Open to Debate

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

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

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.

The podcast debates the ethical and scientific aspects of bringing back extinct creatures, discussing benefits like ecosystem restoration and genetic manipulation concerns. It explores the challenges of reviving extinct species, including environmental impact, financial costs, and ethical dilemmas. Speakers highlight the importance of balancing scientific progress with moral and ecological considerations for preserving biodiversity.

Debaters discuss if the global financial system is safer post 2008 crisis. Topics cover regulatory measures, bank capital, opaque derivatives, international cooperation challenges, and evolving risks like cybersecurity threats.

Announcing our new season! This winter, we’re taking on new issues, including the state of the global financial system, whether we should try to bring extinct creatures back to life, and whether we’re in a techonomic cold war with China. Our debates will feature leading thinkers like Michele Flournoy, Neel Kashkari, Parag Khanna, Stewart Brand, George Church, Jason Furman, Gillian Tett, Ian Bremmer, and more. To get your tickets, visit IQ2US.org/buy-tickets or text “IQ2” to 79-79-79. To join our Friends Program, visit IQ2US.org/support-us.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

MOTION: Don't Eat Anything with a FaceFrom the Archive: Are humans meant to be carnivores? Revisit our debate featuring “21-Day Weight Loss Kickstart” author Neal Barnard, Farm Sanctuary co-founder Gene Baur, nutritional scientist Chris Masterjohn, and farmer and author Joel Salatin.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

MOTION: Smart Technology is Making us Dumb.Smart technology grants us unprecedented, immediate access to knowledge and to each other -- a ubiquitous and seamless presence in everyday life. But is there a downside to all of this connectivity? It’s been said that smart technology creates dependency on devices, narrows our world to echo chambers, and impairs cognitive skills through shortcuts and distraction. Are these concerns an overstatement of the negative effects of high-tech consumption? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Explore the contentious debate on whether Silicon Valley has lost its soul, with arguments for and against its ethical integrity and values. Dive into discussions on privacy violations, flawed business models, diversity issues, and the impact of tech advancements on society. Discover how the tech hub's evolution has raised questions about its commitment to doing good versus prioritizing profits, sparking a debate on the industry's moral compass and cultural impact.

Last year, our host John Donvan sat down with Ken Stern, the former National Public Radio CEO, to discuss his book "Republican Like Me: How I Left the Liberal Bubble and Learned to Love the Right, " which chronicles this lifelong liberal's journey through conservative communities and ideas. Ken sat in on Steve Bannon’s radio show, rallied with the Tea Party, spent Sundays in evangelical churches, and went boar hunting in Texas. The result? A new respect for the conservatives he once demonized and optimism for the state of American partisan politics. Join our host and moderator in revisiting this conversation a year later.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices