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Ridgedale Library | St. Paul | Burnsville

From Ridgedale Library's Socrates Café in Minnesota
 started November 1st, 2001

4/23/15
  • What are the characteristics of a good friend?
  • Should tipping be mandatory in an ideal society?
  • Is it possible to prove a negative?


    • 4/16/15
  • Is the police department abusive, corrupt and physically out of shape?
  • Should community service be a high school graduation requirement?
  • Is it possible to prove a negative?
  • Is anything sacred?


    • 4/9/15
  • Wouldn’t a person be just as well off with the death penalty as with life in prison without parole?
  • Is the United States a free country?
  • Should a certain number of community service hours be a high school graduation requirement?
  • Should businesses be able to make a profit?


    • 4/2/15
  • What defines a religion?
  • What does spiritual mean?
  • Is suicide preventable?

    • top

    3/26/14
  • If you could ask a crystal ball any question about the universe and receive an honest answer, what would you ask?
  • What is the difference between “difference in degree” and “difference in kind”?


    • 3/19/15
  • Should voting be mandatory?
  • Is it possible to prove a negative?
  • Should all energy subsidies be abolished?


    • 3/12/15
  • How should we balance the budget?
  • Which is more important, intelligence or creativity?
  • Does humor hurt or help you see an alternative point of view?
  • Is common sense universally common?


    • 3/5/15
  • If you could grant a wish to someone what would it be and why?
  • Should the government be allowed to mandate vaccinations?
  • If you could go to the past and bring something with you, when would you go and what would you bring?
  • Who creates jobs?
  • How do you tell if someone is trustworthy?

    • top

    2/26/15
  • How critical is a college degree to being successful?
  • Do you agree that “the more things change the more stays the same?
  • What are differences in kind and differences in degree and how are they different?
  • Should the cost of college be free for students?


    • 2/18/15
  • Which is the greater threat: ISIS or continued deterioration of society?
  • Is it possible to prove a negative?
  • If relations with Cuba normalize will we be influencing their culture?
  • Are all cultures worth preserving?
  • What can we do to raise disability awareness?


    • 2/12/15
  • Why can’t people agree to disagree?
  • Is there a meaningful point at which we stop being “____ - American”?
  • What is quality?
  • Should we be more concerned about terrorism?


    • 2/5/15
  • Is human life more precious that other life and why?
  • Is it ever right to punish someone for another person’s crime?
  • Is it possible to prevent cyber-hacking?
  • Should children be vaccinated against their parents wishes?

    • top

    1/18/15
  • What does it mean to be educated?
  • Is it ever right to punish someone for another person’s crime?
  • Is there a meaningful point at which we stop being “____ - American”?
  • Why is it worth making food yourself?
  • How do we cure the education gap?


    • 1/22/15
  • Should free speech advocates have any decency requirements?


    • 1/15/15
  • Is the question of God an empirical question?
  • Are free speech advocates have any responsibility for decency in their speaking?


    • 1/8/15
    No specific question asked

    1/1/15
    Happy New Years (meeting place closed for holiday)
    top

    12/25/14
    Merry Christmas (meeting place closed for holiday)

    12/18/14
  • Can we talk about current events?
  • What defines success?
  • To what extent are we willing to sacrifice?
  • Is torture justifiable?


    • 12/11/14
  • Has Socrates Café run its course? What can we do to revitalize Socrates Café?


    • 12/4/14
  • Is civil disobedience effective and fair?
  • Ferguson?
  • What is consent?
  • What is racism and are we all racist?

    • top

    11/27/14
    Thanksgiving Holiday

    11/20/14
  • What is artificial intelligence and is it real?
  • Is it what you say or how you say it?
  • Would you pick up a hitchhiker?
  • How do we achieve energy independence?


    • 11/13/14
  • Will all of the stupid American voters please raise their hands?
  • What is respect?
  • Is it reasonable to expect your interests to change as you age and why?
  • Can there be pure questions?
  • What makes you different from your dog?


    • 11/6/14
  • Why did the Republicans win and what should the Democrats do for the next two years?
  • Is progress a meaningful concept?
  • What is racism and who are the racists?

    • top

    10/30/14
  • What are some of the greatest problems the world faces?


    • 10/23/14
  • Why haven’t we heard that Saddam Hussein had WMD’s in 2003?
  • What is excitement and is it a good thing?
  • Should we trust our government?
  • How do we get rid of all the election signs?
  • Is racism still alive and well in the United States?


    • 10/16/14
  • What would you do if you had Ebola and you knew nobody else knew?
  • Did Saddam Hussein really have weapons of mass destruction in 2001?
  • What was the Civil War fought over?


    • 10/9/14
  • How do we balance the needs of the individual and society?
  • Should the United States government nationalize all the energy businesses?
  • What is excitement and is it a good thing?
  • Should everyone be guaranteed housing, food, and an income?
  • What is happiness?


    • 10/2/14
  • Are we all going to die?

    • top

    9/24/14
  • What is excitement and is it a good thing?
  • Should you have the right to arrest your political opponents?
  • Do statistical disparities mean injustice?
  • What about that global warming?


    • 9/18/14
  • What historical topics should everyone in the world know about?
  • What is excitement and is it a good thing?


    • 9/11/14
  • What will replace work?
  • How much is too much for someone to get paid?


    • 9/4/14
  • Should the Washington Redskins be forced to change their name?
  • Should lying about referendums be a crime?
  • Where did global warming go?
  • How involved should the United State get in all the world crises?

    • top

    8/28/14
  • Is the Tueller Rule fair?


    • 8/21/14
  • Should our tax code be changed?
  • What is going on?


    • 8/14/14
  • Should all police cars be unmarked?
  • Are the police getting carried away with themselves?


    • 8/7/14
  • To what degree is the United States obligated to facilitate peace and stability in the world?
  • To what degree does the lawyer advertising about negative effects stifle research and development of medical products?

    • top

    7/31/14
  • Should wearing helmets be the law for riding vehicles?
  • Can fellowship be legislated?
  • Should health care in the United States be a one-payer system?


    • 7/24/14
  • Who votes knowledgably for judges and why?
  • Can fellowship be legislated?
  • How do we protect ourselves from fraudulent people?
  • How do we know that we are helping the right people?
  • Should the United States have open borders?
  • Should we abolish the death penalty?


    • 7/17/14
  • How important is pursuing happiness?
  • Can fellowship be legislated?
  • Was Goerin right?


    • 7/10/14
  • If we are all created equal, why are we not equal?
  • Can fellowship be legislated?
  • Why are so many people willing to accept an extraordinary claim even if it is easy to test?
  • What does diversity mean to each of us?


    • 7/3/14 How can we increase voter participation and should we? What would the world be like without the United States? How do we decrease the global conflicts going on?
    top

    6/26/14
  • Is the Cloward-Piven strategy working?
  • What is fair?
  • Do we have a patriarchal, matriarchal, a blend, or other country?
  • Why are people willing to believe something even if it really easy to disprove?


    • 6/19/14
  • Would the world be better off with a “one world government”?
  • Is it possible for journalists to be truly objective?


    • 6/12/14
  • What should we do about climate change?
  • How do we deal with people who refuse to hear or see?


    • 6/6/14
  • What is treason today?
  • When should we and when should we not negotiate?

    • top

    5/29/14
  • What is cute?
  • Corruption or ideologue, which is better for our government and our legal system?
  • Whatever happened to global warming?


    • 5/22/14
  • Do we have the right as a group to ban any subject?
  • If we consider that the universe to be alive, how would that change our thinking?
  • Are global warming believers really the deniers?


    • 5/15/14
  • What is small business?
  • Is the American military on the decline?
  • If we consider that the universe to be alive, what questions might that answer?
  • b<>Are we born with the idea of a god or a perfect being?


    • 5/8/14
  • Are we currently in a new golden age of television?
  • If we consider that the universe to be alive, what questions might that answer?


    • 5/1/14
  • Is the federal government too powerful?
  • What should be the state’s best policy for cannabinoids?
  • If we consider that the universe to be alive, what questions might that answer?

    • top

    4/24/14
  • On what basis should we decide to stop teaching certain curriculum to students in the public school districts?
  • What is common sense?
  • Should there be a minimum and a maximum wage?
  • Can we survive without a federal government?


    • 4/17/14
  • Are we on the verge of a new cold war?
  • Is “us versus them” unavoidable?


    • 4/10/14
  • Do you care about privacy and if so, how much?
  • Describe utopia.
  • How do you criticize opinions without attacking the originator?


    • 4/3/14
  • Shame versus guilt, is there a difference?
  • Should marijuana and other illegal drugs be legalized?
  • Should corporations pay taxes?

    • top

    3/27/14
  • Missing questions.


    • 3/20/14
  • Is hate easier than love?
  • Is one gender more favored than the other in the USA and if so how?


    • 3/13/14
  • What is the value of sovereignty?
  • What do we do when there is not enough work for those who are capable and willing?


    • 3/6/14
  • What is the value of sovereignty?
  • Can there ever be a comparison with Hitler that doesn’t go beyond the pale?
  • What would make our government better?

    • top

    2/27/14
  • Where do morals come from?


    • 2/20/14
  • Informal group due to snow storm. No question asked.


    • 2/13/14
  • Evolution versus intelligent design?
  • Should marijuana and other street drugs be legalized?
  • Is it true that we cannot solve homelessness?
  • Do you believe it dishonors a victim to question a conviction and why?


    • 2/6/14
  • Does the government have the right to interfere with the wage levels set by private companies?
  • Is it possible to solve the problem of income inequality?
  • Is it true that our judicial system almost never convicts an innocent person?
  • What kind of questions make for good Socrates Café discussions?

    • top

    1/30/14
  • Is war glamorous?
  • How has evolution changed in the last 100,000 years?


    • 1/23/14
  • Could and should everything be logical?
  • If you are neutral in situations of injustice, have you chosen the side of the oppressor?
  • Is society led by psychopaths?


    • 1/16/14
  • When do the advantages of a “Nanny State” outweigh the drawbacks?
  • What types of questions make for the most satisfying Socrates Café discussions?
  • What do we do when there is not enough work for those who are capable and willing?
  • Does morality change with time and place?


    • 1/9/14
  • What types of questions make for the most satisfying Socrates Café discussions?
  • Have we gone too far with political correctness?
  • Can you ever be cynical enough?
  • What can we do about homelessness?
  • Are the differences between humans and other primates one of kind or degree?
  • What do we do when there is not enough work for those who are capable and willing?
  • Does language shape the way we think or vice versa?


    • 1/2/13
  • Do we think that the American Care Act will help the homeless?
  • Is everybody crazy, it’s just a matter of degree?
  • Should there be a statute of limitation on historical grievances?
  • When dysfunctional behavior becomes the norm, is it then functional?
  • What do we do when there is not enough work for those who are capable and willing?

    • top

    12/26/13
  • What resolutions do we hope our public officials make and keep?
  • If you are neutral in situations of injustice, have you chosen the side of the oppressor?
  • What do we do when there is not enough work for the people who want it and can do it?
  • Is free will a necessary fiction?
  • Can people inherently change?


    • 12/19/13
  • Should there be a statute of limitation on historical grievances?
  • How do we determine if someone is trustworthy?
  • If you are neutral in situations of injustice, have you chosen the side of the oppressor?
  • Should the Affordable Care Act be replaced?


    • 12/12/13
  • What is the most important hour in history?
  • What does “equality” really mean?
  • What does “being rich” mean?


    • 12/5/13
  • How do we determine who is trustworthy?
  • Can mankind ever overcome prejudice?
  • Should the government mandate everything?
  • Why is the Catholic church having its current problems?
  • Does living in seclusion yield more perscpective?

    • top

    11/27/13
      Thanksgiving Day
    11/20/13
  • What would have changed or not if John F. Kennedy had not been shot?
  • In addition to the filibuster rule, what else should be changed in Congress?
  • What is the most important hour in human history?
  • Why are admitted perjurers so seldom prosecuted?
  • What is happening to Google?


    • 11/14/13
  • How do we determine if someone is trustworthy?
  • What is the nature of the universe?
  • What is the definition of friendship?
  • What is the most important hour in human history?
  • Is thought a physical event?
  • Is technology more useful now than it was back in the day?
  • What are the ramifications of the Affordable Care Act?


    • 11/7/13
  • Do words distort reality?
  • Should feeling be used in conversation?
  • Does chronic illness define a person?
  • What do you think of the Affordable Care Act and the controversy surrounding it?

    • top

    10/31/13
  • Should voluntary eugenics be used in today’s society?
  • What do you think of the Affordable Care Act?
  • Why would they come up with the idea of presumed innocence?


    • 10/24/13
  • Should voluntary eugenics be used in today’s society?
  • What is privilege?
  • What is the role of science in public discourse?
  • What do you think of the Affordable Care Act?


    • 10/17/13
  • What can be the result when power triumphs wisdom?
  • Should voluntary eugenics be used in today’s society?
  • Is nothing a miracle or is everything a miracle?
  • What effect does the speed of thought on politics and contemporary society?


    • 10/10/13
  • Is the term “natural” overused or a necessary distinction?
  • Should we make distinctions between commonly thought of opposites?
  • What is thought?
  • If we had open contact with space aliens, how would that change society?


    • 10/3/13
  • What principles or policies are non-negotiable?
  • What is the purpose of ethics?
  • Does passionate belief undermine reason?

    • top

    9/26/13
  • What’s the most important problem in America today and what is your solution?
  • Is reason trumped by the emotion of what we want to believe?


    • 9/19/13
  • How can we prevent mass shootings?
  • Is greed good?
  • What is the best moral system?


