Qur’an: A Work of Multiple Hands? Denis Giron [The Qur’an] is strikingly lacking in overall structure, frequently obscure and inconsequential in both language and content, perfunctory in its linking of disparate materials, and given to the repetition of whole passages in variant versions. On this basis it can plausibly be argued that the book is […]

Islamic Science: Does Islamic literature contain scientific miracles? Denis Giron Over the last decade growing numbers of Muslims have declared the Qur’an to be a book filled with alleged scientific miracles. Numerous web sites, books and videos have been produced that proclaim Islam to be truly a religion of divine origin, citing “scientifically accurate” statements […]

Islamic Hell: Absurdity of Science and Logic DenisGiron The Qur’an, like the Bible, teaches that God (called ‘Allah’ by Muslims) sends those who displease Him to Hell. However, one wonders is the concept of Hell is rational or logical. Does Hell really exist? The arguments offered here can also be applied to Christianity, but this […]

Over the years I have been confronted by numerous bibliolaters: people who take the Bible to be inerrant and, thus, put it beyond intelligent criticism. Since theirs is a particularly pernicious religion (absurdly claiming that certain antique documents are divinely inspired), it has seemed important to me to develop strategies for dealing with such manifest foolishness

On The Issues Involved in Vegetarianism: Vegetarianism is a chosen lifestyle for a variety of reasons. Common among those reasons is the opposition to the meat industry and the techniques and treatment involved. Other reasons include health and nutrition, the cost of meat and meat by-products, the humane alternative, and more. Critics also employ a […]

On The Utility of Religion in Individual Lives: Religion has been touted as offering several useful benefits to humankind. Included in those benefits are its ability to provide hope and comfort to the believer, give the strength and motivation to live life and cope with the harsh moments. It is considered an elixir of sorts […]

On The Subject of Transhumanism: The philosophy of transhumanism tries to combine the principles of humanism and advanced technology in order to transcend the Human Condition. Many futurists and science fiction authors speculate that humanity is destined to evolve into something far greater then mere flesh and blood. Speculations about this transformation range from cyborgs […]

On The Issues Involved in Sustainability: The Earth has a limited supply of resources, as does the surrounding areas in space that humans may exploit in the future. For centuries, humanity has been using up the earth’s resources, often in wasteful ways. The environmental movement hopes to reverse this process and reach a level where […]

On The Subject of Suicide: Suicide is an option people have in life and, as we are all aware, it is often chosen by individuals usually unhappy in life. For secularists, suicide may be approached rather differently than the traditional religious believer and their thoughts on the afterlife. Should suicide be a consideration at all? […]

On The Subject of Space Exploration: Space exploration is affording us a window into the universe. Governments are spending a lot of money on the research and construction of space vehicles and instruments. Some people argue that the money is wasted and we should concentrate more on the problems in our societies like hunger and […]

On The Difference Between the Sexes: For centuries people have been studying the differences to be found among men and women and using their ideas for one purpose or another. What are the differences between the sexes? How deeply rooted are these differences? Evolutionary psychology looks to our ancestral environment to find the source of […]

On The Issues Involved in Segregation: The issues involved in segregation closely parallel those involved in the subject of multiculturalism although there are some important differences. Having a separate debate on this subject also allows some of the arguments to be examined more closely. Segregation involves placing emphasis on the difference among peoples rather than […]

On The Issues Involved in Intelligence and Race: Each decade, the controversy over intelligence and race rears its ugly head and public opinions on the subject increase in number. For some, the ideas involved in the subject of intelligence and race are largely misunderstood with the question being helplessly flawed from the onset. Some consider […]

On Whether Atheists Should Proselytize: Many non-theists believe their worldview is a worthwhile one and they hope that others adopt their disbelief in God and religion. Should atheists actively seek to spread their message? Should they work to convince people of the validity of their position? Or, should they simply be content keeping their ideas […]

On The Marijuana Issue: Marijuana, and its derivatives, is used in varying degree and for numerous reasons by people throughout the world. Marijuana, however, is illegal in many parts of the world, including the US. The subject of whether or not it should be legalized, and/or decriminalized is raging in the US. Supporters for both […]

