# Great Debates **URL:** https://boards.straightdope.com/c/great-debates/13.md?page=349 [Latest](https://boards.straightdope.com/latest.md) · [Categories](https://boards.straightdope.com/categories.md) · [Tags](https://boards.straightdope.com/tags.md) **Page:** 350 --- ## [Match-Evil! Machiavelli / The Prince](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/match-evil-machiavelli-the-prince/607653)
**Author:** [@smiling\_bandit](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/smiling_bandit)\ **Replies:** 28\ **Last updated:** [December 31, 2011, 1:33am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/match-evil-machiavelli-the-prince/607653 "2011-12-31T01:33:25Z")
I like Machiavelli, and I’ve been thinking about making a hefty post about it. However, I thought the better of it, and decided to make a much more open thread. I love reading the Prince, and have been trying to get arou… --- ## [Does the US foreign policy operate on Hobbesian theory?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/does-the-us-foreign-policy-operate-on-hobbesian-theory/607263)
**Author:** [@even\_sven](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/even_sven)\ **Replies:** 26\ **Last updated:** [December 31, 2011, 12:51am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/does-the-us-foreign-policy-operate-on-hobbesian-theory/607263 "2011-12-31T00:51:45Z")
I was reading Pinker’s Better Angels of our Nature, where he talked quite a bit about a mix of Hobbesian philosophy and game theory. Basically, the idea goes, when you are competing for resources, the safest approach is … --- ## [Knee-Jerk Atheist?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/knee-jerk-atheist/604851)
**Author:** [@SiXSwordS](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/SiXSwordS)\ **Replies:** 65\ **Last updated:** [December 30, 2011, 3:21pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/knee-jerk-atheist/604851 "2011-12-30T15:21:45Z")
In the God Revisited column, Cecil says: Most of the atheists I know have a very considered opinion, and while they tend to be argumentative, they also tend to have well constructed arguments. In short, calling someon… --- ## [Common Misconceptions about Science](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/common-misconceptions-about-science/607634)
**Author:** [@Great\_Antibob](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Great_Antibob)\ **Replies:** 50\ **Last updated:** [December 30, 2011, 2:00pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/common-misconceptions-about-science/607634 "2011-12-30T14:00:24Z")
Because I’d like to see how this turns out, I’ll start a new thread based on this post: I’m not quite ready to jump into this poorly argued quagmire, but I’d love to see the bloodbath…er debate on this one. --- ## [What would Jesus think about all the adulation?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-would-jesus-think-about-all-the-adulation/607508)
**Author:** [@Stan\_Shmenge](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Stan_Shmenge)\ **Replies:** 188\ **Last updated:** [December 30, 2011, 12:28pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-would-jesus-think-about-all-the-adulation/607508 "2011-12-30T12:28:53Z")
It seems to me that certain types of Christians have an unhealthy level of hero worship for Jesus. Jesus came to earth to preach the gospel of love and kindness and forgiveness. I have the feeling that were he to confron… --- ## [Kim Jong-il Is Dead](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/kim-jong-il-is-dead/606705)
**Author:** [@Siam\_Sam](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Siam_Sam)\ **Replies:** 259\ **Last updated:** [December 30, 2011, 12:26am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/kim-jong-il-is-dead/606705 "2011-12-30T00:26:51Z")
BBC is reporting that North Korea’s Kim Jong-il has died! From “physical and mental overwork,” according to state television. Announced moments ago. Died on Saturday morning. --- ## [Why is the Israeli party system so fractured?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-is-the-israeli-party-system-so-fractured/607481)
**Author:** [@No\_Wikipedia\_Cites](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/No_Wikipedia_Cites)\ **Replies:** 25\ **Last updated:** [December 29, 2011, 11:08pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-is-the-israeli-party-system-so-fractured/607481 "2011-12-29T23:08:35Z")
Looking at the current makeup of the Knesset, there are 18 parties represented in only 120 seats. Even the largest party has barely more than 1/5 of the seats. I know that the Israeli system allows for multiparty lists … --- ## [Cod fishery closing?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/cod-fishery-closing/607746)