    • 9/12/13
  • Are awards a good way to motivate the top performers?
  • Is an attack on Syria appropriate?
  • What is the best moral system?
  • Why do ordinary people slam the President so much?
  • Was innocent until proven guilty just a goofy idea?


    • 9/5/13
  • Are attitudes a matter of choice?
  • What are we obligated to remember?
  • What is a living wage and should this be provided to everyone?
  • Is the idea of limitations in warfare antiquated?

    • top

    8/29/13
  • What is the difference between mental illness and a different mode of thinking?
  • How hot is too hot?
  • What process should we use to determine if it in our national interest to go to war?


    • 8/22/13
  • What are civilizations obligated to remember?
  • What do we agree on?
  • What’s the relationship between progress and planning?


    • 8/15/13
  • How does time affect our identities?
  • What would be the effect, on a person’s life, of ignoring or down playing their greatest gift?


    • 8/8/13
  • How does time affect us?
  • Which is worse, ignorance or apathy?
  • Are there special crimes for which people should not be considered innocent until proven guilty?


    • 8/1/13
  • Do we originate our own thoughts?
  • If perjury and false allegations are never prosecuted, do we have justice?
  • How important is accuracy in communication?
  • What are the limits of government in our personal life?
  • Is Obama really that bad of a President?
  • How’s that Global Warming working out?

    • top

    7/25/13
  • Should we feel sorry for somebody that has to take an 8,000 to 10,000 a month pay cut?
  • Is Communism inherently bad; is Capitalism inherently good? Why?
  • Why are we here?
  • How would you change the United States Constitution?


    • 7/18/13
  • How does for-profit business affect ethical conduct?
  • Is any kind of profiling ok?
  • Can we trust the United States government?
  • What amendments should we add to the United States constitution?


    • 7/11/13
  • Is Zimmerman guilty or not guilty?
  • How should we evaluate risk?
  • How important is accuracy in public discourse?
  • What constitutes a successful life?
  • How does the internet affect our thinking?
  • What is the most important question a person can ask?
  • Are we in a state of fear?


    • 7/4/13
    Happy Independence Day!

    top

    6/27/13
  • What is humanity’s most important emotion and what would the world be like without it?
  • What is the relationship between progress and planning?
  • Does the internet affect the way we think?
  • Shame versus guilt; what are the differences, similarities and outcomes?
  • What should the United States policy on immigration be?


    • 6/20/13
  • Evolutionarily speaking, what had the first thought?
  • How would this group be different if instead of meeting at a coffee shop we met at a bar?
  • Is there a difference between brain and mind?
  • Do you need to be religious to have good morals and values?
  • How does a gay couple decide who is the husband and who is the wife?
  • How much should we trust the government?


    • 6/13/13
  • What is a cult?
  • If there is no life after death, what does it matter what you do now?
  • How much should we trust the government?
  • What is a miracle?


    • 6/6/13
  • Should pressure cookers be banned?
  • Why do people keep saying “you know”?
  • Why do people gossip?
  • What is the future of privacy?
  • If there is no god, why should we care?
  • Is atheism or humanism another form of religion?

    • top

    5/30/13
  • What is the best and worst movie of all time?
  • Should people talk during movies?
  • What makes a cult?
  • Is imagination more important than knowledge?


    • 5/23/13
  • If there are aliens, why would they come to this planet?
  • Is there room for a grand vision?
  • What is a cult?
  • Does everything we know come through various media?


    • 5/16/13
  • What does it mean to be unpatriotic?
  • Why should we trust the United States government?
  • Can our selves be replicated?
  • Should the presumption of innocence apply to rape, domestic violence, and sexual harassment cases?


    • 5/9/13
  • Does the act of killing make one happy?
  • What is a cult?
  • Should Benghazi be investigated?


    • 5/2/13
  • Is the suicide rate rising or is it just media hype?
  • Is memory the most essential thing for being human?
  • What is humane?
  • If you could, how would you change the K-12 school system?

    • top

    4/25/13
  • Jainism versus Daoism, how does one better preserve the world?
  • Should all school be created equal?
  • Presumption of innocence, good idea or bad?
  • What is a fair tax?
  • Is it important for children to be raised with a religion?


    • 4/18/13
  • Should the media talking heads be held accountable to their inaccurate statements?
  • Should public policy be based on the assumption that the public is rational or irrational?


    • 4/11/13
  • Why does Justice as an ideal matter?
  • What defines real love?
  • When do humans become human?


    • 4/4/13
  • Do we have the right to be forgotten?
  • America has been nicknamed “the incarceration capitol of the world;” should we be proud, ashamed, or indifferent?
  • Are we self-reliant and/or should we be?
  • Is the weather “normal”?
  • What is a fair tax?

    • top

    3/28/13
  • How can guns be registered without the feds finding out?
  • What is right and what is wrong with America?
  • What does the future of life look like in the next century?
  • Are symbols like the Easter Bunny, Santa Claus, and Uncle Sam important?
  • Is it wonderful that no lies come from the prosecution side?


    • 3/21/13
  • Can one really understand a philosophy?
  • Are we too divided as a nation to ever come together?
  • Should we really move prisoners from one location to another?
  • Shame-based cultures versus guilt-based cultures, how do they differ?


    • 3/14/13
  • Are your dreams real?
  • How should peaceable assemblies be protected from mass murderers?
  • Is the assumption of guilt a good thing for our laws?


    • 3/7/13
  • How should peaceable assemblies be protected from mass murderers?
  • Why do people believe there is life after death?
  • Why are medical bills killing us?
  • Can morality be legislated?
  • Words produce a greater experience than reality. How should we handle that?

    • top

    2/28/13
  • Should school teachers be required to wear targets on their backs?
  • Should salaries be capped?
  • How will terrorism transform our future?
  • Will Gandhi’s method of peace happen in the future worldwide?
  • Why has America endorsed “guilty until proven innocent?”


    • 2/21/13
  • Should teachers be issued black blindfolds?
  • Is Global Warming settled in science?
  • What topics in American history should be taught to 7th grade?
  • Innocent until proven guilty, good or bad idea?
  • Why is the meaning of life, the universe, and everything 42?


    • 2/14/13
  • In what non-physical ways are men and women different?
  • Has American romance become counterproductive?
  • What is the meaning of life, the universe, and everything and why?


    • 2/7/13
  • Should teachers be taught how to point their fingers to go “bang!”?
  • Do we presume innocent until found guilty?
  • Do we need a grand vision?
  • Will robots replace us?

    • top

    1/31/13
  • Should school teachers be supplied with squirt guns?
  • How do we determine what is real?
  • What is a hero?


    • 1/24/13
    Missing

    1/17/13
  • Should school teachers be armed?
  • What is spirituality?
  • What one bad would you eliminate from our life?
  • Should we reinstate the presumption of innocence in our laws?
  • What is the difference between animals to eat and animals for pets?
  • Should you give a person a second chance?


    • 1/10/13
  • Should school teachers be armed?
  • What is the difference between animals to eat and animals for pets?
  • Where there is potential for harm, should we give the benefit of the doubt?
  • What is motivation and how do we get it or make it?
  • What is the relationship between progress and planning?
  • How useful are popularizations of contemporary science in the news media?


    • 1/3/13
  • Should we reinstate the presumption of innocence in our laws?
  • Is there a value to seeking a college degree that business does not value?
  • Is there value in suffering?
  • Is it better to be happy or to act happy and what is the difference?

    • top

    12/27/12
  • Which is a superior ethical system, one based on motivations or consequences?
  • Is democracy really plausible?
  • Shame versus guilt; what are the differences, similarities and outcomes?


    • 12/20/12
  • What is the hardest thing about being a kid?
  • Is there a value to seeking a college degree that business does not value?
  • Guilt vs. shame based morality: does it make a difference?
  • Why are some of us more likely than others to engage critical thinking when presented with something startling?
  • Can happiness be defined?
  • What offends you?


    • 12/13/12
  • How much information is required for a choice to be considered voluntary?
  • Will robots replace us?
  • Does the beginning of the universe go by religion or by science?
  • Should the presumption of innocence be restored to our laws?
  • What are the consequences of the fiscal cliff?


    • 12/6/12
  • What are people’s thoughts on immortality?
  • Should the presumption of innocence be restored?
  • What is normal?
  • What is just?
  • Will religion always be with us?
  • What is motivation and how do we get it or make it?
  • The fiscal cliff; would you like to jump off it or not?

    • top

    11/29/12
  • Is it reasonable to expect your interests to change as we grow older?
  • Is the means or the ends morality better suited for modern society?
  • The fiscal cliff; good, bad, ugly, what does it mean?
  • Guilt and shame; do they affect people differently?
  • What is the difference between respect and fear?


    • 11/15/12
  • What are the advantages and disadvantages of mortality?
  • Is technology changing too fast for humans?
  • What happened before the Big Bang thought?
  • Can a society advance beyond others without exploiting people?
  • Should we drive around a cliff, fall off a cliff, or be pushed off a cliff?
  • Will the world end in 2012?


    • 11/8/12
  • Are we screwed (re: comparing then and now)?
  • What is the relationship between progress and planning?
  • What is a good question?
  • What is the future of the written language?
  • What is the difference between respect and fear?
  • How is it that crimes of false accusation and perjury get overlooked?


    • 11/1/12
  • What is the role of critical self-doubt in the process of inquiry and dialogue?
  • What does marriage really mean?
  • What is the future of the written language?
  • Do we get the government that we deserve?

    • top

    10/25/12
  • What is the difference between respect and fear?
  • When we challenge someone’s opinion are we not also challenging that person?
  • What is the future role of journalism?


    • 10/18/12
  • What is the foundation of morality?
  • Are the Presidential debates worth a damn?
  • Should food, housing, medical, and transportation be provided to everyone by the government?
  • What is the future of written language?


    • 10/11/12
  • Is it possible to be a successful American politician without lying?
  • What is the obligation of a citizen?


    • 10/4/12
  • What is the value of an apology?
  • What is motivation and how do we get or make it?
  • No fault divorce, the new marriage amendment: good, bad or indifferent?
  • Should marriage only be between one man and one woman?
  • Should we be allowed to buy and sell human organs?

    • top

    9/27/12
  • Does philosophy have a future?
  • Why do politicians take the low road?
  • What is the relationship between progress and planning?
  • Should you try to be happy around other people?


    • 9/20/12
  • How do we distinguish between freedom of expression with hate speech.
  • How do you counter really attractive lies?
  • What is the relationship between progress and planning?


    • 9/13/12
  • How can a life of principle include compromise?
  • Does emotion always influence thinking?
  • Are we all guilty of over-generalizing?
  • Should public employees be allowed to unionize?


    • 9/6/12
  • What would you do about the debt and deficit?
  • What is the relationship between progress and planning?

    • top

    8/30/12
  • What would you do about the debt and deficit?
  • Is the Republican party racist?
  • “Top Dogs,” do we meet them?


    • 8/23/12
  • What is an apology worth?
  • Would a reduction in language reduce thought?
  • How do we identify propaganda?
  • What is a fair tax?
  • At what length should we protect wilderness areas?


    • 8/16/12
  • Should solicitation of any kind be allowed?
  • How does altruism fit into Darwinian evolution?
  • How pervasive is the use of sexual entrapment against public figures?


    • 8/9/12
  • Have we become alienated from our work?
  • What do you believe regarding religion, God(s), or not and how did you decide?
  • What are the pros and cons of welfare?


    • 8/2/12
  • What is the difference between people asking for money and panhandlers?
  • What are the characteristics of a universal secular ethical system and what would the be based on?
  • What is belief and what does it entail?

    • top

    7/26/12
  • If things go from order to disorder, how will that affect the evolutionary processes?
  • How is one’s ego tied to one’s belief system?
  • What is the relationship between progress and planning?
  • If science is believed in, but not understood, does that make it more like a religion?


    • 7/19/12
  • What do successful business people owe society?
  • What is socialism?
  • If science is believed in, but not understood, does that make it more like a religion?


    • 7/12/12
  • Is there any relationship between progress and planning?
  • What role will religion play in one hundred years and what religions will still be around?
  • How do we determine if we are on the right side of the issue?
  • What about energy?


    • 7/5/12
  • What is the difference between smart and intelligent?
  • What is the individual?
  • Is calling politicians corrupt, redundant?
  • What is a fair tax?

    • top

    6/28/12
  • What is a science?
  • Was the Supreme Courts ACA ruling today right, wrong, or confusing?
  • Can the mind/body problem ever be solved?
  • Imagination and reality, which is dominant in our minds?
  • How do you feel about Eric Holder being held in contempt of Congress?


    • 6/21/12
  • Is there any hope?
  • Do we have the government that we deserve?
  • Can we distinguish between imagination and memory?
  • How will the continuing ethnic diversity change the United States?


    • 6/14/12
  • Do we have the government we deserve?
  • Does intelligence undermine reason?
  • What purpose does reason serve in an irrational world?
  • What is intelligence and how can we measure it?
  • Can robots ever truly be intelligent?


    • 6/7/12
  • Why do Americans seem to be obsessed with occult characters and is it harmless fun to identify with the “bad guy”?
  • Under what circumstances should the United States government be obligated to provide a lawyer to United States citizens?
  • Do we need a grand strategy?

    • top

    5/31/12
  • What is a hero?
  • Why do we need to be right?
  • Should prosecutors and defense attorneys be paid equally from the same source?
  • Has evolution ceased?
  • In the area of federal taxes, what does “paying your fair share” mean?


