
What is infinity and why do so many people care?
Should America have universal health care?
What is funny?
Pride – good thing or bad thing?
3/1/07, 3/15/07, 3/22/07, 4/12/07, 4/19/07 are missing - These next three lists of questions were not dated.
What was the most important decade in history and why?
In your home, should it be "shoot first, ask later"?
What does it mean to live with hope?
Are we really going to be saved by new daylight saving?
The world is gone! The library and us. What next?
What are the qualities of great leadership and who exemplifies them?
What does it mean to be a citizen?
What is reasonable doubt?
Is it better to be really good at one thing or ok at a lot of things?
When it comes to human beings is there such a thing as safety?
Should self-actualization be considered the pinnacle of personal development of is there a higher goal?
What makes someone a psychopath or sadistic personality?
Do we control technology or does technology control us?
Does experience make us smarter or lock us into old ways of thinking?
In an age of tragedy and corruption what does it mean to live with hope? Is it possible?
Should equal benefits require equal obligation?
How do we determine importance?
top
2/22/07
Eugenics – Good or bad?
Who should be responsible for an individual’s health habits and needs?
Why do people sabotage themselves?
How much freedom do we have?
Pride – Good or bad?
Why are we in such a hurry?
2/15/07
Is there a difference between intelligence and wisdom?
Are men and women designed to be attracted to one another but not get along?
What’s the most astonishing thing that ever happened?
What should all American students know about world history and culture?
Can you retract a question?
2/8/07
Can we die with dignity with or without a living will?
What is the proper function of government?
Pride: A good thing, a bad thing and why?
What is infinity?
What makes a good parent?
Why don’t we laugh more?
What elements are there to a person’s survival instincts?
Can we ever be a part of our natural environment again?
2/1/07
Should spanking be allowed as a punishment for children?
Is status necessary?
Pride: Good thing or bad?
Is religion a reflection of culture or culture a reflection of religion?
When does family become more or less important than values?
Is there a philosophical dimension to reality or is it all in our head?
Does a leader who is disconnected from reality embolden terrorists?
top
1/25/07
What makes a secret so interesting to hear?
What if evolution and creation are both true?
Why do humans become disenchanted with society and/or people in general?
How do we define ourselves in society?
Pride: is it a good thing or bad thing and why?
Why do people fight apathy with apathy?
Is money really the root of all evil?
Why do we always have to be in the know?
1/18/07
What should the requirements and benefits of citizenship be?
Does art equal madness?
Why is it changing from “Global Warming” to “Global Climate Change”?
Why is the United States going downhill?
How can our nation collectively become better Americans?
What makes a good parent?
Is pre-emptive war ever justifiable?
Do we need a fence?
1/11/07
What is the best form of government?
What is the essence of a deep relationship?
Whish is more valuable to society, safety or freedom?
What is power and how do you take it?
Is capitalism the best form of economic democracy?
Do ghosts exist?
1/4/07
If and/or how will virtual economies affect global economies in the future?
Religious freedom: can we be too conservative or too liberal?
What is the purpose and/or goal of capital punishment?
What is the best movie of all time?
Is there a standard for morality or is morality subjective or relative?
How do you define your sense of self?
top
12/28/06
How do you write a document so that all the readers interpret it the same?
How do we determine what is right and what is wrong?
Whence Authority?
Why is the divorce rate in America greater than 50%?
Where does wisdom come from?
12/21/06
What is the nature of persuasion?
Who is right and who is wrong in Rosie O'Donnell vs. Donald Trump?
Are beauty contests demeaning to women?
What is right and wrong?
Is feminism just another form of sexism?
What is the most important thing?
What is the effect of capitalism on Christmas?
12/15/06
When is it time for an old tradition to end?
Why is the American divorce rate so high?
What are means to teach values?
Overall, is Wal-Mart good for America and the world?
What is infinity?
What is an accident?
What is the origin of morality?
12/7/06
Is there such a thing as a selfless good deed?
Is it possible the spirits of the dead come to visit or haunt the living?
Is it better to focus on improving the world or on improving yourself?
Where do ideas come from?
top
11/30/06
Can any state survive without the use of violence?
What does it mean to have honor?
What is the best piece of advice that has been or could be given?
What is infinity?
Would God or Allah want a democracy, why or why not?
Do ghosts exist?
Do we have an obligation to future generations and if so, what?
11/23/06
The only discussion today was "please pass the sweet potatoes!"
Happy Thanksgiving, or as I call it, Happy Stuff Your Face Day!
11/16/06
What is community?
Can America be a greater country with a multi-cultural society or a melting pot society?
What’s up with security?
What is happiness?
Are all people created equal, why or why not?
How do we as individuals measure time?
11/9/06
How do we teach? How do we learn?
Television – blessing or curse?
Should free speech be limited?
What is truth?
What to do about minimum wage?
How much are we influenced by free will versus fate?
What is the secret of the universe?
11/3/06 - Happy 5th Anniversary Ridgedale Socrates Cafe!
What is safe enough?
What are we going to do about the press?
What makes people become terrorists?
Is having sex on the first date ok?
How much are our choices affected by fate and how much by free will?
Does electing new people to Congress make a difference?
top
10/26/06
What is consciousness?
What is the value of a question?
What is the essence of cool?
Who can tell you what to do and why?
Under what conditions is it a morally good thing to raise taxes?
What do you believe theologically, without naming it, and why?
Are you satisfied with political television ads?
Is there life after George Bush and what does it look like?
10/19/06
Who can tell you what to do and why?
What freedoms do we sacrifice on a daily basis in our lives?
What responsibility do we have for our elderly parents?
How do we, the citizens of the United States, neutralize the monied interests that govern our country?
