2debate

Today's episode is about the future of humankind and talks about something that is actually already happening. Biohackers everywhere build their own labs and start experimenting with new technologies like genetic engineering. Too dangerous or a huge chance? In the end it comes down to a question of risks... This motion has been suggested by Giovanni and Agatha from UCL. We discussed with them as well and added that conversation as bonus to this debate.

If you haven't been living under a rock you very likely heard of bitcoin. This so called cryptocurrency is based on a technology called block chain and many claim that this is a revolution for computing and society. In our 53rd episode we debate this very question and wonder if it is really that special...

We decided to debate this motion in 2d45 - Cameras increase security when Dirk shared the observation that you can find Graffiti in Singapore despite omnipresent surveillance and laws that allow to receive a beating if you're caught. So our debate then circles around the questions what Graffiti really could be if not vandalism and if one categorization trumps the other.

"Copy humans?!", you ask? - Indeed we debated a rather futuristic scenario today. What happens once we developed the technology to copy the human mind or maybe even the entire body? Should we allow humans to copy themselves? Would it be ok to have a digital copy of oneself active?

Getting grades in school seem to be one of those constants in life and a given... until you challenge the idea. Today we will challenge it. Sebastian is against grading students whereas Dirk makes a case for it.

Ever used an online dating app? What if I told you that a significant number of profiles in these are actually not real but bots or employees of agencies that get paid for interacting with customers? Would you consider that unethical? And if so: Would it change your view to learn that this may even increase the number of "real" interactions in the long run?  Let's have a debate!

Ever used an online dating app? What if I told you that a significant number of profiles in these are actually not real but bots or employees of agencies that get paid for interacting with customers? Would you consider that unethical? And if so: Would it change your view to learn that this may even increase the number of "real" interactions in the long run?  Let's have a debate!

Genetic engineering is already a part of everyday live, whether we change crops, treat diseases or try to understand how our body works. But would it be ok to bring that one step further into a world where we use genetic engineering techniques to change what it means to be human?

There was a time when we thought that Social Media will solve all our communication problems but the doubts about its value is growing. It seem to eat up time, make people more anxious and maybe is used as distraction from work. Therefore - would we be better off when we simply place it into our free time and ban it from work?

Referendums, direct votes, call down votes are all instruments of direct democracy and people lead heated debates whether they increase or decrease democracy. In our debate we will focus on a similar question - do we need more or less direct democracy and why?