    • 5/24/12
  • Just how do we know for sure?
  • What is the story with the financial crisis in Greece and will they stay in the European Union?
  • What will be the purpose of religion in 100 years, and what contemporary religions will still be around?
  • What is the best method for determining which public education programs should be kept and which should be scraped?
  • What news sources can be trusted and why?
  • What is fair?


    • 5/17/12
  • How does power corrupt?
  • How much is too much?
  • Why doesn’t intelligence correlate more highly with success?
  • How much of our world is invisible to us?
  • How concerned should Americans be about the Federal debt?


    • 5/10/12
  • In order to have a good Socrates Café discussion, is it necessary to have at least one participant that has some degree of expertise of the topic in question?
  • When should we remain anonymous?
  • Should gays be allowed to get married?


    • 5/3/12
  • What does “American Values” mean to you?
  • How important are sports?
  • What is your favorite conspiracy?

    • top

    4/26/12
  • Is it necessary to have at least one person who is knowledgeable in a topic to have a good Socrates Café discussion about that topic?
  • How do we decide what is good, better, and best?
  • What is honor and does honor matter anymore?
  • Does philosophy undermine religion?
  • Is our society equate wealth with happiness?
  • What is happiness?


    • 4/19/12
  • What should we think of the secret service sex scandal?
  • Should Ted Nugent be in jail?
  • Can creativity be automated?
  • Is having one or more people with an extensive knowledge base or expertise in a certain topic necessary for a good Socrates Café discussion?


    • 4/12/12
  • American exceptionalism: True or false?
  • How do you know if you are right?
  • Should people be censured for politically incorrect speech?
  • What is the source of true wisdom?


    • 4/5/12
  • Who was the greatest philosopher?
  • Which is best, personal experiences or the opinion of authority and statistics?
  • Is the American economic model sustainable?

    • top

    3/29/12
  • What is delusion and how do we assess the realness of our experiences?
  • Is the high rate of incarceration in the United States a reason for concern?
  • Should our education system require the study of a second language?


    • 3/22/12
  • How do we determine if an altered state of mind is a real or imagined experience?
  • Under what circumstances should juveniles be treated as adults?
  • Does society want conformity or independent thinkers?
  • Should Israel attack Iran?
  • Should a candidate’s religion affect one’s vote?


    • 3/15/12
  • How concerned should we be with precise speech?
  • Does every country get the government it deserves
  • What have been the “witch hunts” in your life?
  • What will replace work?


    • 3/8/12
  • What influences the most, nature or nurture?
  • Under what circumstances should the United States Government be required to provide a lawyer?
  • Who was the greatest or the best philosopher?
  • When parenting is there a time when one decides to stop making rules?
  • Under what conditions is it moral for a group to perform an action that is immoral for any of its members, and why?


    • 3/1/12
  • How do we know the way something should be?
  • Are we created equal?
  • What amendments would you add to the United States constitution?

    • top

    2/23/12
  • What do we really have control over?
  • What amendments would you add to the constitution and why?
  • Should an ID be required to vote in Minnesota?
  • To be considered great do we have to do great things?
  • What should be done to make the United States energy independent?


    • 2/16/12
  • Is there a correct frame of reference for any issue?
  • What amendments would you add to the constitution and why?
  • Where do thoughts come from?
  • Can political traditions be rooted in reality?
  • Is it appropriate for society to compel people or organizations to support actions they consider immoral?


    • 2/9/12
  • How much is a fair share regarding income taxes?
  • What is truth?
  • To what extent is it important popularize philosophy to the general public?
  • How much do I deserve?
  • Is omnipotence possible?
  • Did President Obama go too far with birth control coverage requirements?
  • Can there be a Theory of Everything in physics?


    • 2/2/12
  • What amendments would you offer for the United States constitution and why?
  • What do we believe happens after we die?
  • Is thinking reflexive?
  • Is the United States Constitution applicable to modern society?

    • top

    1/26/12
  • What is a fair share? (re: Income Taxes)
  • Why is being entertained more popular than gaining knowledge?


    • 1/19/12
  • Is the media giving fair coverage to the candidates?
  • Is thinking reflexive?


    • 1/12/12
  • Is thinking reflexive?
  • How to be honest and welcomed at the same time?
  • Should all parents be atheists?


    • 1/5/12
  • What belief do you have that you are most passionate about defending and why?
  • Is pride good, bad, or neutral and why?

    • top

    12/29/11
  • Should we as citizens prepare our homes and ourselves for self-sufficiency due to a shutdown of services caused by disaster?
  • What idea would have the greatest impact if you could take it back in time 2000 years?
  • If you ever smoked, why?
  • What is meant by “green energy”?


    • 12/23/11
  • Should we encourage some beliefs such as Santa Claus or Paul Bunyan?
  • What are the most pressing issues of the day and what would you do to fix them?
  • Who was our most important President and what made him so?
  • How should we promote innovation?
  • Why should we be concerned about the space time continuum?


    • 12/15/11
  • Is manipulation an ethical way to “get someone to do what you want them to do”?
  • What should we consider inalienable rights?
  • Is immortality necessarily a bad thing?
  • If a legal system never prosecutes false allegations and perjury, is that good, bad or indifferent and why?
  • Is the mind and the body free or bounded by something?
  • What is evil if such a thing exists?
  • What is quality?
  • Can an omnipotent being travel back in time?


    • 12/8/11
  • How should we promote innovation?
  • What are the qualities of and purpose of a game?
  • Is it best to have a dual party system?
  • Is it true that if we try hard enough we can do anything?
  • How do you decide what is a human right?
  • Is it ethical to use manipulation to “get someone to do something”?
  • Does it matter what kind of chair you sit on?


    • 12/1/11
  • Does the public influence the media or does the media influence the public?
  • What is culture and how does it evolve?
  • Does our media perpetuate the crime we have in today’s society?

    • top

    11/21/11
    Happy Thanksgiving

    11/17/11
  • Can I have a pet, please?
  • How do we know who we are?
  • Is evil necessary for good to be perceived?
  • Should we throw everyone out of Congress?
  • Are the Wall Street Protesters helping or hurting “the 99%”?


    • 11/10/11
  • What would be the characteristics of a modern utopia?
  • How much does fear of being alone, mental or physical, affect our behavior and thoughts?
  • Is there a need for a “Renaissance Man” in an internet world?
  • What is good/bad leadership?


    • 11/3/11
  • What are the characteristics of a modern utopia?
  • What is the requirement for happiness?
  • How much does media play in the formation of public opinion?

    • top

    10/27/11
  • What is memory and would perfect memory be a blessing or a curse?
  • Do we adhere to the Socratic principle here?
  • Do illusions or reality rule public life?
  • Where are the “Take Back Wall Street” protests going?


    • 10/20/11
  • How should we treat wild land areas?
  • Why is time such a limited commodity in our daily lives?
  • How would you decide what news is fit to print?
  • Are you guys scaring all the women away?
  • Is it true that “War is the health of the state?”
  • What should be the role of our government?


    • 10/13/11
  • How do we enter logic-proof compartments in people’s minds?
  • Does logic ever fail us?
  • Are there conspiracies that you think are true?


    • 10/6/11
  • Is punishment ever a necessary component of justice and when?
  • What do you think will be the outcome of all the “Occupy Wall Street” demonstrations around the country?
  • What influences public opinion most, media or the people?
  • Can politics be made civil?
  • What will replace work?

    • top

    9/29/11
  • When is information propaganda or education?
  • Can every mental trait be explained by evolutionary psychology?
  • Why do people believe without having or understanding all the facts that are available?
  • To what extent to we apply Socratic principles here?


    • 9/22/11
  • What is the difference between education and training?
  • Should there be a death penalty?
  • What would be a fair federal income tax?


    • 9/15/11
  • Is open mindedness good?
  • Should we believe our personal experience or what we are told?
  • Can you prove there is a god?
  • What is meant by compromise?


    • 9/8/11
  • Is doubt a positive or a negative?
  • Do we really adhere to the Socratic principle here?


    • 9/1/11 Building closed due to technical difficulties.
    top

    8/25/11
  • Is imagination more important than truth?
  • Is our societies move towards polarization and intransigence over time real or perceived?
  • Who (among the living) would you vote for to be President of the United States?
  • Is the human life span adequate?
  • What are the really important moral virtues?
  • What is love?
  • Is equality something that comes from nature or legislation?


    • 8/18/11 Questions not available

    8/11/11
  • What do we mean when we say something is real?
  • Is there really a social contract?


    • 8/4/11
  • What does the future hold for the profession of journalism?
  • What is the future of “Do It Yourself”?

    • top

    7/28/11
  • What problems will our children inherit from us?
  • Is it better to be safe or be sorry?
  • How would you change our government?


    • 7/21/11
  • Is there an implied social contract in all societies?
  • Is brain the same thing as mind?


    • 7/14/11
  • How would you amend the constitution?
  • What makes an effective leader?
  • Who is supposed to be a real friend?
  • When is compromise not justified?
  • Is our society in collapse?


    • 7/7/11
  • Is common sense more important than evidence?
  • When is compromise unacceptable?
  • Why do we continue to allow beatings?
  • Why does the media choose not to cover a story or a person setting themselves on fire to protest the courts?
  • What does it mean to be an adult?
  • Given the latest scientific discoveries can we now accept the existence of a sixth sense?
  • Is the mind identical to the brain?

    • top

    6/30/11
  • Why do people argue and not listen?
  • Does the internet spread ideas or concentrate ideas?
  • How should we determine the meaning of history?
  • When do reflexes end and thinking begin?
  • Why are atheists their own worst enemy?


    • 6/23/11
  • Is philosophy of any use?
  • How should we determine the meaning of history?
  • Do psychics and faith healers have an ethical responsibility to the people they serve?
  • Would you want to live forever?
  • What does “politically liberal” and “politically conservative” mean?


    • 6/16/11
  • Why are Americans not getting the respect and gratitude they deserve?
  • Have technological societies become too complex to sustain?
  • Are there various kinds of truths?
  • What came before the big bang?


    • 6/9/11
  • Doubt, good or bad?
  • Should allegations of abuse require proof?
  • What are thoughts and is there any limit to them?
  • Do we have an obligation to try and identify the banality of evil and try to fight against it?


    • 6/2/11
  • Does government cure or cause societies problems by absolving its citizens of responsibility for their decisions?
  • Will many of our treasured beliefs look absurd in one hundred years?
  • To what extent are we following Socratic principles here?
  • Do animals have rights, should they, and if so, which ones and why?
  • What is time?
  • When should we trust ourselves and when should we listen to others?

    • top

    5/26/11
  • Is there a flexible definition of truth?
  • Do we need myths?
  • What good is philosophy?
  • Will the speed of progress have to slow down?


    • 5/19/11
  • What is respect?
  • What should a well-educated American know and why?
  • What does is it mean to be patriotic?
  • Is there any circumstance that would justify torture?
  • Are we meeting next week since the Rapture starts this weekend?
  • What is the Rapture?


    • 5/12/11
  • Is guilt good or bad?
  • Is there a god or gods?
  • What makes for a well-rounded education?
  • How to promote useful dialogue between Republicans and Democrats?
  • If we honor veterans do we just encourage them?


    • 5/5/11
  • Is vengeance useful?
  • Do we get out what we put in?
  • When is retaliation justified?
  • Why is life (so damn) unfair?

    • top

    4/28/11
  • Given human frailty, is it surprising that things go as well as they do?
  • Is marriage changing?
  • Do we get out what we put in?
  • Is there any expectation of privacy anymore?


    • 4/21/11
  • Are freedom, justice, and safety required for a productive society in the modern sense?
  • What is the nature of time?
  • What is free will?


    • 4/14/11
  • Do we get out what we put in?
  • Is it possible that psychics really know things?
  • If we are created equal, how do we know?
  • What is justice and how could we improve the American system of justice?


    • 4/7/11
  • Does government reflect the strength and weakness of our culture?
  • How do we distinguish between propaganda, news, education, and entertainment?
  • Will history call us the era of the world’s greatest changes?
  • What is justice and how should the American justice system be improved?
  • What would you do to fix the national debt and deficit?

    • top

    3/31/11
  • How should we determine the meaning and value of art?
  • How should you treat others that disagree with you?
  • How should teachers and students be evaluated?
  • How do we separate religious belief from scientific knowledge?
  • Have women come a long way or is it still a “good ol’ boys club”?


    • 3/24/11
  • How much are we controlled by our desires?
  • What criteria should the United Nations use to intervene?
  • What is justice?


    • 3/17/11
  • Do thoughts always have a physical effect?
  • What is thinking?
  • What should we fear?
  • Why forgive?
  • Is guilt useful?


    • 3/10/11
  • How can one put a value on art?
  • What is thinking?
  • Is it necessary to have good and evil in the world?
  • Should we listen to the prophets of doom?
  • Should unions be busted?


    • 3/3/11
  • Do you believe in magic?
  • What is a game?
  • Is the imagination master or servant, both, or neither?
  • What is the imagination?
  • Can a value be placed on art?
  • In foreign travel, do we lose ourselves or find ourselves?

    • top

    2/24/11
  • Is idealism a net benefit historically?
  • What is human nature and what are its implications?
  • Is the two-party system making America unmanageable?
  • Is D.O.M.A. unconstitutional?


    • 2/17/11
  • Do you believe in magic?
  • Can mankind ever be free?
  • What is art and how do we determine its value?
  • Are people only reading and watching things that reinforce their own views?


    • 2/10/11
  • Will or should George W. Bush and/or his administration be prosecuted for war crimes if they leave travel overseas?
  • If you were President Obama, what would you say to Mubarak?
  • What do religions have in common?
  • Is unconditional love possible?