What is humanity’s greatest achievement and why?
What is safe enough?
Are we our own worst enemy?
10/12/06
At what age is one considered a senior citizen?
What would America be like if it was based on a consensus democracy rather than a representative democracy?
What is the essence of cool?
Can we expect to have a meaningful life after the death of a loved one?
How does the past affect our future as a society?
Under what circumstances should the United States interfere in the affairs of another country?
What does it say about us that negative campaign ads work better?
How do we explain synchronicity?
10/5/06
How durable is our Federal Constitution and will it ever fail?
Who can tell you what to do and why?
How do you know who you are?
Has science, technology and modernity taken the sacred out of everyday life?
What is humanity’s greatest achievement?
How has the moral sense of the worlds civilizations changed in the last century?
top
9/28/06
Why “math anxiety” and not “history anxiety”?
What happens to us when we die?
If a man speaks, but there is no woman there to hear him, did he still say something wrong?
Is the meaning of life to live in moderation or extremes?
What role does politics have in science and math, if any?
Do Americans take their freedom of speech for granted?
What does it mean to have freedom in our society?
9/21/06
What business should we have telling other countries what to do?
Which is more important for the creation of a good society; liberty, equality or security?
Is the U.S. acting appropriately in its foreign affairs?
What should be the future of the United Nations?
Is feminism just another form of sexism?
Do we take our freedom of speech for granted?
9/14/06
In these discussions, is it important to understand all opinions and ideas?
Is there such a thing as evil and what is its nature?
What is the current definition of a failed state?
Is there such a thing as a justifiable lie?
What’s the nature of cool?
Can you truly listen with an open mind?
Do humans differ from non-human animals in degree or in kind?
9/7/06
How long should the illegal combatants be kept at Guantanamo Bay?
Is the difference between man and animal of degree or kind?
What is a good education?
What, if anything, can fiction teach us?
What is safe enough?
What is the essence of coolness?
Why is "liberal" a bad word?
Does God really have a plan for us? Does "He" care?
top
8/31/06
Will this civilization ever end, if not why not and if so why and how?
Is there presently a clash of civilizations going on and what can be done about it?
Can you really tell a person by its cover?
What makes a person likeable?
Is feminism another form of sexism?
Why should we play?
What is safe enough?
8/24/06
Why do people tend to take for granted their existence and blessings?
How does one deal with fear effectively?
If we believe that all people are equal, why are jobs being outsourced?
What is honor? Is being honorable a means or an end?
What is safe enough?
Why does it seem that some elderly revert to their childhood?
Do we fear freedom?
8/17/06
What does it mean to be bad and why is it so tempting?
Is this it?
What does it mean to be free?
Does the American military belong in Iraq?
Shock and awe/terrorism; is there a difference?
What is safe enough?
What is the definition of the verb “to be”?
8/10/06
Why is it so hard to peaceably disagree?
Should we pull out of Iraq now?
Why do we help others before we help ourselves?
Should the middle-east terrorists be identified as Islamofascists?
Faith or gullibility, is there a difference?
What is safe enough?
8/3/06
Is the peace and order of society more important than the relief of the miserable?
Do we think Americans are status driven?
Was Poland a greater enemy of Germany or was it Hitler, and is there a lesson in there for us?
What is the most important book ever written and why?
Is this it?
Should we believe what we think?
top
7/27/06
Are American parents monitoring their children too closely and if so, what are the future consequences?
What is honor and is being honorable a means or an end?
Does a Socratic mindset in society create a relativism that undermines legitimate and necessary authority?
Has political correctness helped or hurt society?
At what point does organized religion cross the line from positive to negative for individuals or society?
Is feminism just another form of sexism?
Have you experienced Big Brother watching you and if so how?
Do the ends justify the means?
7/20/06
If an adult changes gender, can they understand their new gender fully?
What is a just war?
Has Rock & Roll Music had a good or bad effect on our society?
Is it possible to change a deeply held belief?
Is striving for empire foolish? Is America an empire?
Where is the community?
Will we survive the current U.S. administration?
7/13/06
Why do we take care of others before we take care of ourselves?
Which shall win out, reality or truth?
Are human beings perfectible?
"The day the sun stood still."
What are the traits of a culture?
Is the imagination dominant?
What is charisma?
Compare and contrast corporate and government power.
7/6/06
Is shame a virtue or a vice?
Should we get rid of the Electoral College and if so, how can it be done?
Should we honor those who sacrifice themselves for what they perceive as a higher purpose?
When does freedom of speech go to far?
Don't believe what you think, only what you know.
What is an acceptable risk?
top
6/29/06
Why do we take care of others before we take care of our own/ourselves?
Should father be head of the family?
Are we living in the golden age of mankind?
How can an act of suicide be portrayed as an act of war? (re: Gitmo)
Is President Bush's approval rating too high or too low?
Is refusal to talk to one's enemies a good thing?
How much trust should the public put in undisclosed security information?
If global warming is happening, is humanity to blame for it?
6/22/06
Is time an invention that has taken over our lives?
Can you measure meaning?
Do human beings have more intrinsic worth than any other objects, plant or animal?
What is the next great question?
What is mind?
Do we have an obligation to correct people's assumptions about us?
What are people blinded by greed?
On what basis does the right feel morally superior?
6/15/06
Is greed contagious?
How can one individual affect the entire world?
What is the difference between noise and music or is it the same?
Is there such a thing as trust in politics?
Does feedback from others determine the course of our lives?
Is there such a thing as truth in politics?
Can we fight Uncle Sam and win?
Are we really at war?
6/8/06
Is there a difference between music and noise?
Why bother with other people?
Which is more important, truth or value?