**Author:** [@MikeF](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/MikeF)\ **Replies:** 2\ **Last updated:** [December 29, 2011, 8:50pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/cod-fishery-closing/607746 "2011-12-29T20:50:26Z")
What’s the SD on the cod stocks? First NMFS says they are ok and then they say they are on the brink of collapse. The fishermen say the fishing is the best in recent memory and that one of the studies has to be wrong. Wh… --- ## [Should Republicans restrict fake candidates from participating in the debates/primary ballots?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/should-republicans-restrict-fake-candidates-from-participating-in-the-debates-primary-ballots/606926)
**Author:** [@Condescending\_Robot](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Condescending_Robot)\ **Replies:** 8\ **Last updated:** [December 29, 2011, 7:45pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/should-republicans-restrict-fake-candidates-from-participating-in-the-debates-primary-ballots/606926 "2011-12-29T19:45:26Z")
Recently, old-line Republican mainstream commentator George Will acknowledged the elephant in the room: Herman Cain had no intention of being nominated for President. He did not do the state-by-state organizational wo… --- ## [Former lovers of undercover officers sue police over deceit (UK)](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/former-lovers-of-undercover-officers-sue-police-over-deceit-uk/606545)
**Author:** [@Whack-a-Mole](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Whack-a-Mole)\ **Replies:** 44\ **Last updated:** [December 29, 2011, 7:41pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/former-lovers-of-undercover-officers-sue-police-over-deceit-uk/606545 "2011-12-29T19:41:27Z")
I saw this article (thread title is the same as the article) and thought it raised some interesting questions worthy of debate. (from link above) Granted this is in the UK but I think the questions raised apply equall… --- ## [Facts cannot compete with lies](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/facts-cannot-compete-with-lies/607377)
**Author:** [@kaltkalt](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/kaltkalt)\ **Replies:** 72\ **Last updated:** [December 29, 2011, 2:45pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/facts-cannot-compete-with-lies/607377 "2011-12-29T14:45:01Z")
I’ve concluded that facts, the objective truth, has no chance against lies. “The truth is on my side so I will ultimately be victorious” is an antiquated idea and I’m not sure if it ever had any merit, but in the age of… --- ## [Does Ron Paul's example refute libertarianism?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/does-ron-pauls-example-refute-libertarianism/607216)
**Author:** [@Truman\_Burbank](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Truman_Burbank)\ **Replies:** 55\ **Last updated:** [December 29, 2011, 2:37pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/does-ron-pauls-example-refute-libertarianism/607216 "2011-12-29T14:37:29Z")
The issue being the racism and other alleged troublesome content of the various newsletters published under his name, and his response to confrontation. A pretty good summary of the issue here: I’m trying to imagine Ho… --- ## [Would Holodeck Crimes be Immoral?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/would-holodeck-crimes-be-immoral/606927)
**Author:** [@drastic\_quench](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/drastic_quench)\ **Replies:** 81\ **Last updated:** [December 29, 2011, 12:32am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/would-holodeck-crimes-be-immoral/606927 "2011-12-29T00:32:48Z")
In a holodeck, or any other VR setup that is indistinguishable from reality, are heinous crimes like murder, rape, et al immoral? If you’re the only real person in the room, no one is hurt, but would these debauched act… --- ## [Progressives Unhappy With Politifact's Biggest Lie of 2011](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/progressives-unhappy-with-politifacts-biggest-lie-of-2011/606984)
**Author:** [@Bricker](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Bricker)\ **Replies:** 74\ **Last updated:** [December 28, 2011, 11:46pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/progressives-unhappy-with-politifacts-biggest-lie-of-2011/606984 "2011-12-28T23:46:06Z")
Paul Krugman’s conscience is shocked by the fact that Politifact, known for their ratings of various statements by politicians from True to Half True to False to Pants-on-Fire, has selected as their “Lie of the Year,” th… --- ## [What counts as a 'sin'?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-counts-as-a-sin/605991)
**Author:** [@SDMBKL](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/SDMBKL)\ **Replies:** 96\ **Last updated:** [December 28, 2011, 3:38pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-counts-as-a-sin/605991 "2011-12-28T15:38:38Z")
What counts as a ‘sin’? I know that sin is synonymous with ‘bad’, but can anyone specify that? What is ‘bad’? Bad for one’s health? Bad for one’s social relationships? Bad for one’s spiritual relationships? Bad for one’s… --- ## [Specific abortion debate: when moms become pregnant at a later, better time.](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/specific-abortion-debate-when-moms-become-pregnant-at-a-later-better-time/607174)
**Author:** [@Maastricht](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Maastricht)\ **Replies:** 76\ **Last updated:** [December 28, 2011, 6:49am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/specific-abortion-debate-when-moms-become-pregnant-at-a-later-better-time/607174 "2011-12-28T06:49:19Z")
I’d like to discuss a specific topic I have tossed about in one of the myriad earlier abortion threads, but it was never picked up. And that is, that most women will have a limited number of children in their life. If t… --- ## [Shared Sacrifice](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/shared-sacrifice/606158)
**Author:** [@What\_the](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/What_the)\ **Replies:** 13\ **Last updated:** [December 28, 2011, 2:34am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/shared-sacrifice/606158 "2011-12-28T02:34:36Z")
Who coined the phrase and what exactly is the sacrifice that others are supposed to share in? --- ## [Christians, Muslims, & Jews: do adherents of the other faiths worship the same God that you do?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/christians-muslims-jews-do-adherents-of-the-other-faiths-worship-the-same-god-that-you-do/607000)
**Author:** [@Skald\_the\_Rhymer](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Skald_the_Rhymer)\ **Replies:** 112\ **Last updated:** [December 28, 2011, 2:31am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/christians-muslims-jews-do-adherents-of-the-other-faiths-worship-the-same-god-that-you-do/607000 "2011-12-28T02:31:13Z")
If not, what is the difference? If so, what makes your faith’s interpretation of that deity superior (if it is) to the other two? I’m not aiming to prove or disprove any thesis here. I just want to hear (well, read) wh… --- ## [Cruelty to animals is actually more taboo than cruelty to people](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/cruelty-to-animals-is-actually-more-taboo-than-cruelty-to-people/607467)
**Author:** [@Argent\_Towers](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Argent_Towers)\ **Replies:** 28\ **Last updated:** [December 28, 2011, 1:35am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/cruelty-to-animals-is-actually-more-taboo-than-cruelty-to-people/607467 "2011-12-28T01:35:28Z")
I just realized this today. When I say taboo, I’m not talking about legal consequences, I’m talking about cultural acceptability. If you injure or kill a human being, the punishment will be much more severe than if you … --- ## [Explain Ireland from 1922 to about 1990](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/explain-ireland-from-1922-to-about-1990/606005)
**Author:** [@AK84](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/AK84)\ **Replies:** 26\ **Last updated:** [December 27, 2011, 7:27pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/explain-ireland-from-1922-to-about-1990/606005 "2011-12-27T19:27:12Z")
I am sure that one of our Irish dopers could explain,but as someone with a life long interest in the emerald isle,I have always found many acts and decisions of the Republic and incomprehensible. Social conservatism seem… --- ## [Arab Spring for Dummies ...](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/arab-spring-for-dummies/607077)
**Author:** [@What\_the](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/What_the)\ **Replies:** 12\ **Last updated:** [December 27, 2011, 6:08pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/arab-spring-for-dummies/607077 "2011-12-27T18:08:01Z")
… like me. Most (but not only) specifically to how the west has reacted to each. Iran… does it count? Not sure whether it was on Bush’s or Obama’s watch. Being the first uprising it was unique but you can also compar… --- ## [U.S. Exports more oil than it imports. Why OPEC oil?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/u-s-exports-more-oil-than-it-imports-why-opec-oil/606958)
**Author:** [@smsaks2000](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/smsaks2000)\ **Replies:** 17\ **Last updated:** [December 27, 2011, 5:17pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/u-s-exports-more-oil-than-it-imports-why-opec-oil/606958 "2011-12-27T17:17:06Z")
I hope this is in the right forum, I’m thinking this will turn into a Great Debate. If I’m incorrect, please move topic and accept my apologies. I heard on a radio news broadcast 2 weeks ago that for the first time this… --- ## [Omni-benevolent, Omnipotent, and Omniscient](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/omni-benevolent-omnipotent-and-omniscient/571346)