    • 2/3/11
  • Should birth records be open to all individuals?
  • Are the responses by the heads of state of the world powers appropriate to what is happening in Egypt?
  • Are we seeing Act 1 of an Egyptian “Animal Farm”?
  • Do you believe in magic?
  • Where should America get its energy from?

    • top

    1/27/11
  • Why is there silence?
  • What are the collective principles guiding our society?
  • Are health care directives useful?
  • How would you recognize a sociopath?
  • How can we improve civility in discourse nationwide?
  • What is evil?


    • 1/20/11
  • What history is important for everyone to know?
  • How would you recognize a sociopath?
  • What would the country look like if we no longer had cheap power?


    • 1/13/11
  • Is thoughtlessness part of the human condition?
  • Is everything mental physical?
  • What is thinking
  • What is a mistake?
  • “Don’t retreat, reload,” Comments on political rhetoric.


    • 1/6/2011
  • Will the speed of change further divide us into separate groups; the innovators and adapters versus those left behind?
  • How do we make the poor thrive?
  • Is everything mental physical?
  • What is the purpose of secular worship?
  • Principles or preferences: which is the most effective?
  • Who does Capitalism benefit and is it good for the country as a whole?

    • top

    12/30/10
  • Why don’t you have anything better to do tonight?
  • What would be the best form of government that a nation could have?
  • What should we think of WikiLeaks?


    • 12/23/10
  • WikiLeaks: what do you think?
  • What one realistic thing would you like for Christmas?
  • Bradley Manning: Hero or Traitor?
  • Can American society survive the loss of marriage?
  • What would a free and just society look like?


    • 12/16/10
  • Why are we here?
  • Are our civic rights being eroded?


    • 12/9/10
  • Is Facebook good or bad for social relationships?
  • When is it okay to lie?
  • Who do you listen to the most, those around you or the voice inside you?
  • Is there ever an ethical justification for torture, and if so, when?
  • Is love necessary to live a happy life?
  • How transparent should governments be?
  • Are our civil rights being slowly eroded?
  • Have most Americans adopted “Don’t hurt others or yourselves” as their moral creed or some other creed?


    • 12/2/10
  • Does life have the same meaning today as it did yesterday?
  • Do our beliefs interfere with our growing awareness?
  • Is traditional marriage obsolete?
  • What should be done to solve the debt and deficit?
  • What is the secular foundation of morality?

    • top

    11/25/10
    Happy Thanksgiving!

    11/18/10
  • Should the election of judges be for or against retention, or should it remain contested?
  • Is democracy consistent with political liberty?
  • With zero percent prosecution of false accusation or perjury, who believes we have a good judicial system, who doesn’t, and who doesn’t care?
  • With zero percent interest rates, is it fair for savers to pay for the mistakes of others?


    • 11/11/10
  • Should we say no to handouts?
  • What would you do to solve the various problems of the United States?
  • If we take away opinions and behavior, what is left of the person?
  • When is it time to be intolerant of an others belief system?
  • How should we protect wilderness areas?
  • What sweeps people away?


    • 11/4/10
  • What do the American people want: bipartisanship or hyper partisanship?
  • Why are people afraid to be wrong?
  • Are schools just factories to produce citizens?
  • Does size matter?

    • top

    10/28/10
  • With experience, does hope become belief?
  • Is the voice of the people largely determined by propaganda?
  • Does life have meaning?
  • What would you do to fix the various problems in the United States?


    • 10/21/10
  • Can the power of love overcome the love of power?
  • What body should decide the issue of immigration?
  • Do we all experience the world uniquely?
  • Does multiculturalism work?
  • Do atheists know more about religion than the religious?


    • 10/14/10
  • Do the ends justify the means?
  • Is doubt good or bad?
  • Should we value process over results?


    • 10/7/10
  • Should we use the walls and floors of school to advertise on?
  • Is the United States still a “super power” and does it matter?
  • Daniel Ellsberg, a hero or a traitor?
  • Is perception reality for some people?
  • How well do we consider how our actions indirectly impact others?

    • top

    9/30/10
  • Who should solve society’s problems?
  • Do men and women think differently?
  • Are some people to dumb to vote?
  • Is doubt positive or negative?
  • What is the purpose of education?


    • 9/23/10
  • Is ultimate purpose necessary for progress?
  • Where is the line between fantasy and delusion?
  • What is the first principle?


    • 9/16/10
  • Should we let species go extinct?
  • Are we as divided as we seem to be?
  • What is the unconscious?
  • When is a country justified in interfering with the internal affairs of another country?


    • 9/9/10
  • What is a theory?
  • Do the ends justify the means?
  • What are the implications of genetically engineering babies to have desired traits?
  • Is the imagination real or imaginary and how do you know?
  • Our highest value is: hero or the saint?
  • Why was the whole world focusing on this guy in Florida?


    • 9/2/10
  • On balance, is ambition a net benefit to society?
  • Do the ends justify the means?
  • Is the imagination imaginary?
  • Are we as divided as we seem?
  • What if? Consequences, good or bad?
  • Who denies climate changes and why?
  • Should gay marriages be recognized?

    • top

    8/26/10
  • Are we as divided as it seems?
  • What is the nature of time and timelessness?
  • What if? Consequences. Benefits.
  • Who denies climate change and why?
  • Was Valkyrie an act of patriotism or treason?


    • 8/19/10
  • What danger would there be if all news media sources were suddenly made silent?
  • What should the United States military look like?
  • What is justice?
  • Has science fiction enriched us culturally?
  • Should the mosque be built near ground zero?
  • Does the end ever justify the means?


    • 8/12/10
  • What is the nature of marriage?
  • How should Democrats package their message in “one-liners” in order to win?
  • If one person is kidnapped and the other is arrested under false accusation, what is the difference?
  • How can philosophy be made palatable to the general public?
  • What is critical thinking and besides yourself, is anyone else doing it?


    • 8/5/10
  • What should our health care look like?
  • What is the nature of marriage?
  • Does economics determine people’s philosophy?

    • top

    7/29/10
  • Was the Federal district court correct in blocking the Arizona immigration bill?
  • What can be done to broaden the appeal of philosophy to the general public?
  • What is artistic expression?
  • Why does somebody vote for a judge and what groups do so?
  • What does it mean to be an American?


    • 7/22/10
  • What are racism, bigotry and prejudice?
  • What role does education play in propaganda?
  • What is genius?
  • Are emotions real?
  • Why are we in Afghanistan?


    • 7/15/10
  • Row, row, row your boat gently down the stream, is life really but a dream?
  • What does it mean to be unnatural?
  • If one group of people wants somebody to look up to does that mean someone wants somebody to look down on?
  • What do women want?
  • Are parents responsible to pick up after their children when their children do not?
  • Do people expect too much?


    • 7/8/10
  • Is belief replacing enlightened reason?
  • Is there such a thing as negative and positive emotion?
  • If we need people to look up to, what does that do to equality?


    • 7/1/10
    top

    6/24/10
  • Can reason ever replace non-reason?
  • How should the constitution be interpreted?
  • Was McCrystal out of line with his remarks about the president?
  • Do doctors follow the Hippocratic oath?


    • 6/17/10
  • What is the role of philosophy in the modern world?
  • What role does education play in propaganda?
  • What would Jesus do?
  • How much do our experiences play in our larger views of the world?
  • Should oil companies be nationalized?


    • 6/10/10
  • What does it mean to be an American?
  • Now that humans have created life, what will that mean?
  • What do I believe, but cannot prove?
  • What is the purpose of philosophy?
  • What changes will we see in the world in the future?


    • 6/3/10
  • What do we believe that we can’t prove?
  • Should veterans of unpopular or unethical wars being praised, apologized to, or scorned?
  • What does it mean to be an American?
  • Should guilt be used as a learning tool?

    • top

    5/20/10
  • What is the self?
  • What is the value of being meek?
  • Should Christians be more “Christ” like?


    • 5/13/10
  • How has the education system failed or succeeded when it comes to United States history?
  • Are all experiences conditioned by that which precedes it?
  • Can a completely free society be a completely secure society?
  • How can we maintain certainty as our knowledge increases?
  • What is the meaning of human existence?
  • Why would some people want to believe that they were abducted by space aliens?


    • 5/6/10
  • What do I believe but cannot prove?
  • What is the philosophy behind “no more taxes”?
  • Does our therapeutic culture dictate to the supposed victims how they should feel about their experiences?

    • top

    4/29/10
  • Do we need others to bear witness to our lives and work?
  • What do you believe that you can’t prove?
  • Why is there zero percent prosecution of false accusation and perjury?
  • Are we a product of our genes?
  • What do we do with illegal immigration?
  • How much should we rely on our personal experience to draw a broader perspective of the world?


    • 4/22/10
  • Why do so many people seem to have difficulty with elementary mathematics?
  • What would need to be included in a united theory of the physical universe?
  • What should our attitude be to people who make major contributions to society but who are miserable human beings?
  • What are the appropriate functions of government?


    • 4/15/10
  • Should everyone over eighteen have the right to vote?
  • What gives life meaning?
  • Why is there a math anxiety but not a history anxiety?
  • Does confidence in judges wreak all civil institutions?
  • Why do we procrastinate?
  • Why do we have a fear of knowing?
  • Are we basically good at our core?


    • 4/8/10
  • What is Eastern philosophy?
  • What do humans owe one another?
  • What should the principles of modern taxation be?
  • Is marriage and family becoming less important in our society?
  • What responsibility do we have to society for the quality of our work?


    • 4/1/10
  • Is the problem with pedophiles or with the church?
  • What is the indispensible knowledge that we wish to preserve in the event of a cataclysm?
  • Can science account for the unaccountable?
  • Is all life sacred?

    • top

    3/25/10
  • Are we becoming more or less altruistic?
  • What is culture, and who produces it?
  • What responsibility do we have to society for the quality of our work?
  • How would we know if we are becoming more or less Nazi-like?
  • Is global warming a fact and if so, what do we do about it?
  • American society has become more casual, what will be the consequences?
  • Is life inherently sacred?


    • 3/18/10
  • Is there such a thing as a negative emotion?
  • What is logic and is it useful in daily life?
  • What is culture and who creates it?


    • 3/11/10
  • What is your personal philosophy?
  • What is culture, and who produces it?
  • Should morality be taught like manners or be considered innate?
  • What would the ideal health care system be for the United States?
  • What do we really need to know?
  • Will the continuing advances in robotic technology soon reshape the way we live?
  • What is logic and how important is it to daily life?
  • Can you judge a man by his handwriting?


    • 3/4/10
  • Are we really as stupid as we seem?
  • In view of complexity, are either/or questions appropriate?
  • What is and who creates culture?
  • Is the soul separate from the body?
  • Can you be happy as one?
  • Is high school mathematics useful in day to day life?
  • Is "capitalist" just a polite word for financial parasite?
  • Is good and bad just marks on a continuum?

    • top

    2/25/10
  • Is truthfulness a liability in today’s society?
  • Is the education system ripe for a major overhaul?
  • What is relevant?
  • What is the purpose of prisons?


    • 2/18/10
  • Does certainty increase with knowledge?
  • If a universe operates in term of deterministic laws, how can there be a real choice?
  • Is there life after death?
  • Is it true that everybody lies?


    • 2/11/10
  • What is the state of the state?
  • What is anger?
  • Should we have one age for senior citizens?
  • In the United States, we have 0% prosecutions of false accusations, and the highest incarceration in the world. Coincidence?
  • Why marry?
  • What is misbehavior?


    • 2/4/10
  • How do we know if one event causes another?
  • What is work?
  • Can democracy survive free market capitalism?
  • Can free market capitalism survive democracy?

    • top

    1/27/10
  • Is health care a right or a privilege?
  • What distinguishes a good leader from just a good man?
  • What is our social contract and what is its source?
  • Is official truth and propaganda the same or different?
  • Why do some people love puzzles and others loath them?
  • Who has the right to the fresh water in the world?


    • 1/21/10
  • Does innocent until proven guilty imply that an accusation is false until proven true?
  • Is privacy essential?
  • How can we know something in the absence of proof?
  • Does knowledge make us happier?
  • What should government do and not do?
  • Why should corporations have unlimited freedom of speech?


    • 1/14/10
  • Is it moral and just to force one man pick another man’s cotton and is it moral and just to force one man to pay for another man’s doctor bills?
  • Do we have a personal responsibility to change the majority opinion if it is wrong?
  • Do churches fill a public good?
  • Who am I and what am I doing here?
  • If you could be Bill Murray’s character in “Groundhog’s Day”, how would you fill your days?
  • What are our indispensible illusions?
  • Do 0% false accusations imply a judicial system we need to be concerned about?


    • 1/7/2010
  • What is political correctness?
  • What is morality?
  • Is a child still a child if he is also a felon?

    • top

    12/31/09 New Years Eve

    12/24/09 Christmas Eve

    12/17/09
  • What makes something right or wrong?
  • What makes the aesthetic important to civilization society, and individuals?
  • Is privacy a value?
  • What is happiness?
  • When is certainty most likely connected to error?
  • What would be a perfect form of government?


    • 12/10/09
  • Is there any reality in internet culture that is not seen in face to face culture?
  • Faith and denial: same coin, different sides?
  • Is privacy a value?
  • What is evil?


    • 12/3/09
  • What is evil?
  • Why do so many people so dislike mathematical problems?
  • Can the problem of consciousness ever be solved?
  • What is our responsibility to the community at large?
  • Why does Minnesota record so few false accusations?

    • top

    11/27/09 Thanksgiving Day

    11/19/09
  • What scale is appropriate for discussing problems with society?
  • Does it feel good to feel bad?
  • Why do some people love math puzzles and others hate them?
  • Why do people have difficulty separating themselves from their beliefs or positions?
  • Since reflexes happen first and thoughts second, what really determines personality?


    • 11/12/09
  • Is religion necessary for society to function?
  • Does religion differ from morality and if so, how?
  • Does freedom create happiness?
  • Why do some people love math puzzles and others hate them?


    • 11/5/09
  • When the truth comes along, how can we be sure we can identify it?
  • What is the truth?
  • Is all knowledge valuable?
  • Can civilizations function without religion?
  • Napoleon said religion keeps the poor from killing the rich, is this true?

    • top

    10/29/09
  • The unexamined life is not worth living; what does that mean?
  • How do we acquire gender roles?
  • How can I be a good big sister?
  • Is there really a free lunch?
  • What good is it to win the battles if you lose the war?
  • What is the dumbest thing you’ve ever heard or know of?


    • 10/22/09
  • What is a civil right?
  • What purpose do emotions serve?
  • What is the purpose of prisons?
  • What is the difference between what is and what one believes to be?
  • Are Americans too politically correct?
  • At what age should people be tried as adults?
  • Have blogs taken over the role of traditional news media?


    • 10/15/09
  • Is honesty really the best policy?
  • What are the differences and similarities between the Republican and Democratic parties?
  • What are we entitled to?


    • 10/8/09
  • Is the manipulation of people bad?
  • What would you die for and why?
  • Are religious beliefs incompatible with critical thinking?
  • What are our rights?
  • What are the consequences of either staying in or leaving Afghanistan?


    • 10/1/09
  • How does everyone like the new Jay Leno show?
  • What is human nature?
  • Is some illusion needed for a healthy life?
  • What is love?
  • What is trust?
  • Do we really have free will or are we deterministic?

    • top

    9/24/09
  • Is eating meat justified in a modern society?
  • Why are you all here?
  • Does a legal obligation create a moral obligation?
  • Why are false accusations hardly ever prosecuted?
  • Is greed good?


    • 9/17/09
  • Are beliefs more important than facts?
  • Do our jobs have the right incentives?
  • Do we really have rights?
  • Have blogs usurped the role of traditional news media?
  • How valid are one’s specific experiences when making a more generalized judgment?


    • 9/10/09
  • Does health care really need reforming?
  • Do our jobs have the right incentives?
  • Can the common man be trusted to govern?
  • What is the good life?
  • Who is accountable, the one who lays the trap or the one who falls into it?
  • Are we heading down the path Germany was in the 1930’s?


    • 9/3/09
  • Does anybody really know what time it is?
  • On what basis would we know if an artificial intelligence existed?
  • Can there be a reasoned thought without emotional input?
  • What is justice?
  • What is racism and is the term used too freely?

    • top

    8/27/09
  • What is justice?
  • Where do we get our rights from?
  • Is there really a free lunch?
  • Do humans have free will?
  • What responsibility do we have to society for the quality of our work?


    • 8/20/09
  • Is there a god or gods?
  • If Earth is the only life in the universe and we knew it, how would we feel about it?
  • Where is language going in the future?


    • 8/13/09
  • How safe is our food supply.
  • Are things better or worse than they used to be?
  • Politically, what do we hold sacred?
  • Would it have been better if the south seceded?
  • Should we go to Mars?


    • 8/6809
  • How does a person choose a book to read and why?
  • Is there really a free lunch?
  • What responsibility do we have to society for the quality of our work?
  • Will the artificial intelligence explain the mind-body problem?
  • At what point do somebody else’s problems become ours?
  • What do we really know?<
    top

    7/30/09
  • What coursework should go into a college liberal arts program and why?
  • What is funny and why do we laugh at it?
  • Why does everybody keep telling me that our country is going to hell in a hand basket?
  • The Castle Doctrine: do you have the right to preemptive self defense, or do you have to retreat?
  • Why are women considered satanic in strict Muslim religion??
  • What makes a person bigoted?


    • 7/23/09
  • Should we rely on experts for reform?
  • What type of health care reform should the United States have if any?
  • What is racial profiling?
  • What is the responsibility of the news media to the American public?
  • What social group has the most power, why and how?


    • 7/16/09
  • What should be the future of space exploration?
  • Of the people available now, who would you preserve to rebuild the world after a cataclysm?
  • Would gay marriages be a plus or minus on society?
  • What is the greatest mystery?


    • 7/9/09
  • What would people do if they saw a barrel rolling down the street?
  • What were the good old days and why?
  • Are the mind and the brains different things and what are the consequences if they are or are not?
  • What is faith?


    • 7/2/09
  • What would the consequences be of a truly libertarian government in the modern world?
  • Should integrity and leadership go with public office?
  • Why is the society described “nuclear family” so important?
  • Where should integrity and morality fit in ones pursuit of happiness?

    • top

    6/23/09
  • What are the limits of free speech?
  • What would the consequences be of living in a truly libertarian society?
  • What is normal?
  • What is justice?
  • Is health care a right?
  • Where is the beer?


    • 6/18/09
  • Opinions, behavior, and persona: where does one begin and the other end?
  • Is it more effective to be verbal or nonverbal communication?
  • When someone says that it is “just a joke”, is it?
  • How does entertainment media effect our perceptions of reality?
  • What constitutes a healthy modern family?
  • Is self esteem the result of experiences or is it more a personality thing?


    • 6/11/09
  • Are we created equal?
  • Is affirmative action racial discrimination and is it morally just?
  • What would be included in a Bill of Rights for the twenty-first century?
  • What is terrorism?


    • 6/4/09
  • Are there any human traits that can not be explained by evolution?
  • Good and evil: definite, relative or interchangeable?
  • How should we relate to food?
  • Is romantic love a failed concept?
  • Does it benefit our society if we all do the most we can individually for our health and fitness?

    • top

    5/28/09
  • How do we distinguish between what is natural and what is supernatural?
  • Should every person try to convert others to their religious beliefs?
  • Is it moral and just to forcibly use one person to serve the purposes of another person?
  • What happens to a society that believes (quote)?
  • Is there a key to success and what is it?
  • What is racism?


    • 5/21/09
  • If there was no evil would there be no God?
  • Should every Christian spread the word of God?
  • Are there any human traits that evolution cannot explain?
  • What is the purpose of government


    • 5/14/09
  • Is there any human trait that evolution cannot explain?
  • Our bodies are affected by the environment and our minds, is one of them dominant and why?
  • Where do ideas come from?
  • If not, why not?
  • Should we be optimistic or pessimistic about America’s future?


    • 5/7/09
  • What type of health care should the United States have?
  • Why does God permit suffering in the world?
  • Is talking to yourself deviant behavior?
  • Is there a sixth sense?
  • How do our personal experiences affect our view of the larger world?
  • Is God all knowing and perfect or just all powerful?
  • Is killing in the name of religion just?

    • top

    4/30/09
  • Is talking to yourself deviant behavior?
  • There are different truths, legal truth, therapeutic truth, is there an objective truth?
  • Genie gives you three wishes, what are they and why?
  • If not, why not?


    • 4/23/09
  • Who can we trust with our money?
  • Why should we care about philosophy?
  • Should Democracy allow religions that are bent on creating a theocracy?
  • Should someone’s beliefs be used against them in social and work activities?
  • Genie gives you three wishes, what are they and why?


    • 4/16/09
  • How did life come to be on Earth?
  • Who can we trust with our money?
  • As critics, how should we judge movies?
  • Why are there so many crazed shooters?
  • Do the police lack moral conscience if they will enforce any law regardless of their own moral position?


    • 4/9/09
  • Homes: do we own them or do they own us?
  • Is the American family being destroyed?
  • What constitutes the authentic self?
  • When do friend’s actions become a moment you never forget?
  • Why are there so many crazed shooters?
  • As critics, how should we judge movies?
  • What does universal health care mean to the United States?


    • 4/2/09
  • Greed and selfishness, what are they and what is good and bad about them?
  • Beyond genitals, are men and women different and if so how and to what degree?
  • What are thoughts?
  • What do we really know?
  • What is "Group Think" and is it good or bad?

    • top

    3/26/09
  • Should American families be required to adopt free-market principles in managing their domestic affairs?
  • How can we know if what we believe clarifies or distorts reality?
  • Is America on the road to financial ruin?
  • What is the self; mind, body, or something else?
  • What is intelligence?


    • 3/19/09
  • What is worse than death?
  • What is more important free will or the illusion of free will?
  • If one of us is mugged and raped, when would it become an issue for the rest of us?
  • Who was the greatest non-religious person and why?
  • Is greed good?
  • What limits, if any, should be placed on scientific development?


    • 3/12/09
  • Are we currently witnessing the end of civilization as we know it and if so what will follow?
  • When does injustice to another become our issue?
  • What limits, if any, should be placed on genetic engineering?
  • How would the world be different if the idea of god never existed?
  • What is greed?
  • What is the social relevance of art?
  • How, if at all, does society control greed?


    • 3/5/09
  • How smart is the Smart Car?
  • What is morality?
  • What figures in history could best advise us today and why?
  • When does one person’s issue become another person’s issue?

    • top

    2/26/09
  • In what way have and will humans interact with space/time/matter/energy?
  • What is insanity?
  • Do we really have the right to bring our grievances to the government?
  • What should we remember?


    • 2/19/09
  • What would the founding fathers say about the state of the nation?
  • Is the root problem to the economic crisis debt and is the solution more debt?
  • Is there a cure for envy?
  • Why are the divorce laws in direct opposition to marriage vows?
  • Would we be better off if we knew what would happen in the future?
  • As a society, how much confidence should we place in the statements of mathematicians?


    • 2/12/09
  • Would it have been better if Lincoln had allowed the south to secede?
  • How would the world be different if the idea of God never existed?
  • How valid are personal experiences when used to make larger judgments?
  • What is the most dangerous idea in the history of the world?


    • 2/5/09
  • What is the proper role of government?
  • What is the best stimulus package?
  • What is the purpose of prisons?
  • Good and evil – How do we know which is which and can we be sure?
  • At what point in our lives is the degradation of the quality of our life so great that putting off death is no longer acceptable?

    • top

    1/29/09
  • Are Americans privileged with “freedom of choice” or plagued by obligation to choose? Is choice a blessing or a curse?
  • How should we deal with unintentional consequences of laws?
  • What are the obligations of a promise?
  • Why do we have a deficit and why can’t we get out of it?


    • 1/22/09
  • What technology is most likely to fundamentally transform society and why?
  • Why are people who perjure and falsely accuse rarely prosecuted and should they be?
  • What is next for capitalism?
  • What is hope?


    • 1/15/09
  • What is life?
  • What deserves to be celebrated?
  • Does power corrupt and does absolute power corrupt absolutely?
  • What is so funny?


    • 1/8/09
  • What is life?
  • What deserves to be celebrated?
  • Do we only have an illusion of ourselves?
  • Is there a solution to the Arab conflict?
  • What constitutes a good life?

    • top

    12/31/08 - Library closed for New Years.

    12/25/08 - Library closed for Christmas.

    12/18/08
  • What makes an American culturally literate?
  • What is the purpose of prisons?
  • Since men make up 50% of domestic abuse victims, why are there only women’s shelters?
  • Can a capitalist society have a human focus?
  • What is the appropriate award for excellence?
  • Should the government give financial aid to private business?


    • 12/11/08
  • Why do we collect stuff?
  • Do we treat some theosophical degrees as if they have greater value than others?


    • 12/8/08
  • Is belief always preceded by the imagination?
  • What is knowledge?
  • Is there a god?
  • How is emotion or feelings described?
  • How valid are one’s specific experiences when used to make a more
  • generalized judgment?
  • Attitude is more important than facts.
  • What makes someone a good person?
  • What dictates right and wrong?
  • When we are making decision should we trust our senses or trust reason?
  • Does belief need to be reasoned?

    • top

    11/20/08
  • Does dignity actually come from work?
  • All that exists is matter, probability or mind?
  • Should equal rights and equal obligation go together, if not, why not?


    • 11/13/08
  • Is boom and bust inevitable in the open market system?
  • Why do we play games?
  • Innocent until proven guilty; good idea, bad idea? Does our legal system function this way?
  • Is there an alternative to economic Darwinism?
  • All that exists is matter or probability or mind?
  • To what degree should leaders follow the desires of the public?


    • 11/6/08
  • Should Lincoln have let the south secede?
  • Does race matter?
  • Why are Americans afraid of gay marriage?
  • What should the role of government be?
  • What is the measure of self worth?
  • In order to believe something without proof, do we have to imagine it first?

    • top

    10/30/08
  • Just what the hell is Republican and Democrat anyway?
  • What are we rationally afraid of and is fear an individual or social phenomenon?
  • Are campaign ads really part of the democratic process or would it be possible to have an election without the ads?
  • Is it ever appropriate to lie?
  • What are the differences and similarities between a country and an organized crime group?
  • Will politicians ever take responsibility for bad stuff?
  • Why are Americans so afraid of atheists?


    • 10/23/08
  • What are anti-American views?
  • Can people live without ideologies?
  • Do global charities undermine host government’s charities?
  • Do governmental charities undermine individual charity?
  • Should everybody vote?


    • 10/16/08
  • What role could we assign ourselves instead of being consumers?
  • Should we be judged by the company we keep?
  • Should there be a penalty or consequence for “pirating” music and movies; if so, how severe?
  • What are the differences and similarities between prostitution and marriage?
  • Can desensitization be a good thing?