When does national security supercede the rights of an individual?
Where is the line between knowledge and belief?
When does civility supercede the rights of the individual?
6/1/06
What is the difference between a guideline and a rule?
Is there more to life than patterns?
What is the function or eros in contemporary society and personal development?
Which is important, truth or value?
Is peace a viable solution?
Is there anything that everybody in the world should agree on?
top
5/25/06
Can a parent love too much or is too much never enough?
Is peace a viable solution?
Why should taxpayers sponsor corporate welfare like a stadium?
What is violence? What is non-violence?
What should we do about illegal immigrants?
5/18/06
What is a good metaphor for living a worthwhile life?
What is the difference between objectivity and neutrality?
Is truth important?
What qualifies as a weapon of mass destruction?
Are there good people? What is a good person?
Should religion change to fit society or stay the same to change society?
When does incompetence end and criminal incompetence begin?
5/11/06
Is truth important?
Can everything relevant to the human experience be boiled down to patterns?
What is the meaning or expectation of love?
When is nationalism excessive?
How has and how will the human will to survive change over the centuries?
Is there anything that everybody in the world can and should agree on?
What is justice? What is mercy? Which would you choose?
Is patriotism really the measles of mankind?
What is the role of Eros in contemporary society and human development?
5/4/06
What is a failed state?
What is non-violent warfare?
Does Socrates Cafe change how we listen to others?
Don't believe what you think?
Why do so may people fear change?
Is there anything we deal with that can't be boiled down to patterns and permutations?
top
4/27/06
Should religion change with society or change society?
How can we make peace more economically advantageous than war?
Don't believe what you think?
What if anything is the "spiritual"?
What makes war a justifiable action?
4/20/06
Is cynicism contagious?
What's the purpose of progress?
Should we care about the private lives of public figures?
How do we choose "right and good" rather than "wrong and bad"?
What is progress?
Is there a distinction between right and wrong?
4/13/06
What is progress?
What changes need to be made to the American educational system?
Is cynicism contagious?
What is a successful honeymoon?
What if the data from the Cassini probe contains a virus?
Is discussion beneficial if no one changes their minds?
Should we care about the private life of public figures?
What is the meaning of the word "hope"?
4/6/06
What should we do about the immigration situation?
Why should we take care of others before we take care of our own?
Why are people so afraid of change?
Should we care about the private life of public figures?
Do we know anything absolutely or is all knowledge contextual?
Can one voice speak for the masses?
Does age make a difference?
top
3/30/06
Why do we take care of others before we take care of our own?
What is the purpose of organized religion?
Is there a place for feminity and manliness in today's contemporary society?
What is the best idea of all time?
How do expectations affect human life?
Can one voice speak for all?
3/23/2006
Is technology becoming more detrimental to society then beneficial?
What is the best idea of all time?
Is cynicism contagious?
How do you determine the out come of dialectic thinking thinking?
Should we expect different standards for public figures?
If you've done nothing wrong what do you have to hide?
3/16/2006
Is cynicism contagious?
Does the fact that computers can beat chess Grand Masters routinely, mean anything to humans?
Is there really any value to discussion that does not lead to consensus and action?
Is money the root of all evil?
If you've done nothing wrong, what do you have to hide?
Are human beings still evolving?
3/9/2006
Is cynicism contagious?
What does it mean to be a good citizen?
What is a patriot in today’s American society?
Is group decision making and thinking better than individual decision making and thinking?
Does the fact that computers can beat chess Grand Masters routinely, mean anything to humans?
What is the function of erotic love in society and personhood?
Should public figures be held to different standards?
What is sin?
3/2/2006
Freedom of expression?
Is there such a thing as the concept of sin?
We can program computers to play games of strategy better than people. Does it matter?
What is it to be a patriot in today’s American society?
What is altruism? Is it a good thing and if so, for whom?
What is fate and what role does Karma play?
Is cynicism contagious?
top
2/23/2006
Should anybody give a rip about the Olympics?
Is cynicism contagious?
In this society, what is more important; freedom of speech or virtue?
What is charisma?
How do we define evil?
What does it mean to be an American?
What is truly accepting oneself, should we and what are the implications?
2/16/2006
Why do people do things in a group that they would not do alone?
What is the value of logic in human discourse?
Why do we take care of other before we take care of ourselves?
What is knowledge and can we ever truly know something?
Is cynicism contagious?
What is charisma?
Why do some people forgive so easily when others do not?
What does it mean to be American?
2/9/2006
Is it better to have education without common sense or common sense without education?
Is music simply noise? What is the difference between the two?
Is cynicism contagious?
Does language influence thought and if so to what degree?
Both psychologically and philosophically, what is the nature of love?
How factual do memories have to be to be authentic?
Will the poor always be among us and if so, why?
2/2/2006
Are taxpayers getting their money's worth from our judicial system?
How do we reconcile our differences with the militant who wants to inflict harm on us?
What is a participatory government and do we have one?
How do we form our opinions?
Can Democracy allow long term plans of action?
Who really makes up the platform of a politician?
Why do people do things in a group that they would not do alone?
Is there really any value to discussion that does not lead to concensus and action?
top
1/26/2006
Is there anything new happening with UFO's?
What are the similarities between what is happening in Palestine today and what happened in our own American Revolution?
Why do people do things when they are part of a group that they would never do alone?
When one side advocates political murder, how do you maintain Socratic cool?
Is there really any value to discussion that doesn't lead to consensus and action?
What is self-governance?
Should and does an education protect a child's natural goodness?
When do we have the right to judge others?
1/19/06
What will our world be like in 50 years?
How do we know right from wrong?
Can you be a religious person and not believe in god?
Can you be a moral person and not be religious?
Can you be a religious person and not be moral?
What is happiness?
Is our society becoming more self-aware?
1/12/06
Do humans differ from non-human animals in degree or in kind?
Is there really any value to discussion that does not lead to consensus and action?
What is a good education?
1/5/06
Is virtue its own reward?
What are Ethics? Is pay for lay a corrupt practice?
Why do we let the media control our reactions to what they report?
How much power is too much power?
What does it mean when someone says "that just wasn't me"?
Can freedom be imposed?
top
12/15/05
Is God a micromanager?
How will today's technology affect our children's social development?
Can a moral case be made for capital punishment?
Can we perceive ideas or is it just the object of the idea that we perceive?
12/8/05
Why do we label?
What determines human behavior, feelings or reason?
What is the difference between a moral and a law?
What is the difference between morality and philosophy?
When exactly were the “Good old days”?
Are optimism and pessimism self-fulfilling prophesies?
How do we know reality exists?
Can a moral case be made for capital punishment?
12/1/05
What if love and friendship prevailed on Earth?
What is the proper function of the economy?
Good or evil – how do we know?
Are optimism and pessimism self-fulfilling prophesies
How do you know reality exists?
Do individuals create history or does history create itself?
top
11/24/05
Happy Turkey Day
11/17/05
Why is the word "can't" so hard to say and admit saying?
Can love and friendship prevail in a world of terrorism and religious wars?
What is neutral?
Should discounts be given by age or by ability to pay?
Is talking about philosophy a worthwhile effort?
What necessitates belief?
Are optimism and pessimism self-fulfilling prophesies?
Is the greatest goof for the greatest number moral?
What is torture and can it be justified?
11/10/05
How are good people seduced by an evil leader?
What is humility?
What is trust?
Should one vote if one is not informed?
What is justice in light of the underprivileged?
What is friendship?
Do dreams have the power to help us?
What is dominionism?
11/3/05 - Four years of questions!
What is Community?
top
10/27/05
Does language limit our thought?
Can you tell the type of person someone is by the socks they wear?
Within the Christian religion, why is heaven desired and hell feared?
Are there such things as ghosts?
Is the tax break for churches a violation of the separation of church and state?
Should cannibalism be grounds for leniency in murder cases?
What role can Venture Capitalists play in today's society, if any?
What is the highest goal of man?
Why is privacy important?
Trick or Treat?
10/20/05
What makes meaning?
Why did the Judeo/Christian/Muslim God require incest?
What is soul?
How do we balance the needs of society versus the individual rights?
What should be the role of fathers in modern day society?
Is economic depression possible?
What is the original intent of the American Constitution?
10/13/05
What is Intelligent Design?
Can America be considered free if we can't speak without repercussions?
Are we governed by fear?
Do the negative effects of pro and amateur sports outweigh the positive effects?
Do world citizens have an obligation to scientific advancement?
10/7/05
Would winning the lottery really make life easier?
Is humor a trait that helps one relax in a stressful situation and is it good or bad?
What makes a good leader?
Are we betrayed by the myths by which we live?
What gives us courage?
Is knowledge more a curse than a blessing?
top
9/29/05
Why can we help others when we can't help our own?
Why is it so difficult to live unafraid?
What is the difference between affirmative action and discrimination?
What makes beautiful art and beautiful music beautiful?
Why are we sending troops overseas when they should be defending our borders?
Is an overall sense of security okay even if there is no real security?
Can we really consider America free if we can't express our opinions without repercussions?
9/22/05
Is violence a virus that infects power?
We all count, why are we so anxious about math?
Is it better to be unhappy in the real world or be happy in a fantasy world?
What will the world's religions look like in 500 years?
What will be the greatest innovation of the 21st century?
What is the importance of diversity?
Who's to blame for global warming on Mars?
9/15/05
Should online media be judged by the same standards as mainstream media?
Has technology caused more problems than is solves?
Should corporations have rights of citizenship?
What is the value of an apology?
What motivates people to change their behavior?
Should the words "under God" be stricken from the Pledge of Allegiance?
Should New Orleans be rebuilt or bulldozed?
We all count, why are we so anxious about it?
Gullibility and faith, are they interchangeable terms?
9/8/05
What did our founding fathers mean by "Don't tread on me?"
What are the ethical conflicts for weapons suppliers and manufacturers?
What would Socrates and Karl Marx think about the state of American democracy?
When groups try to achieve goals, is it more important to be well organized or to have good leadership?
What's the source of addiction?
Does love beget hate?
9/1/05
Should online media be governed by the same rules as mainstream media?
Why are humans the only animal that blushes?
Is there a way to help families displaced by Katrina, I.E. take them into your home?
Is there a difference between a revolutionary and a terrorist?
Is Katrina a nickname for global warming?
top
8/18/05
One world, one people: Is there more that unites us than divides us?
Can what happened in Israel yesterday happen here in the U.S.?
What is ethics?
Is there any difference between a revolutionary and a terrorist?
Why do we treat political murderers differently than traditional murderers?
How do we balance the rights of society with the rights of individuals?
Does love beget hate?
Has our automobile culture contributed to our perception that society is classless?
8/11/05
Is our humanity defined by our conscience?
How should we balance the needs of individuals versus society?
Do we have a right to judge people?
Are commercial space endeavors going to eclipse governmental ones in the future?
Why don't American talk about social class?
In politics, does reason or emotion dominate and why?
Do more choice lead to better choices?
What makes a job worth doing?
Are assumptions about our origins beneficial?
8/4/05
Why don't Americans talk about social class?
What is appeasement?
Why do Americans talk about social class?
Is college a waste of time?
If we had the technology to change human nature, should we?
Should the two top vote receivers become President and Vice-President?