On The Subject of Pornography: Pornography, once considered a taboo subject, is now readily available for all to enjoy or rail against. Porn includes a variety of forms from mild to obscene to extreme and it is available in diverse media. Pornography has been blamed for a decrease in the morality of society, for the […]

On The Subject of Overpopulation: Whether or not our global community is overpopulated is a subject of great controversy. Many supporters of continued growth in the human population refer to the Bible’s teachings and God’s Master Plan. Among secularists, however, there are some who believe that our world is underpopulated or simply not overpopulated. What […]

On The Subject of Nanotechnology: Nanotechnology, which will be able to cheaply replicate and modify virtually any object with atomic-scale precision, promises to radically change human society perhaps even more then all of the technological advances of the modern era combined. It also has the potential to become the most destructive weapon imaginable–far surpassing nuclear […]

On The Subject of Multiculturalism: Our global community presents an enormous diversity of cultures, traditions, beliefs, and worldviews. Developed countries are often considered a "melting pot" for a variety of cultures that have immigrated, at one time or another, to the developed areas. This is especially prevalent in the "new world" of the Americas. Canada, […]

On The Subject of Memetics: Memes began as a metaphor in Richard Dawkins’ The Selfish Gene for the promulgation of ideas and information. It was later taken on as a serious idea by Susan Blackmore, Aaron Lynch and others. Critics of memetics think the idea has gone too far and that there is no basis […]

On The Issues Involved in Intelligence and IQ: The Intelligence Quotient has been under scrutiny for decades yet it continues to be used in testing within our educational institutions. What is intelligence? How advanced is our understanding of the concept and how applicable are IQ tests in generating worthwhile results? Many people believe intelligence is […]

On The Quest for Immortality: Today, many scientists are coming to the startling–some might say disturbing–conclusion that medical science will, in the foreseeable future, be able to extend the human lifespan indefinitely and thus put an end to physical death. Would the end of death be a net gain or loss? Here we present two […]

On The Subject of Housewives: Housewives, also called domestic engineers, are decreasing in number as more women enter the workforce. Part of the feminist and women’s rights movements see this as evidence of their success in liberating women. Others think simply the choice now afforded women concerning the subject, is the criterion of success. Debate […]

On The Subject of Homosexuality: The majority of opposition in society on the subject of homosexuality comes from the religious community with the Bible being referred to as supporting evidence for their position. In the secular community, however, some people also consider homosexuality to be wrong, unnatural or immoral. Their reasons are varied, including referral […]

On The Issue of Home Schooling: Many parents today are opting to teach their children at home. Reasons for chosing this option include the dumbing down of our educational system, the methods used in teaching, the knowledge and understanding of teachers, and the continued support of religion within our public education system. Opponents to the […]

On The Issue of Gun Control: The subject of Gun Control captures the interest of many Americans, not to mention other people living in our global community.. The diversity of laws, or the lack of law enforcement in the United States, surrounding the issues of gun control are being questioned by government and the public, […]

On The Issues Involved in Genetic Engineering: Genetic Engineering has been a hot topic in the media ever since Dolly, the cloned sheep, was successfully engineered. Since then we have seen a variety of clones made as well as several advances in medicine afforded by genetic engineering. The debate on the subject has brought a […]

On The Issues of Gay & Lesbian Marriage: Gays and lesbians, along with heterosexual supporters, have been campaigning the government to legalize gay marriages. Society, for the most part, is still lobbying against such change. The issues involved are quite simple: homosexuals simply want the same rights that are afforded straight people. Opposing parties, however, […]

On The Issues Involved in Feminism: Feminism has expanded in meaning over the past few decades, incorporating many different viewpoints, some often contradicting one another. Feminism ranges from mild to extreme and employs a variety of strategies and methods to secure equal rights for women within our societies. What approaches should be taken? Which should […]

Meet the Debators The topic for this debate is: Is There a Rationalist Case Against Euthanasia? Arguing For A Rationalist Case Against Euthanasia is Joseph Eiche Brief Bio Coming! Arguing Against A Rationalist Case Against Euthanasia is Jim Bruce Brief Bio Coming! Go to the Debate Forum for lively discussion on the issue of Euthansia […]