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Open to Debate

Latest episodes

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Jun 14, 2019 • 52min

#153 - Is Social Media Good for Democracy?

A decade ago, Facebook and Twitter promised a digital revolution that would bolster democratic values and empower users around the world. Did that work out? In this episode, we take a look back at one of our most important debates to date. Join four leading thinkers in tech, policy, and media for spirited and timely debate on the motion, "Social Media Is Good For Democracy."Cast your vote on the motion at iq2us.org Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
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May 31, 2019 • 55min

#126 - Should the U.S. Give Undocumented Immigrants a Path to Citizenship?

There are an estimated 11 million undocumented immigrants living in the United States today. In a divided and contentious political climate where immigration is a key issue for voters across the ideological spectrum, what should happen to these individuals? This episode, we take a look back at our debate on the motion, "Give Undocumented Immigrants a Path to Citizenship."  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
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May 17, 2019 • 54min

#134 - Is Universal Basic Income the Safety Net of the Future?

Presidential contender Andrew Yang wants to give every American a monthly check from the government, just to cover the basics. And he's not alone. Business leaders, particularly those in Silicon Valley, and some Democratic politicians are warming up to the idea of a universal basic income as a means to offset the impacts of automation in the workforce. In this episode, we take a look back at our debate on the motion, "The Universal Basic Income Is the Safety Net of the Future."Receive your free 7-day trial at blinkist.com/debate Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
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May 3, 2019 • 53min

#167 - Should Scientists Dim the Sun?

Right now, climate engineers are working on new technologies that would reflect the sun’s rays away from earth. For some, it’s a bold new plan to combat climate change. For others, it's a dangerous attempt to meddle with Mother Nature. Join four leading climate scientists for a debate on the motion, “Engineering Solar Radiation Is a Crazy Idea.” Learn more about Intelligence Squared U.S. and cast your vote to decide the winner at IQ2US.org.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
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Apr 19, 2019 • 53min

#166 - All Hail the Driverless Car?

What if the next car you buy or taxi you hail drives itself? Join four leaders in autonomous vehicles for a timely debate on whether society should embrace driverless cars or approach these new, controversial vehicles with caution. Learn more about Intelligence Squared U.S. and cast your vote to decide the winner at IQ2US.org.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
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Apr 5, 2019 • 55min

#165 - Should the Republican Party Re-Nominate Trump?

Former Senator Jeff Flake and the New York Times’ Bret Stephens team up to argue the motion, “The Republican Party Should Not Re-Nominate Trump.” They face Kris Kobach, a former Trump advisor and former Kansas Secretary of State, and Fox New’s Liz Peek, who are rooting for Trump 2020.Learn more about Intelligence Squared U.S. and cast your vote to decide the winner at IQ2US.org. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
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Mar 29, 2019 • 53min

IQ2 Interview: Should You Love Your Enemies?

Best-selling author Arthur Brooks discusses the importance of shifting the culture of contempt in American politics by encouraging constructive dialogue. Topics include combating contempt, evolving views on safety net policies, addressing attitudes towards slavery, human interactions, emotions, de-platforming on college campuses, and the importance of rules in discourse and debates.
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Mar 22, 2019 • 54min

#164 - Can Constitutional Free Speech Principles Save Social Media Companies From Themselves?

With David French, Corynne McSherry, Nathaniel Persily, and Marietje SchaakeHow should the world's largest social media companies respond to a pernicious online climate, including hate speech and false content posted by users? For some, the answer is clear: Take the fake and offensive content down. But for others, censorship - even by a private company - is dangerous in a time when digital platforms have become the new public square and many Americans cite Facebook and Twitter as their primary news sources. Rather than embracing European hate speech laws or developing platform-specific community standards that are sometimes seen as partisan, they argue, social media companies should voluntarily adopt the First Amendment and block content only if it violates American law. Should First Amendment doctrine govern free speech online? Or are new, more internationally focused speech policies better equipped to handle the modern challenges of regulating content and speech in the digital era?  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
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Mar 8, 2019 • 53min

#163 - Unresolved: The Techonomic Cold War With China

With Ian Bremmer, Michèle Flournoy, Yasheng Huang, Parag Khanna, and Susan ThorntonPresident Xi Jinping has made it clear: When it comes to big data, advanced weaponry, and other innovations in tech and AI, China has plans to surpass the United States as the world’s next techonomic superpower. But between the trade war with the U.S., the ambitious Belt and Road Initiative, and an array of domestic challenges, are China’s goals outpacing its capacity? Or is China building and investing in strategic partnerships that will push the country toward global dominance? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
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Feb 15, 2019 • 54min

Special Release: Can AI Change Your Mind?

World-class debater Harish Natarajan faces off against IBM's Project Debater in a debate on preschool subsidies, with topics including the benefits of preschool investments, the role of subsidies in society, and the challenges of AI-human debates. The episode showcases the AI's ability to present arguments while emphasizing the importance of critical thinking and respectful discussions.

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