What is freedom?
How should we balance the needs of individuals versus the needs of a group or society?
Is the bliss of the redeemed heightened by the sufferings of the damned?
What are ethics and why aren't we paying attention to them?
top
7/28/05
Does having beliefs about life produce more good or bad?
Are corporations the new government?
Why don't Americans talk about social class?
Can America compete?
What is the difference between a terrorist and a revolutionary?
When is it okay to give up?
7/21/05
Under what circumstances, if any, is it acceptable to censor the arts?
Why don't Americans talk about social class?
Who created God?
Your life is precious, isn't everyone's?
Where is the center of the universe?
7/14/05
Why don't American talk about social class?
What is a meaningful life?
Is it feasible for the U.S. to convert to a 32-hour work week?
Why do bad things happen to good people?
Is understanding between generations decreasing?
When are brains more of a benefit to getting a job vs. physical appearance?
What is naturally conditioned in us from birth vs. what is imposed on us by society?
Your life is precious, why isn't mine?
7/7/05
Should parents embarrass their children in public?
Your life is precious, is mine?
How should we balance the needs of individuals against the needs of society?
Is "necessary evil" an oxymoron?
What is the difference between bad and evil?
Should parents be allowed to learn the gender of their child at 5 weeks of pregnancy?
Is technology dehumanizing society?
top
6/30/05
Is higher education a right or a privilege?
Your life is precious, why isn't mine?
What's the purpose of language?
"I can't": why are the words so hard to say?
What is reality?
Is automated policing fair?
Are we all on a common level or not?
6/23/05
Your life is precious, why isn’t mine?
Is there still loyalty?
What is the meaning of friendship?
Don’t we need a new format for electing the President, Vice President, etc.?
What did the American founding fathers mean by the phrase “don’t tread on me?”
Why don’t Americans talk about social class?
What determines intelligence?
Can we ever have a U.S. without institutional racism?
6/16/05
Is a customer always right?
Are we ruled by mechanical time or personal time?
How much is a human life worth?
Is the institution of marriage still needed?
Are we imprisoned by ideology?
Which is more important; the rights of individuals or the needs of society?
Will we always need totalizing narratives?
6/9/05
What does it mean to be true to oneself?
Is vanity selfishness?
Is idealism possible in modern society?
Is life precious?
What is hope?
Is the media necessary?
Is there a time when censorship is appropriate? If so when?
6/2/05
Should the Government solve the health care crisis?
Why don’t American talk about social class?
Can the intention be separated from the act?
Can we ever solve homelessness?
Which is worse – not voting or voting uninformed?
Does clothing have a purpose in warm weather?
top
5/26/05
Is universal peace possible?
Should we have to fake being happy if we are not?
Is it worth the effort to develop your own voice?
What’s the meaning of “The Little Engine That Could?”
Are expectations future disappointments planned out in advance?
What is respect? How can peace be found with different concepts of respect?
What are some of the depths of ignorance?
Why are we uncomfortable with the concept of women in combat?
5/19/05
What is the difference, in any, between religiousness and spirituality?
How do we decide to help someone or not?
Why don’t Americans talk about social class?
What is the future of the heart metaphor?
What is home?
Is individualism possible?
5/12/05
Is there a way to look at life without setting goals?
What does it mean to be organized?
What should be the purpose of prison and is that always the same as justice?
How should we deal with scarcity?
How should we deal with plentitude?
Should profit trump compassion?
What is the appeal of fantasy?
What should we do about not getting the real news in America?
Is there ever an appropriate use for censorship?
5/5/05
Other than here, in what ways may individuals relate to or express philosophy?
Does technology cause more problems than it solves?
Is the Nation-State obsolete?
Except for Buddhism, most of the major world religions believe in an anthropomorphic God; Is this blasphemy?
Do some people really want to be homeless and why?
Is music appreciation an innate or learned quality, or is music just organized noise?
Is there physical evidence for a metaphysical aspect in our world?
top
4/28/05
Do we control time or does time control us?
Intelligent Design or Evolution? Any evidence?
What do we as Americans fear the most?
Contrast innocence with ignorance.
Why are there so many dysfunctional families?
How does one love oneself?
Is it vanity to worry about how others think of you rather than how you think of yourself?
4/14/05
When is ok to be selfish?
What makes a question interesting and powerful?
Is it ever possible to quit something?
Is there a relative value to each of our lives?
What is a friend?
Which has caused more harm in history: wrong decisions or indecisions?
Should politicians make decisions based on conscience or consensus?
4/7/05
Why is Socrates Café so popular and what do we get out of it?
What is a game?
What constitutes personal identity?
What role does passion play in our lives and how does it effect our decisions?
Is there a reason for one religious belief to be over another?
Should a certain income level be made to donate to a charity of their choice?
top
3/31/05
Did God create humanity or did humanity create God?
Why should we believe Democracy is a good thing?
Is laughter more important than wisdom?
What is a fool?
Should politician make decisions based on conscience or consensus?
How much information is enough?
What is adulthood?
3/17/05
Why do we procrastinate?
What is the role of logic in society?
How does one love oneself?
Do we have the right to die?
What is living?
Should you be rude to people you don't know?
Is more wrong done by a wrong decision or an indecision?
Why are we in Iraq?
3/17/05
Does power corrupt?
What is the role of logic in society?
Is infidelity ever justified?
Is there any purpose for philosophy in contemporary society?
How much is enough?
What is luck?
What is a friend?
3/10/05
Is what we eat a political act?
What should students learn about history in High School and why?
Should we be allowed to censor professor political positions and opinions?
Who can you trust nowadays?
What’s more important for politicians: consensus or conscience?
How much is enough?
What is contentment?
3/3/05
What should students learn about history in public school and why?
What is a happy life?
Are leaders necessary when there are wise-men or mentors?
Has Political Correctness gone too far?
What does it mean to own your feelings?
Should teachers be allowed to share their personal view?
What really make the world go around?
top
2/24/05
What is the meaning of generosity?
What is security?
Will truth make us free?
What is truth?
Is there really a God?
What is the purpose of a nation?
What is a friend?
Is language adequate for ascertaining the truth?
Why are we our worst enemy?
2/16/05
Is geography destiny?
What is common ground regarding Abortion?
Where does nature end and technology begin?
What is character?
How do we set a priority?
Why don’t we laugh more?
Does biology override culture?
How does our language represent our culture?
What is a friend?
Why are we our worst enemy?
2/10/05
Can too much praise damage one’s psyche?
What is a friend?
Is geography destiny?
What is the difference between men and women and what are the social implications?
Is there anything wrong with cloning people?
In this chaotic world who is in charge?
What are Americans so angry with each other?
What is the value of an apology?
Is democracy a good thing?
2/3/05
When should belief trump reason?
Is there absolute truth?
Do people behave like sheep?
Can too much praise damage one’s psyche?
Does belief in being right justify a wrong?
Should we care if Spongebob is gay?
Does society commit suicide when individual responsibility is divorced from
individual freedom?
Who is in charge?
What is quality?
top
1/21/05
Is it more noble to affect change or leave undisturbed?
Is freedom possible without truth?
Is pessimism a creation of our short lifespan?
Which is the greater motivator; music or a gun?
Can social order be maintained without power?
Are we in control of our own destiny?
What is friendship?
Incentive.
1/13/05
Why?
Is geography destiny?
Why did the U.S. attack Iraq?
Is there a need for religion?
Where is God in the tsunami?
Does mankind keep repeating the same mistakes?
What is friendship?
When are actions evil?
What is ego?
1/6/05
Is there a benefit to sibling rivalry?
Is money worth the price?
Is there a shortage of doubt?
Should we be consistent?
What is intuition?
Where are the new jobs?
Is geography destiny?
Do we control our destiny?
Why are human beings predators?
To which question above is the answer yes and no?
top
12/26/04
Who are we to ourselves and what is our value?
How will Jesus save you?
Life if precious?
What is humility?
What is senility?
Why do we ignore our needs?
Are there responsibilities with freedom?
12/23/04
What color is better, Red or Blue?
Is the risk always worth the reward?
Is money worth the price?
Why do some people think they are better than others?
Are gifts (talents) given to the right people?
If life is unfair, why?
11/11/04
What does it mean to be spiritual and how do you measure it?
Why do we use the word “retarded” as slang?
What is courage?
Is there a shortage of doubt?
How/Why do we war?
Why do we procrastinate doing the things we want to do?
Are highway fatalities socially acceptable homicide?
11/4/04 - 3 years of questioning!
What is Community?
2/26/04
Knowing the imperfections of Democracy, if the majority is wrong, what mechanism should be used so the truth of minority could prevail?
What is the value of Socrates Café discussion?
What is a teacher?
What is enough?
Are Americans getting soft?
Should Minnesota reinstate the death penalty?
Was the war in Iraq justified?
10/30/03
Should government be able to immunize without consent?
Can this country be saved?
Is the middle-class disappearing?
Is there a mind-body dualism?
To what degree does language effect how we think?
Can a company that is focused on its employees’ health survive in this economy?
11/6/03 - Second Anniversary of question!
What is Community?
11/7/02 - First Anniversary of questioning!
What is Community?
11/1/01 First meeting of Ridgdale Socrates Cafe!
What is Community?
top
The following questions were never dated.
Because we are living longer, has that changed how we look at our lives?
How do you know it is the “right time”?
What is “social conscience”?
Why is the political divide evenly split?
Was the rise in the cost of oil planned?
Is using Prozac when you are not depressed cheating?
What does it mean to be true to yourself?
Can a weapon not be dangerous?
Are the citizens responsible for the actions of their government?
Can you simplify your wants and have a happier life?
What is forgiveness?
What is freedom of the press?
What is innocence?
How do you know who you are?
Which is the best way to control people: by fear or by love?
What are morals and where do they come from?
What makes people happy?
What is family?
How do we determine what we are willing to confide?
Does our sense of justice change like fashion?
What is America’s role in the world?
What is the States interest in family?
Are Cheney’s comments being used to scare us?
Should the 527’s be eliminated?
What are symptoms of fascism?
Will America turn socialist?
How can you well what is truth and what isn’t?
How do we deal with stereotyping and discrimination?
What are the hidden taxes?
Are traditional religions relevant in contemporary society?
Should sex, politics and religion be taboo in formal conversation?
What is boredom?
How can we tell who is dangerous?
How do we know if our perceptions are accurate?
Assuming the transfer of sovereignty in Iraq occurs, what will happen and how do we deal with it?
Who is fit to rule?
In a given argument, is it possible for more than one individual/group to be right?
Who has the right to say who can come into the U.S.?
In fighting terrorism, why is it that we attack the symptom and not the cause?
Does the state have an interest in family?
What is boredom?
What is innocence?
What is humility?
What are the differences between the two major political parties in the U.S.?
Is philosophical inquiry politically correct?
What is the common good?
Is free love free?
Is faith helpful or hurtful?
What is the state’s interest in marriage?
What is our responsibility to others?
Should brain implants be legal?
top
How can we help others when we haven’t finished helping our own?
Should “we” include everybody?
What is the difference between codependency and a healthy dependence on each other?
What is the state’s interest in marriage?
