Open to Debate

Motion: Bitcoin is More Than a Bubble and Here to Stay.Is Bitcoin here to stay, or is it a bubble waiting to pop? Less than a decade old, Bitcoin is worth billions. The cryptocurrency promises to revolutionize global finance by placing control of currency in the hands of users, not nations, and make financial exchanges more transparent, efficient, and democratic. And it seems to be taking hold: Earlier this year both the Cboe and CME debuted Bitcoin futures. But is Bitcoin really a safe bet? Proponents say the hype around the cryptocurrency is warranted, and previous critics – including executives at JPMorgan and Goldman Sachs – are increasingly jumping on the Bitcoin (block)train. On the other hand, skeptics suggest this highly volatile digital currency offers a platform for illicit activity, including money laundering and trafficking of humans and drugs, free from government oversight and regulation. And, they argue, Bitcoin has no intrinsic value – the price is based on market enthusiasm rather than actual utility. This debate is presented in partnership with the Adam Smith Society. The Adam Smith Society — a project of the Manhattan Institute — is an expansive, chapter-based network of MBA students, professionals, and business leaders who work to foster debate about the moral, social, and economic benefits of capitalism. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Discover the heated debate on whether to preserve net neutrality, with arguments for equal data treatment and against ISP control. Explore the impact on competition, innovation, and consumer choice. Unveil the debate results and insights on upcoming events in the telecommunications industry.

Michael Shermer and Heather Berlin argue that as humans evolve, the need for God diminishes, citing scientific progress and societal understanding. Deepak Chopra and Anoop Kumar counter with the importance of God for morality and meaning. The debate delves into consciousness, moral values, and societal evolution, challenging traditional beliefs and emphasizing the role of science and reason in shaping human understanding.

Motion: Humanitarian Intervention Does More Harm than Good.The international community currently faces a global refugee crisis and mass atrocities in Iraq, Myanmar, Syria, Yemen, and beyond. How should the West respond? Proponents of humanitarian intervention – the use of force to halt human rights abuses – argue that the world’s most powerful militaries have a responsibility to protect innocent civilians around the world. Beyond saving lives, they argue, intervention deters would-be abusers and ensures global stability, thereby strengthening the liberal world order. But opponents argue that military intervention is thinly veiled Western imperialism, and subsequently, an assault on state sovereignty. And, it’s ineffective: the West, with its military might, increases the death toll and worsens the conflicts it sets out to solve. Further, given recent waves of populism in the U.S., France, and U.K., they suggest that Western nations should spend their time looking inward rather than policing activity around the world. This debate is presented in partnership with The German Marshall Fund's Brussels Forum, broadcast live from Brussels, Belgium.The More We Evolve, The Less We Need God: http://smarturl.it/ReligionDebateTix Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Motion: Swipe Left: Dating Apps Have Killed RomanceEvery day millions of people turn to dating apps to find love. To date, more than 49 million Americans have given digital dating a try and the companies facilitating these matches are raking in billions. But are dating apps really designed to promote long-lasting romance? Apps like Tinder and Bumble make finding a date as easy as swiping right, while digital platforms like Match.com and OkCupid use specialized algorithms to help users find the perfect partner, regardless of age or personal preferences. Further, a range of niche sites connect people with highly specific interests, whether it’s single parenthood, a gluten-free lifestyle, or a devotion to Ayn Rand. But some argue that online dating is rife with sexism, racism, and misogyny, and that dating apps ultimately create a culture that prioritizes sex over committed and lasting love. After all, why settle on one match when there may be someone better just a swipe away?  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The Three Motions: Is deregulation driving the booming economy? Can the Republican tax bill spur economic growth? And is the stock market too high? By most accounts, the American economy is booming — manufacturing is at a 13-year high, unemployment is at a 16-year low, and both the stock market and consumer confidence are soaring. But just what is driving this upturn? And can Americans trust that current economic conditions will hold up in the months ahead? In our season premiere, five esteemed economic thinkers debate the state of the American economy, from tax cuts to trade policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Debate on whether liberals have the moral high ground compared to conservatives, discussing values like patriotism, fairness, and caring for the marginalized. Panelists explore the moral implications of political decisions and the evolving societal norms around marriage. Examining the balance between liberalism and conservatism in education policy and addressing socioeconomic inequities through targeted programs and systemic racism. Participants delve into the complexity of morality in political discourse and emphasize the importance of engaging with different viewpoints.

John Donvan sits down with Ken Stern, the former CEO of NPR, to discuss America's partisan politics and how to talk across the aisle -- and your Thanksgiving table. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Motion: Pay College AthletesCollege sports is a big-money business, with football and basketball programs generating millions of dollars in revenue every year. While coaches and athletic directors in Division I programs routinely score seven-figure contracts, student-athletes are currently prohibited from sharing in the profits. Is it time to rewrite the rules in college sports and allow athletes their fair share of the profits? Or would providing monetary incentives -- above and beyond existing scholarships and career supports -- spoil the sport? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Experts debate the risks to Western democracy, exploring themes like belief in truth, accountability, and the resilience of democratic systems. Parallels are drawn between Hitler's rise and current politics, highlighting the need for proactive measures to safeguard democracy. The debate delves into challenges like corrupt institutions, bad politicians, and the impact of authoritarian leaders on democracy's stability.