    • 10/9/08
  • Is a global depression upon us?
  • What is informed enough?
  • What is the deadliest sin and why?
  • Do efforts to control society only make it worse?


    • 10/2/08
  • Why are people so polarized in their thinking?
  • Just what the hell is Democrat and Republican anyway?
  • What or who came before god?
  • Is marriage becoming an historical oddity?

    • top

    9/25/08
  • In what areas of life should we reject unfair advantage?
  • How should we process information?
  • Which do we have more of, certainty or doubt?
  • Just what in the hell is “Republican” and “Democrat”?


    • 9/18/07
  • Is America becoming irrelevant?
  • Should the government bail out businesses that fail?
  • If the 72 virgins important to jihadists were feminists, would that change anything and why?
  • What is justice?
  • What are the limits of capitalism?


    • 9/11/08
  • Are some illusions better than others?
  • How should we evaluate information?
  • How should we understand terrorism and 9-11?
  • How does one balance earnestness and frivolousness?
  • Why can’t we limit campaigning to one month before the elections?


    • 9/4/08
  • What are the qualifications to be President of the United States?
  • What are the qualifications to be the Vice President of the United States?
  • Why is the President of the United States still partisan after the election?
  • Is there a mission in each of our lives?

    • top

    8/28/08
  • Are the private lives of public officials of any practical significance?
  • What is a responsible citizen?
  • What is the best method to obtain leaders?


    • 8/21/08
  • Can principles be compromised by sufficient temptation?
  • Is Ralph Nader the Norman Thomas of our generation?
  • Does the mind know?
  • Why are false accusers rarely prosecuted?


    • 8/14/08
  • What should government do?
  • Is tradition another word for habit?
  • Can narcissism ever be good?
  • What is war?


    • 8/7/08
  • What is the meaning of human existence?
  • Is capitalism the best form for a democracy?
  • How should we use ethics to understand biology?
  • Who is or has been a responsible people or society?

    • top

    7/31/08
  • What are we responsible for?
  • Would you rather your kids have good friends, good manners or good grades?
  • Is America most segregated at 11am Sundays?
  • Why care?
  • Is there such a thing as free will?


    • 7/24/08
  • Does freedom tend to limit the development of community?
  • Does our system promote innocent until proven guilty or guilty until proven innocent?
  • How should ethics be applied to biology?
  • Will economic freedom destroy the world?


    • 7/17/08
  • How do we solve the energy crisis?
  • Amnesty: who benefits?
  • Does popular culture discourage critical thinking?


    • 7/10/08
  • What is the best health care system for the United States?
  • Social control: benefit or drawback?
  • What is real communication?
  • What is the origin of human consciousness?
  • Why do people get upset about dogs humping one another?


    • 7/3/08
  • Do we choose our personality?
  • What is the role of law?
  • Why have laws since the judges don’t follow them?
  • Why do we become so polarized in our thinking?

    • top

    6/26/08
  • How should we evaluate risk?
  • Are emotional or intellectual investments as risky as financial investments?
  • Who deserves respect?
  • Do we choose our personality?
  • What is more important, science or religion?
  • Can stigma be positive or good?


    • 6/19/08
  • Is immigration good or bad for the United States today?
  • What are the standards of beauty in our society and are they emotionally and/or physically healthy?
  • What is democracy and when did it begin?
  • How would we know that we have a government that is by and for the people?


    • 6/12/08
  • Are meaning and happiness two separate paths?
  • Why do people become so polarized?
  • Reason, logic and evidence versus emotion and prejudice; which is dominant in our society?


    • 6/5/08
  • What is not normal?
  • Would kids be better or worse off if raised to be gender-neutral?
  • Who is deadlier, male or female?

    • top

    5/29/08
  • When is it ok to cross the line?
  • What role does religion play in modern society?
  • If global warming is true, what is the cause and what is the cure?
  • In our society, what is the standard of beauty?
  • What are the determinants in determining or judging whether someone is religious?
  • Why do big lies seem so credible?


    • 5/22/08
  • How should we evaluate risk?
  • If someone falls into a trap, do we blame the person who fell in or the person who laid it and why?
  • Who do assumptions hurt?
  • Is the American lifestyle out of sync with the natural order?
  • What is the value of Christianity in America?
  • What influences a society most?


    • 5/15/08
  • Are low expectations the secret to happiness?
  • What is Autism?
  • What gives life meaning?
  • How should we evaluate risk?
  • Are humans special?
  • Is the gender wage gap a myth?
  • Is history important?


    • 5/8/08
  • What do assumptions hurt?
  • If we loose our memories, what becomes of our identity?
  • What kind of society would we select from behind the veil of ignorance?
  • Who should judge judges and why?
  • Why is privacy important?


    • 5/1/08
  • Who do assumptions hurt?
  • What deserves to be preserved?
  • When is “I was just following orders” a good defense or an excuse?
  • Are pleasure and happiness the same thing?
  • Does pro-choice include men?
  • What gives us the power to philosophize?
  • What type of health insurance for the United States?

    • top

    4/23/08
  • What is morality and where does it come from?
  • What deserves to be preserved?
  • How should we discipline students, in or out?
  • Is it important to know whether there is a god or not?
  • Just what does an atheist believe in?
  • Should the women in a polygamous community be held responsible for the treatment of their children?
  • How do we choose when and what to disclose about ourselves?


    • 4/17/08
  • If we loose our ability to make and retrieve memories, what happens to our identity?
  • When dealing with criminals, how do we balance justice and retribution?
  • What is common sense?
  • What deserves to be preserved?
  • Does modernization trump culture?
  • How valid are one’s specific experiences when used to make a more generalized judgment?
  • Are men generalized nurturers and women specific nurturers?


    • 4/10/08
  • What deserves to be preserved?
  • What is the obligation of a citizen?
  • Does the media give the United States bad images or are they already there?
  • What plays a greater role in human affairs, imagination or reason?
  • Who do assumptions hurt?
  • Should political issues be part of the Beijing Olympics?
  • What would the best form of government look like?


    • 4/3/08
  • Who do assumptions hurt?
  • What is the obligation of a citizen?
  • Why do things go as well as they do?
  • What kind of society would we build behind a veil of ignorance?
  • What are the topics sex, politics, religion and Hitler conversation stoppers?
  • Who is in charge?
  • In this society, how do you act to be considered masculine or feminine?

    • top

    3/27/08
  • Is retirement as we know it dead?
  • What is a game?
  • What is a dream?
  • Is mathematics an invention or a discovery?
  • How valid are one’s personal experiences when making a generalized judgment?
  • Has modern medicine gone too far?


    • 3/20/08
  • What is the relative importance of content versus intent?
  • What should be the components of a racial dialogue?
  • How should we choose our CEO’s?
  • How important is color in our lives?
  • How do we recognize emotional maturity?


    • 3/13/08
  • What is success?
  • How should we pick our leaders?
  • Can narcissism be a positive trait?
  • Logic and reason versus emotion; which is dominant for us in human society and why?


    • 3/6/08
  • How can a person be more objective?
  • What is bioethics?
  • What is the difference between work and leisure?
  • When is fantasy beneficial to reality?
  • Should we be concerned about the decline in reading in favor of electronic media?

    • top

    2/28/08
  • How should we pick out leaders?
  • Is a recession a bad thing?
  • Why is it that some people see things as black or white while others see the same things as shades of grey?


    • 2/21/08
  • A Minnesota rule allows judges to accept as many gifts up to $150 without reporting it to anyone. Is this rule good or bad?
  • Is anarchy ever good?
  • Is democracy always good?
  • What does universal healthcare look like?


    • 2/14/08
  • How should we pick our leaders?
  • Is diversity a value?
  • Is love and hate opposed or love and fear?


    • 2/7/08
  • Where have all the leaders gone?
  • What is mind?
  • What is the role of government?
  • Was the United States the best country in the world and is it still?

    • top

    1/31/08
  • Why are we irritated when our stereotypes don’t come true?
  • Do zoos do more harm than good?
  • Who rules the world?
  • How should we pick our leaders?
  • Is anarchy good?
  • What is the nature of love?


    • 1/24/08
  • Is American consumerism a sign of material wealth or emotional impoverishment?
  • What is the role of government?
  • What makes babies fascinating?
  • How should we pick our leaders?
  • Should we pick our leaders?
  • How much religion is acceptable in government?
  • Analytical or creative?


    • 1/17/08
  • What is more important, security or privacy?
  • What is the end game of the internet?
  • What is an informed citizen?
  • How should we pick our leaders?
  • What wins in social situations, reason or emotion?
  • Can a democracy be an effective empire?


    • 1/10/08
  • How do we recognize the difference between our delusional thinking and our wise thinking?
  • Do words clarify or confuse?
  • Is anarchy good?
  • Do animals deserve our protection?
  • What if?
  • What is more important, questions or answers?
  • Are national politicians made by the media?
  • Is global warming for real?


    • 1/3/08
  • How does Zeno’s paradox affect real life?
  • Is the soul in the mind?
  • Is human evolution coming to an end?
  • Is there a limit to goodness?
  • Why do we believe?

    • top

    12/27/07
  • Is there a limit to goodness?
  • Does organized religion cause more harm than good?
  • Will non-violent protest ever be successful?
  • Is anarchy good?


    • 12/20/07
  • What are the consequences of immortality?
  • When something happens that we do not understand, how do we begin to explain it?
  • What if god has limited power?


    • 12/13/07
  • Is there something inherently more moral for Mac versus PC?
  • Is context important?
  • Is a professional opinion necessarily the best opinion?
  • Is anarchy good?
  • Do the ends justify the means?
  • Should marriage be replaced by marital contracts?


    • 12/6/07
  • Who is the least qualified American to be President of the United States?
  • What is the value of repugnance?
  • Do our reflexes or our cognitive processes determine our personality?
  • How should belief in god affect our behavior?
  • What is the most important event in human history?
  • Is a professional opinion the best opinion?
  • Is there an idea worth dying for?

    • top

    11/27/07
  • What is a good balance between altruism, self interest and self-indulgence?
  • What is the well lived life?
  • What was/were the big lie/lies in your life?
  • Do negative experiences have a positive effect on creativity?
  • Can you ever conquer emotion?
  • What is the most important turning point in human history?


    • 11/22/07
    Happy Thanksgiving!


    11/15/07
  • How important is the past?
  • Do ideologies ever die?
  • Why is altruism so darn persistent?
  • Which sex has the most power and why?
  • Should Americans have the right to sell their vote?


    • 11/8/07
  • Is anticipation better than the real thing?
  • Is guilt useful and if so, why?
  • Are there any universal paradigms?


    • 11/1/07
  • What is community?
  • What is the best form of communication?
  • What motivates us?
  • How do we determine who is really in charge?
  • Is a professional opinion necessarily the best?
  • How much should the government infringe on private rights in the name of public health?

    • top

    10/25/07
  • Are we responsible for our feelings?
  • Who is in the best position to know what is in our best interests?
  • Is a sadist really just a masochist following the Golden Rule?
  • Is a professional opinion always the best?


    • 10/18/07
  • What would Jesus Do?
  • What is charisma?
  • Is energy independence possible in the United States?
  • If we have equality of the sexes, why do only men register for the draft?
  • Where do ideas come from?
  • What is philosophy?


    • 10/11/07
  • How far should a nation or an individual go to defend themselves?
  • Is it possible to live a blame free life?
  • Does everything happen for a reason?


    • 10/4/07
  • Overall, is free trade good for America, why or why not?
  • Should America use mercenaries?
  • Should illegal aliens be able to get driver’s licenses?
  • Should the requirement to submit to random requirements be removed from applications for driver’s licenses?
  • Should we re-institutionalize the draft for military or other public services?
  • Are there different classes of fundamental rights?
  • Can we talk about anything fun?
  • Who or what created the universe?
  • What role should culture play in school?

    • top

    9/27/07
  • What is the most useful emotion?
  • Does knowledge increase happiness?
  • The concept, “Innocent until proven guilty”, do we have it and where?
  • Are all personal opinions learned?


    • 9/20/07
  • Is language evolving?
  • Should there be universal health care in the United States?
  • What do we gain from Socrates Café?
  • How far should you go to save your own life?
  • What is reality?
  • How much of the value of things comes from what we put in?


    • 9/13/07
  • Is contentment good for us but not for others?
  • What do the terms liberal and conservative mean to each of us?
  • What is reality?

    • top

    8/30/07
  • Is there such a thing as a free lunch?
  • Is patriotism another form of religion?
  • What do we do when an honest mistake gets people killed?


    • 8/23/07
  • What is the value, purpose and utility of public art?
  • Is the world over populated?
  • Do humans create or just discover and rearrange?
  • Why is a conservative a conservative and a liberal a liberal?
  • What do you do when an honest mistake gets people killed?
  • What is the most effective way to create a change that you might desire?
  • Who gets to decide what is offensive or forbidden?


    • 8/16/07
  • How do you know when you are thinking for yourself?
  • Is anything supernatural?
  • When do we draw the line?
  • Do we need more mass transit?


    • 8/9/07
  • What do you believe that you cannot prove?
  • What is charisma?
  • What is the best advice that you have ever received?
  • Is time a prerequisite for morality?
  • Should equal right and equal obligation go together?


    • 8/2/07
  • Why does math work?
  • Does age define you?
  • Can contentment create ingenuity?
  • Which is more important, the family you are given or the family you make?
  • Do both certainty and uncertainty exist?
  • In what sense can human beings be said to follow rules?
  • Has the Bill of Rights always been justified?

    • top

    7/26/07
  • How high is up?
  • What does it mean to be fully present in the moment?
  • Which is more important, the family you are given or the family you make for yourself?
  • What do you believe that you cannot prove?
  • Do men and women think differently?
  • Are some people more equal than others?
  • How do we know what is true?


    • 7/19/07
  • What is the fascination in American culture with being “bad”?
  • Does age define us?
  • Is propaganda a necessary evil?
  • If words had more specific meaning, would our thinking be clearer?


    • 7/12/07
  • What is infinity?
  • What is the difference between equanimity and apathy?
  • Do we have a right to health care and what is the best way to deliver it if we do?
  • Should there be exceptions to the Golden Rule?


    • 7/5/07
  • What is the way of life of the ideal American?
  • How do you define what it means to be an American?
  • Does age define you?

    • top

    6/28/07
  • What is the purpose and utility of sports?
  • What is the difference between equanimity and apathy?
  • What should your country do for you?
  • Is doubt necessary for thought?


    • 6/21/07
  • Is the infinite anything?
  • What is the most effective way to protest?
  • What is the purpose of sports?
  • What is the impact of profound knowledge on self-esteem?
  • How do we differentiate equanimity from apathy?
  • Is god a delusion of the human mind?
  • Should equal rights and equal obligations go together?


    • 6/14/07
  • Are there any government programs that should not be funded?
  • What is charisma?
  • What would be the line between a prejudice and a rationally held position?


    • 6/7/07
  • What does it mean to be rich?
  • Should claiming fear be enough to put another in jail?
  • How important are symbols and metaphors to thought and communication?

    • top

    5/31/07
  • Faith or delusion?
  • What is dominant in human interaction, imagination or reality?
  • Why do we remember certain things and forget others?


    • 5/24/07
  • Has society become more offensive or more offended?
  • If art has a moral impact, does art have a moral responsibility?
  • Should the government force public transportation on the people to save fuel?
  • 50% of rape charges are admitted to be false by the accuser, why is this not common knowledge?


    • 5/17/07
  • What is the world’s most meaningful film and why?
  • What does it mean to be a true leader?
  • What is safe enough?
  • What does it mean to really help someone?
  • What is wisdom and how is it achieved?


    • 5/10/07
  • What is safe enough?
  • What is the best explanation of the ultimate nature of reality?
  • Should fire works be illegal?
  • What can fiction teach us?
  • What’s preferable: Anarchy or Tyranny?
  • Is fact stranger than fiction?
  • Should equal rights mean equal obligation?


    • 5/3/07
  • Why are religions different?
  • What is infinity?
  • Which is better: doing the right thing for the wrong reason or doing the wrong thing for the right reason?
  • It is possible to have government without bureaucracy?
  • Why don’t people trust people that they don’t know?


    • 4/26/07
  • What is discipline?
  • At the next presidential election, why can’t we have whoever gains the most votes as President and the second most votes as Vice President?
  • What should the purpose of punishment be, retribution, reform, or deterrence?
  • Is doing the wrong thing for the right reason better than doing the right thing for the wrong reason?
  • What is a terrorist?


    • 4/5/07
  • What is infinity?
  • What, if anything, is worth dying for?
  • What is the essence of cool?
  • Is advancement in technology aiding in the decline of society?
  • Should equal rights also mean equal obligations?
  • Who are we?

    • top

    3/29/07
  • What is hip?
  • What is the difference between madness and anger?
  • What is the cause of human suffering?
  • What is the duty we owe to ourselves?
  • Could Jesus heat a burrito so hot even He could not eat it?


    • 3/8/07
  • If you could erase any memory, would you?
  • What would a revolution look like in USA today?
  • What is infinity and why do so many people care?
  • Should America have universal health care?
  • What is funny?
  • Pride – good thing or bad thing?


    • 3/1/07, 3/15/07, 3/22/07, 4/12/07, 4/19/07 are missing - These next three lists of questions were not dated.

  • What was the most important decade in history and why?
  • In your home, should it be "shoot first, ask later"?
  • What does it mean to live with hope?
  • Are we really going to be saved by new daylight saving?
  • The world is gone! The library and us. What next?


  • What are the qualities of great leadership and who exemplifies them?
  • What does it mean to be a citizen?
  • What is reasonable doubt?
  • Is it better to be really good at one thing or ok at a lot of things?
  • When it comes to human beings is there such a thing as safety?
  • Should self-actualization be considered the pinnacle of personal development of is there a higher goal?
  • What makes someone a psychopath or sadistic personality?


  • Do we control technology or does technology control us?
  • Does experience make us smarter or lock us into old ways of thinking?
  • In an age of tragedy and corruption what does it mean to live with hope? Is it possible?
  • Should equal benefits require equal obligation?
  • How do we determine importance?

    • top

    2/22/07
  • Eugenics – Good or bad?
  • Who should be responsible for an individual’s health habits and needs?
  • Why do people sabotage themselves?
  • How much freedom do we have?
  • Pride – Good or bad?
  • Why are we in such a hurry?


    • 2/15/07
  • Is there a difference between intelligence and wisdom?
  • Are men and women designed to be attracted to one another but not get along?
  • What’s the most astonishing thing that ever happened?
  • What should all American students know about world history and culture?
  • Can you retract a question?


    • 2/8/07
  • Can we die with dignity with or without a living will?
  • What is the proper function of government?
  • Pride: A good thing, a bad thing and why?
  • What is infinity?
  • What makes a good parent?
  • Why don’t we laugh more?
  • What elements are there to a person’s survival instincts?
  • Can we ever be a part of our natural environment again?


    • 2/1/07
  • Should spanking be allowed as a punishment for children?
  • Is status necessary?
  • Pride: Good thing or bad?
  • Is religion a reflection of culture or culture a reflection of religion?
  • When does family become more or less important than values?
  • Is there a philosophical dimension to reality or is it all in our head?
  • Does a leader who is disconnected from reality embolden terrorists?

    • top

    1/25/07
  • What makes a secret so interesting to hear?
  • What if evolution and creation are both true?
  • Why do humans become disenchanted with society and/or people in general?
  • How do we define ourselves in society?
  • Pride: is it a good thing or bad thing and why?
  • Why do people fight apathy with apathy?
  • Is money really the root of all evil?
  • Why do we always have to be in the know?


    • 1/18/07
  • What should the requirements and benefits of citizenship be?
  • Does art equal madness?
  • Why is it changing from “Global Warming” to “Global Climate Change”?
  • Why is the United States going downhill?
  • How can our nation collectively become better Americans?
  • What makes a good parent?
  • Is pre-emptive war ever justifiable?
  • Do we need a fence?


    • 1/11/07
  • What is the best form of government?
  • What is the essence of a deep relationship?
  • Whish is more valuable to society, safety or freedom?
  • What is power and how do you take it?
  • Is capitalism the best form of economic democracy?
  • Do ghosts exist?


    • 1/4/07
  • If and/or how will virtual economies affect global economies in the future?
  • Religious freedom: can we be too conservative or too liberal?
  • What is the purpose and/or goal of capital punishment?
  • What is the best movie of all time?
  • Is there a standard for morality or is morality subjective or relative?
  • How do you define your sense of self?

    • top

    12/28/06
  • How do you write a document so that all the readers interpret it the same?
  • How do we determine what is right and what is wrong?
  • Whence Authority?
  • Why is the divorce rate in America greater than 50%?
  • Where does wisdom come from?


    • 12/21/06
  • What is the nature of persuasion?
  • Who is right and who is wrong in Rosie O'Donnell vs. Donald Trump?
  • Are beauty contests demeaning to women?
  • What is right and wrong?
  • Is feminism just another form of sexism?
  • What is the most important thing?
  • What is the effect of capitalism on Christmas?


    • 12/15/06
  • When is it time for an old tradition to end?
  • Why is the American divorce rate so high?
  • What are means to teach values?
  • Overall, is Wal-Mart good for America and the world?
  • What is infinity?
  • What is an accident?
  • What is the origin of morality?


    • 12/7/06
  • Is there such a thing as a selfless good deed?
  • Is it possible the spirits of the dead come to visit or haunt the living?
  • Is it better to focus on improving the world or on improving yourself?
  • Where do ideas come from?

    • top

    11/30/06
  • Can any state survive without the use of violence?
  • What does it mean to have honor?
  • What is the best piece of advice that has been or could be given?
  • What is infinity?
  • Would God or Allah want a democracy, why or why not?
  • Do ghosts exist?
  • Do we have an obligation to future generations and if so, what?


    • 11/23/06 The only discussion today was "please pass the sweet potatoes!"
    Happy Thanksgiving, or as I call it, Happy Stuff Your Face Day!

    11/16/06
  • What is community?
  • Can America be a greater country with a multi-cultural society or a melting pot society?
  • What’s up with security?
  • What is happiness?
  • Are all people created equal, why or why not?
  • How do we as individuals measure time?


    • 11/9/06
  • How do we teach? How do we learn?
  • Television – blessing or curse?
  • Should free speech be limited?
  • What is truth?
  • What to do about minimum wage?
  • How much are we influenced by free will versus fate?
  • What is the secret of the universe?


    • 11/3/06 - Happy 5th Anniversary Ridgedale Socrates Cafe!
  • What is safe enough?
  • What are we going to do about the press?
  • What makes people become terrorists?
  • Is having sex on the first date ok?
  • How much are our choices affected by fate and how much by free will?
  • Does electing new people to Congress make a difference?

    • top

    10/26/06
  • What is consciousness?
  • What is the value of a question?
  • What is the essence of cool?
  • Who can tell you what to do and why?
  • Under what conditions is it a morally good thing to raise taxes?
  • What do you believe theologically, without naming it, and why?
  • Are you satisfied with political television ads?
  • Is there life after George Bush and what does it look like?


    • 10/19/06
  • Who can tell you what to do and why?
  • What freedoms do we sacrifice on a daily basis in our lives?
  • What responsibility do we have for our elderly parents?
  • How do we, the citizens of the United States, neutralize the monied interests that govern our country?
  • What is humanity’s greatest achievement and why?
  • What is safe enough?
  • Are we our own worst enemy?


    • 10/12/06
  • At what age is one considered a senior citizen?
  • What would America be like if it was based on a consensus democracy rather than a representative democracy?
  • What is the essence of cool?
  • Can we expect to have a meaningful life after the death of a loved one?
  • How does the past affect our future as a society?
  • Under what circumstances should the United States interfere in the affairs of another country?
  • What does it say about us that negative campaign ads work better?
  • How do we explain synchronicity?


    • 10/5/06
  • How durable is our Federal Constitution and will it ever fail?
  • Who can tell you what to do and why?
  • How do you know who you are?
  • Has science, technology and modernity taken the sacred out of everyday life?
  • What is humanity’s greatest achievement?
  • How has the moral sense of the worlds civilizations changed in the last century?

    • top

    9/28/06
  • Why “math anxiety” and not “history anxiety”?
  • What happens to us when we die?
  • If a man speaks, but there is no woman there to hear him, did he still say something wrong?
  • Is the meaning of life to live in moderation or extremes?
  • What role does politics have in science and math, if any?
  • Do Americans take their freedom of speech for granted?
  • What does it mean to have freedom in our society?


    • 9/21/06
  • What business should we have telling other countries what to do?
  • Which is more important for the creation of a good society; liberty, equality or security?
  • Is the U.S. acting appropriately in its foreign affairs?
  • What should be the future of the United Nations?
  • Is feminism just another form of sexism?
  • Do we take our freedom of speech for granted?


    • 9/14/06
  • In these discussions, is it important to understand all opinions and ideas?
  • Is there such a thing as evil and what is its nature?
  • What is the current definition of a failed state?
  • Is there such a thing as a justifiable lie?
  • What’s the nature of cool?
  • Can you truly listen with an open mind?
  • Do humans differ from non-human animals in degree or in kind?


    • 9/7/06
  • How long should the illegal combatants be kept at Guantanamo Bay?
  • Is the difference between man and animal of degree or kind?
  • What is a good education?
  • What, if anything, can fiction teach us?
  • What is safe enough?
  • What is the essence of coolness?
  • Why is "liberal" a bad word?
  • Does God really have a plan for us? Does "He" care?

    • top

    8/31/06
  • Will this civilization ever end, if not why not and if so why and how?
  • Is there presently a clash of civilizations going on and what can be done about it?
  • Can you really tell a person by its cover?
  • What makes a person likeable?
  • Is feminism another form of sexism?
  • Why should we play?
  • What is safe enough?


    • 8/24/06
  • Why do people tend to take for granted their existence and blessings?
  • How does one deal with fear effectively?
  • If we believe that all people are equal, why are jobs being outsourced?
  • What is honor? Is being honorable a means or an end?
  • What is safe enough?
  • Why does it seem that some elderly revert to their childhood?
  • Do we fear freedom?


    • 8/17/06
  • What does it mean to be bad and why is it so tempting?
  • Is this it?
  • What does it mean to be free?
  • Does the American military belong in Iraq?
  • Shock and awe/terrorism; is there a difference?
  • What is safe enough?
  • What is the definition of the verb “to be”?


    • 8/10/06
  • Why is it so hard to peaceably disagree?
  • Should we pull out of Iraq now?
  • Why do we help others before we help ourselves?
  • Should the middle-east terrorists be identified as Islamofascists?
  • Faith or gullibility, is there a difference?
  • What is safe enough?


    • 8/3/06
  • Is the peace and order of society more important than the relief of the miserable?
  • Do we think Americans are status driven?
  • Was Poland a greater enemy of Germany or was it Hitler, and is there a lesson in there for us?
  • What is the most important book ever written and why?
  • Is this it?
  • Should we believe what we think?