In a republic like ours (U.S.), can we actually create jobs here?
Should “we” include everybody?
Has mankind short-circuited evolution?
What is paradise?
Is the “goal” of life death?
Is federally funded exploitation legal?
What is abuse?
How do you acquire a taste for something?
Is the American dream still alive?
What is rich?
What is boredom?
Is guilt a means to teach values?
Is the use of anti-depressants by healthy people something that stunts their emotional growth?
Can you make a silk purse out of a sow’s ear?
What is the state’s interesting marriage?
How do we distinguish between discipline and abuse?
Is George Bush crying “wolf” when it comes to the war on terrorism?
What constitutes a full life?
When does the end justify the means?
Who serves organized religion?
Can we win the war on terrorism?
Do we control our own thoughts and emotions?
Where are the jobs?
Why isn’t healthcare free?
What is common sense?
What is the state’s interest in marriage?
What is meant by civil religion?
Why is everyone always looking for the next big thing?
Is God a woman?
Do people derive their dignity through work?
Could listening devices affect one spiritually?
What is the true nature of hypocrisy?
What makes a person wise?
What is a sensitive?
Can killing be justified?
What is the state’s interest in marriage?
What impact do lobbyists have in regards to getting laws passed?
What is morally repugnant?
How does a wise person deal with injustice?
Is there a shortage of doubt?
How do you erase a first impression?
Why do we procrastinate doing things we want to do?
Is health care a right?
Why do we get bored?
What is the purpose of the Electoral College?
Can we legislate morality?
Can consciousness inhabit inanimate objects?
Are profits good?
What is boredom?
Should we take care of people from other countries before we take care of our own?
top
Does fear motivate?
Is U.S. politics narcissistic?
What is intelligence?
What is fear?
What is the “states” interest in family?
Is there a point when question asking is harmful?
If you are wrong do you have to give the money back?
Is philosophical inquiry politically incorrect?
How do you ensure a fair election?
Is the only thing we have to fear, fear itself?
Is there strength in numbers?
How important is integrity?
Does “like” attract “like”?
How do we acquire tastes?
What is boredom?
Is creativity a multiple personality?
Does the uniform make the person?
Does a “logo” make a difference?
What is dishonesty?
What are the advantages or disadvantages to growing partisanships?
Why do “they” hate us?
Am I my sibling’s keeper?
Can politics and religion be kept separate?
Why do we get bored?
Is selfishness the greatest sin?
What is the meaning of contentment?
What is democracy?
Can we live without fear?
Does capitalism require unemployment?
What is forgiveness?
Are barriers (defenses) good in your life?
What is respect?
What are the differences between innocence and ignorance?
Do we need time?
What is the nature of time?
What does it take to move (sway) people?
Is Abu Ghraib a trickle down from the bush policy of preemptive war?
What’s the difference between being mad, angry and rageful?
Should we use our minds or hearts?
Where are the “new” jobs in America?
If life a pain/pleasure quotient?
Are we really bettor off since the sexual revolution?
Why are contractors (homebuilders) so arrogant?
Is it always better to know something?
Should we stimulate more exuberance in our lives?
Is non-violence a viable stance in a hostile world?
Is the world more hostile today?
Is it a lie to withhold the truth from someone who has a right to the information?
Are there noble lies and bad truths?
top
Why does this holiday season make people crabby?
What is exuberance?
Should we use our mind or our heart?
Do we really get our emotions from the heart?
Do we find contentment in passiveness or passion?
Are we responsible for everything that happens to us?
Party?
Why would a society engage in an activity that is detrimental to itself?
How do we know what is real?
Is a bad intent as punishable as a bad action?
What is the most widely recognized characteristic representative of the American people?
Is there a purpose for piety in contemporary society?
What does society do when it gets bored?
What goes around comes around.
To what extent are we in control of our emotions?
Why do “they” hate us?
Are we alone in the universe?
Is there a God?
Is loyalty dead in America?
How can we learn to more effectively integrate Socratic inquiry into our daily lives?
Is there such a thing as universal perfection?
Should social graces be adhered to when the truth is covered up?
If you are a Democrat, can you realistically work for the Republican Party?
Is there value in being moral in an amoral society?
What is meant by “level of abstraction”?
Who will guard the guards?
Are all opinions valid?
Do we need to free ourselves from conventional morality by power of intellect and will to achieve public success in contemporary society?
Is life a zero-sum game?
What is a friend?
Under what circumstances, if any, is it justifiable for nations or people to loosen or violate values?
Does the end justify the means?
What is war?
Why isn’t peace possible?
What is a hero?
What is the connection between art and politics?
What is peace?
What is child abuse?
Why are we sending aid to other countries instead of helping people here?
Can one hold two contradicting beliefs and accept both of them?
What is the connection between politics and art?
What is civil religion?
Are there any absolutes?
Is world peace possible or does human nature make war inevitable?
What can we do to engender long-term planning instead of short-term?
Where do dreams come from?
Can there be a victimless crime?
Whose evil is evil?
Should we live in the “now”?
What is “Minnesota nice”?
What is a “sentient” being?
What is it to live in the moment?
What is the method for dealing with terrorism?
Is murder always an act of free will?
Do we live in the midst of a new renaissance?
What is vision?
What should be the definition of hardship to allow us to not be on a jury?
Is the world a conversation?
Is life a zero-sum game?
Would the world be safer without men?
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What is the common good?
What is intuition and when should you follow it?
What is respect and who determines it?
What is reality?
What is a successful life?
To what extent are we free?
Why does the government suppress the existence of extra-terrestrials?
Is the mind in the brain or the brain in the mind?
What is the common good?
What is intelligence?
Is life a zero-sum game?
What does America stand for?