**Author:** [@JimNightshade](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/JimNightshade)\ **Replies:** 81\ **Last updated:** [December 27, 2011, 6:26am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/omni-benevolent-omnipotent-and-omniscient/571346 "2011-12-27T06:26:56Z")
Hallo, First off, I guess I must be described as a Christian, at least that would be my cultural background. As a matter of fact though – I have never practised religion, it plays no part in my life, nor my family. I … --- ## [The Keystone XL fails; Legalize pot for jobs instead](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-keystone-xl-fails-legalize-pot-for-jobs-instead/607050)
**Author:** [@Try2B\_Comprehensive](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Try2B_Comprehensive)\ **Replies:** 36\ **Last updated:** [December 27, 2011, 1:15am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-keystone-xl-fails-legalize-pot-for-jobs-instead/607050 "2011-12-27T01:15:47Z")
The Keystone XL issue opens a window into today’s political reality. Republicans agree we ought to cut the payroll tax. Democrats are promoting it. I’m not so sure it is such a great idea but having no input into the di… --- ## [How did prohibition get approved in the drunkest place on Earth?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-did-prohibition-get-approved-in-the-drunkest-place-on-earth/601137)
**Author:** [@pkbites](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/pkbites)\ **Replies:** 57\ **Last updated:** [December 27, 2011, 12:25am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-did-prohibition-get-approved-in-the-drunkest-place-on-earth/601137 "2011-12-27T00:25:37Z")
I know it’s hard to gauge mindset from almost 100 years ago. Like trying to figure out WTF people were thinking 200 years ago about slavery being okay. Wisconsin specifically. We’re mostly descendants of beer swilling G… --- ## [Help me out here: the House Republicans voted in favour of raising payroll taxes?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/help-me-out-here-the-house-republicans-voted-in-favour-of-raising-payroll-taxes/607220)
**Author:** [@Northern\_Piper](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Northern_Piper)\ **Replies:** 43\ **Last updated:** [December 25, 2011, 11:04pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/help-me-out-here-the-house-republicans-voted-in-favour-of-raising-payroll-taxes/607220 "2011-12-25T23:04:54Z")
I’m not following this at all. First, what are the “payroll taxes” I’m seeing mentioned in the news? Second, why did the House Republicans vote against extending the existing tax holiday, which would have raised payrol… --- ## [Mormons and their \[reputed\] Lies](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/mormons-and-their-reputed-lies/604525)
**Author:** [@corlet](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/corlet)\ **Replies:** 196\ **Last updated:** [December 25, 2011, 9:29pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/mormons-and-their-reputed-lies/604525 "2011-12-25T21:29:51Z")
A seemingly intelligent friend insists that a. those young Mormons proselytizers who come knocking on your door are told to lie about their faith and anything else in order to convert you, and b., that Mormons are not Ch… --- ## [Ndaa s1867](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ndaa-s1867/607375)
**Author:** [@koufax](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/koufax)\ **Replies:** 2\ **Last updated:** [December 25, 2011, 8:23pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ndaa-s1867/607375 "2011-12-25T20:23:12Z")
Can anyone explain this to me. Has Obama signed this bill yet and does it, IN FACT, allow American citizens to be detained indefinitely without due process? If there is already a thread on this subject, I apologize. (… --- ## [Does the world depend on the United States for security?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/does-the-world-depend-on-the-united-states-for-security/606986)
**Author:** [@Cat\_Whisperer](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Cat_Whisperer)\ **Replies:** 77\ **Last updated:** [December 25, 2011, 7:10pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/does-the-world-depend-on-the-united-states-for-security/606986 "2011-12-25T19:10:25Z")
I heard someone saying this on tv this morning, and it didn’t sound quite right to me. Does the world actually depend on the United States for security, or would the world prefer it if the United States went home and sta… --- ## [Is evolutionary psychology a pseudoscience?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-evolutionary-psychology-a-pseudoscience/604873)
**Author:** [@Scathach](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Scathach)\ **Replies:** 309\ **Last updated:** [December 24, 2011, 5:04pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-evolutionary-psychology-a-pseudoscience/604873 "2011-12-24T17:04:49Z")
Question as in title really. This may or may not be more suited to General Questions but it’s pretty debate worthy I think. I was reading a thread about feminism on a different board, and some people mentioned how evolu… [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/c/great-debates/13.md?page=348) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/c/great-debates/13.md?page=350)