Why do we take care of others before taking care of our own?
What is beauty?
Do people really change?
What is the common order of nature?
What am I doing here?
What is success?
Is evil self-destructive?
Do the ends ever justify the means?
Is Santa Claus important and if so, why?
What is truth?
Is western style democracy outdated?
Does there remain a rift between science and the humanities?
What is the nature of self?
What does it mean to “know thy self”?
On difficult moral issues is there a middle ground?
Is man destined to destroy himself?
Are corporations killing Democracy?
Are our “representatives” representing us?
Can there be peace without war?
Is progress an illusion?
What is progress?
Is it possible to change someone’s mind?
Does Minnesota need the death penalty?
Does Minnesota need “Minnesota nice”?
How do we decide?
Should the government sponsor possibly detrimental research?
How do you distinguish between different shades of truth and lies?
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Why not develop a genetic code for terminal illness?
Is life a zero-sum game?
What is compassion? Is it necessary?
Is being nice necessary?
Why do “they” hate us?
Is it possible to get rid of the two-party system in the U.S.?
What is home?
What is fair?
What is nature?
Does anger serve a purpose?
What is egalitarian?
How do we give what we receive from others?
What is the purpose of prayer?
Are public schools forums or institutions?
What is “Minnesota nice”?
What is common sense?
When is honesty beneficial?
What is personal identity?
Is luck real?
What is consciousness?
What are the ethics of Marketing?
Why do we worry?
Is fantasy dangerous?
Why do we fear?
Is inequality desirable?
Does (in) equality exist?
What does it mean to exist?
Is normality a desirable goal?
Are rules meant to be broken?
Should politics be a popularity contest?
What is a meaningless question?
Does the Government suppress the truth?
What is intuition?
Is fear the opposite of love?
Does war make unethical things ethical?
Can a killing be justified?
Where does original thought come from?
Have all thoughts been thought?
Can the U.S. overcome its fear?
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What is responsibility?
What is beauty?
Can freedom be universal?
Can democracy bring economic prosperity?
Why does philanthropy exist?
What is man’s destiny?
What is the next big thing?
Can you intentionally corrupt someone?
Should an unjust law be obeyed?
Does being responsible lead to a good life?
What is the difference between heroism and stupidity?
What is truth?
What do we mean by the statement “the unexamined life is not worth living”?
What is normal?
Can you teach to the one and teach to the many?
Is there a reason to be fair?
Does everything have an opposite or inverse?
Is Eugenics good or bad?
Could politics exist without influence from the economy?
Is harassment of women relevant to the selection of a candidate?
Can prisoners/convicts truly be rehabilitated?
Is the price really the best way to choose things?
When should children be tried as adults?
Are the social sciences really science?
How free are we?
Are competition and compromise mutually exclusive?
Is Democracy bankrupt/dead/outmoded?
Is deceit useful?
How should we choose the best qualified candidates for political office?
Is capitalism fatally flawed?
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Is it good to be proud?
What is beauty?
What is privacy?
What is capitalism?
Should U.S. citizenship convey privileges?
Is inequality desirable?
Has affirmative action served its purpose?
Can a rational action be insane?
What is imperialism?
Will history treat us well for invading Iraq?
What is history?
What is leadership?
What is the purpose of philosophy?
What does it mean to be an individual?
Should a true Democracy suppress information?
What is fair?
Are American workers pricing themselves out of the market?
What is the meaning of victory?
Is reality being replaced by “virtual” or “synthetic” reality?
What does it mean to be subversive?
How blessed are the poor?
What is success?
How important are male role models?
Is voting a rational or emotional decision?
Are Al Qaeda and Neo-conservatives co-dependant?
Is there a mind-body dualism?
Why do we laugh?
What is friendship?
What does it mean to have faith?
What is the difference between faith and belief?
What would it mean to live with honor?
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What does it mean to need something?
What does it mean to be true to yourself?
What is chaos?
Why should I do the right thing?
How would an honorable person live?
What is wisdom?
Is gravity good?
Should we have a re-distribution of wealth?
What does it mean to be subversive?
Is Minnesota becoming un-nice?
Should there be a suppression of technological information in the press/media?
Do we have free will?
Is something natural “better” then something man-made?
What is “post-modern”?
Is it better to have the glass half full or half empty?
What is the purpose of monogamy?
What is fair?
What is love?
During war, can immoral things become moral?
Should government operations be funded secretly?
Is telling a lie ethical if it is done to make an unjust law fair?
When does passion become insanity?
Where does original thought come from?
Do labor savings devices save labor?
Why don’t labor saving devices seem to decrease workload?
What is justice?
Which is better, power or influence?
What is real (reality)?
What does appropriate mean?
What is security?
Why do we feel the need to fool ourselves?
What does it mean to be subversive?
Is there a place in contemporary American society for trade unions?
Why is the general public so easily manipulated?
Do we have a free press?
What does it mean to be a liberal?
Is there too much priority put on death in the U.S. in comparison to current world events?
How should we understand September 11th 2001?
What is the difference between a terrorist and a freedom fighter?
What do we need to know about the gang activity in Minneapolis?
What is evil?
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What have we learned from September 11th, 2001?
When is it time to stop medical intervention to maintain life?
Who decides when medical treatment should stop?
Is France becoming our enemy?
Do unhealthy emotions exist?
If it is not in the constitution, can a “law” be legal?
What makes an illegal drug legitimate?
How do you define a good education?
How should we educate our young?
Is an unexamined life truly not worth living?
What’s the connection between passion and purpose?
Is science a religion?
Can you be patriotic and un-American at the same time?
What is real?
Do all religions lead to the same place?
What determines good and evil?
What is the meaning of death?
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