    • top


    7/27/06
  • Are American parents monitoring their children too closely and if so, what are the future consequences?
  • What is honor and is being honorable a means or an end?
  • Does a Socratic mindset in society create a relativism that undermines legitimate and necessary authority?
  • Has political correctness helped or hurt society?
  • At what point does organized religion cross the line from positive to negative for individuals or society?
  • Is feminism just another form of sexism?
  • Have you experienced Big Brother watching you and if so how?
  • Do the ends justify the means?


    • 7/20/06
  • If an adult changes gender, can they understand their new gender fully?
  • What is a just war?
  • Has Rock & Roll Music had a good or bad effect on our society?
  • Is it possible to change a deeply held belief?
  • Is striving for empire foolish? Is America an empire?
  • Where is the community?
  • Will we survive the current U.S. administration?


    • 7/13/06
  • Why do we take care of others before we take care of ourselves?
  • Which shall win out, reality or truth?
  • Are human beings perfectible?
  • "The day the sun stood still."
  • What are the traits of a culture?
  • Is the imagination dominant?
  • What is charisma?
  • Compare and contrast corporate and government power.


    • 7/6/06
  • Is shame a virtue or a vice?
  • Should we get rid of the Electoral College and if so, how can it be done?
  • Should we honor those who sacrifice themselves for what they perceive as a higher purpose?
  • When does freedom of speech go to far?
  • Don't believe what you think, only what you know.
  • What is an acceptable risk?

    • top

    6/29/06
  • Why do we take care of others before we take care of our own/ourselves?
  • Should father be head of the family?
  • Are we living in the golden age of mankind?
  • How can an act of suicide be portrayed as an act of war? (re: Gitmo)
  • Is President Bush's approval rating too high or too low?
  • Is refusal to talk to one's enemies a good thing?
  • How much trust should the public put in undisclosed security information?
  • If global warming is happening, is humanity to blame for it?


    • 6/22/06
  • Is time an invention that has taken over our lives?
  • Can you measure meaning?
  • Do human beings have more intrinsic worth than any other objects, plant or animal?
  • What is the next great question?
  • What is mind?
  • Do we have an obligation to correct people's assumptions about us?
  • What are people blinded by greed?
  • On what basis does the right feel morally superior?


    • 6/15/06
  • Is greed contagious?
  • How can one individual affect the entire world?
  • What is the difference between noise and music or is it the same?
  • Is there such a thing as trust in politics?
  • Does feedback from others determine the course of our lives?
  • Is there such a thing as truth in politics?
  • Can we fight Uncle Sam and win?
  • Are we really at war?


    • 6/8/06
  • Is there a difference between music and noise?
  • Why bother with other people?
  • Which is more important, truth or value?
  • When does national security supercede the rights of an individual?
  • Where is the line between knowledge and belief?
  • When does civility supercede the rights of the individual?


    • 6/1/06
  • What is the difference between a guideline and a rule?
  • Is there more to life than patterns?
  • What is the function or eros in contemporary society and personal development?
  • Which is important, truth or value?
  • Is peace a viable solution?
  • Is there anything that everybody in the world should agree on?

    • top

    5/25/06
  • Can a parent love too much or is too much never enough?
  • Is peace a viable solution?
  • Why should taxpayers sponsor corporate welfare like a stadium?
  • What is violence? What is non-violence?
  • What should we do about illegal immigrants?


    • 5/18/06
  • What is a good metaphor for living a worthwhile life?
  • What is the difference between objectivity and neutrality?
  • Is truth important?
  • What qualifies as a weapon of mass destruction?
  • Are there good people? What is a good person?
  • Should religion change to fit society or stay the same to change society?
  • When does incompetence end and criminal incompetence begin?


    • 5/11/06
  • Is truth important?
  • Can everything relevant to the human experience be boiled down to patterns?
  • What is the meaning or expectation of love?
  • When is nationalism excessive?
  • How has and how will the human will to survive change over the centuries?
  • Is there anything that everybody in the world can and should agree on?
  • What is justice? What is mercy? Which would you choose?
  • Is patriotism really the measles of mankind?
  • What is the role of Eros in contemporary society and human development?


    • 5/4/06
  • What is a failed state?
  • What is non-violent warfare?
  • Does Socrates Cafe change how we listen to others?
  • Don't believe what you think?
  • Why do so may people fear change?
  • Is there anything we deal with that can't be boiled down to patterns and permutations?

    • top

    4/27/06
  • Should religion change with society or change society?
  • How can we make peace more economically advantageous than war?
  • Don't believe what you think?
  • What if anything is the "spiritual"?
  • What makes war a justifiable action?


    • 4/20/06
  • Is cynicism contagious?
  • What's the purpose of progress?
  • Should we care about the private lives of public figures?
  • How do we choose "right and good" rather than "wrong and bad"?
  • What is progress?
  • Is there a distinction between right and wrong?


    • 4/13/06
  • What is progress?
  • What changes need to be made to the American educational system?
  • Is cynicism contagious?
  • What is a successful honeymoon?
  • What if the data from the Cassini probe contains a virus?
  • Is discussion beneficial if no one changes their minds?
  • Should we care about the private life of public figures?
  • What is the meaning of the word "hope"?


    • 4/6/06
  • What should we do about the immigration situation?
  • Why should we take care of others before we take care of our own?
  • Why are people so afraid of change?
  • Should we care about the private life of public figures?
  • Do we know anything absolutely or is all knowledge contextual?
  • Can one voice speak for the masses?
  • Does age make a difference?

    • top

    3/30/06
  • Why do we take care of others before we take care of our own?
  • What is the purpose of organized religion?
  • Is there a place for feminity and manliness in today's contemporary society?
  • What is the best idea of all time?
  • How do expectations affect human life?
  • Can one voice speak for all?


    • 3/23/2006

  • Is technology becoming more detrimental to society then beneficial?
  • What is the best idea of all time?
  • Is cynicism contagious?
  • How do you determine the out come of dialectic thinking thinking?
  • Should we expect different standards for public figures?
  • If you've done nothing wrong what do you have to hide?


    • 3/16/2006
  • Is cynicism contagious?
  • Does the fact that computers can beat chess Grand Masters routinely, mean anything to humans?
  • Is there really any value to discussion that does not lead to consensus and action?
  • Is money the root of all evil?
  • If you've done nothing wrong, what do you have to hide?
  • Are human beings still evolving?

    3/9/2006
  • Is cynicism contagious?
  • What does it mean to be a good citizen?
  • What is a patriot in today’s American society?
  • Is group decision making and thinking better than individual decision making and thinking?
  • Does the fact that computers can beat chess Grand Masters routinely, mean anything to humans?
  • What is the function of erotic love in society and personhood?
  • Should public figures be held to different standards?
  • What is sin?


    • 3/2/2006
  • Freedom of expression?
  • Is there such a thing as the concept of sin?
  • We can program computers to play games of strategy better than people. Does it matter?
  • What is it to be a patriot in today’s American society?
  • What is altruism? Is it a good thing and if so, for whom?
  • What is fate and what role does Karma play?
  • Is cynicism contagious?

    • top

    2/23/2006
  • Should anybody give a rip about the Olympics?
  • Is cynicism contagious?
  • In this society, what is more important; freedom of speech or virtue?
  • What is charisma?
  • How do we define evil?
  • What does it mean to be an American?
  • What is truly accepting oneself, should we and what are the implications?


    • 2/16/2006
  • Why do people do things in a group that they would not do alone?
  • What is the value of logic in human discourse?
  • Why do we take care of other before we take care of ourselves?
  • What is knowledge and can we ever truly know something?
  • Is cynicism contagious?
  • What is charisma?
  • Why do some people forgive so easily when others do not?
  • What does it mean to be American?


    • 2/9/2006
  • Is it better to have education without common sense or common sense without education?
  • Is music simply noise? What is the difference between the two?
  • Is cynicism contagious?
  • Does language influence thought and if so to what degree?
  • Both psychologically and philosophically, what is the nature of love?
  • How factual do memories have to be to be authentic?
  • Will the poor always be among us and if so, why?


    • 2/2/2006
  • Are taxpayers getting their money's worth from our judicial system?
  • How do we reconcile our differences with the militant who wants to inflict harm on us?
  • What is a participatory government and do we have one?
  • How do we form our opinions?
  • Can Democracy allow long term plans of action?
  • Who really makes up the platform of a politician?
  • Why do people do things in a group that they would not do alone?
  • Is there really any value to discussion that does not lead to concensus and action?

    • top

    1/26/2006
  • Is there anything new happening with UFO's?
  • What are the similarities between what is happening in Palestine today and what happened in our own American Revolution?
  • Why do people do things when they are part of a group that they would never do alone?
  • When one side advocates political murder, how do you maintain Socratic cool?
  • Is there really any value to discussion that doesn't lead to consensus and action?
  • What is self-governance?
  • Should and does an education protect a child's natural goodness?
  • When do we have the right to judge others?


    • 1/19/06
  • What will our world be like in 50 years?
  • How do we know right from wrong?
  • Can you be a religious person and not believe in god?
  • Can you be a moral person and not be religious?
  • Can you be a religious person and not be moral?
  • What is happiness?
  • Is our society becoming more self-aware?


    • 1/12/06
  • Do humans differ from non-human animals in degree or in kind?
  • Is there really any value to discussion that does not lead to consensus and action?
  • What is a good education?


    • 1/5/06
  • Is virtue its own reward?
  • What are Ethics? Is pay for lay a corrupt practice?
  • Why do we let the media control our reactions to what they report?
  • How much power is too much power?
  • What does it mean when someone says "that just wasn't me"?
  • Can freedom be imposed?

    • top

    12/15/05
  • Is God a micromanager?
  • How will today's technology affect our children's social development?
  • Can a moral case be made for capital punishment?
  • Can we perceive ideas or is it just the object of the idea that we perceive?


    • 12/8/05
  • Why do we label?
  • What determines human behavior, feelings or reason?
  • What is the difference between a moral and a law?
  • What is the difference between morality and philosophy?
  • When exactly were the “Good old days”?
  • Are optimism and pessimism self-fulfilling prophesies?
  • How do we know reality exists?
  • Can a moral case be made for capital punishment?


    • 12/1/05
  • What if love and friendship prevailed on Earth?
  • What is the proper function of the economy?
  • Good or evil – how do we know?
  • Are optimism and pessimism self-fulfilling prophesies
  • How do you know reality exists?
  • Do individuals create history or does history create itself?

    • top

    11/24/05 Happy Turkey Day

    11/17/05
  • Why is the word "can't" so hard to say and admit saying?
  • Can love and friendship prevail in a world of terrorism and religious wars?
  • What is neutral?
  • Should discounts be given by age or by ability to pay?
  • Is talking about philosophy a worthwhile effort?
  • What necessitates belief?
  • Are optimism and pessimism self-fulfilling prophesies?
  • Is the greatest goof for the greatest number moral?
  • What is torture and can it be justified?


    • 11/10/05
  • How are good people seduced by an evil leader?
  • What is humility?
  • What is trust?
  • Should one vote if one is not informed?
  • What is justice in light of the underprivileged?
  • What is friendship?
  • Do dreams have the power to help us?
  • What is dominionism?


    • 11/3/05 - Four years of questions!
  • What is Community?

    • top

    10/27/05
  • Does language limit our thought?
  • Can you tell the type of person someone is by the socks they wear?
  • Within the Christian religion, why is heaven desired and hell feared?
  • Are there such things as ghosts?
  • Is the tax break for churches a violation of the separation of church and state?
  • Should cannibalism be grounds for leniency in murder cases?
  • What role can Venture Capitalists play in today's society, if any?
  • What is the highest goal of man?
  • Why is privacy important?
  • Trick or Treat?


    • 10/20/05
  • What makes meaning?
  • Why did the Judeo/Christian/Muslim God require incest?
  • What is soul?
  • How do we balance the needs of society versus the individual rights?
  • What should be the role of fathers in modern day society?
  • Is economic depression possible?
  • What is the original intent of the American Constitution?


    • 10/13/05
  • What is Intelligent Design?
  • Can America be considered free if we can't speak without repercussions?
  • Are we governed by fear?
  • Do the negative effects of pro and amateur sports outweigh the positive effects?
  • Do world citizens have an obligation to scientific advancement?


    • 10/7/05
  • Would winning the lottery really make life easier?
  • Is humor a trait that helps one relax in a stressful situation and is it good or bad?
  • What makes a good leader?
  • Are we betrayed by the myths by which we live?
  • What gives us courage?
  • Is knowledge more a curse than a blessing?

    • top

    9/29/05
  • Why can we help others when we can't help our own?
  • Why is it so difficult to live unafraid?
  • What is the difference between affirmative action and discrimination?
  • What makes beautiful art and beautiful music beautiful?
  • Why are we sending troops overseas when they should be defending our borders?
  • Is an overall sense of security okay even if there is no real security?
  • Can we really consider America free if we can't express our opinions without repercussions?


    • 9/22/05
  • Is violence a virus that infects power?
  • We all count, why are we so anxious about math?
  • Is it better to be unhappy in the real world or be happy in a fantasy world?
  • What will the world's religions look like in 500 years?
  • What will be the greatest innovation of the 21st century?
  • What is the importance of diversity?
  • Who's to blame for global warming on Mars?


    • 9/15/05
  • Should online media be judged by the same standards as mainstream media?
  • Has technology caused more problems than is solves?
  • Should corporations have rights of citizenship?
  • What is the value of an apology?
  • What motivates people to change their behavior?
  • Should the words "under God" be stricken from the Pledge of Allegiance?
  • Should New Orleans be rebuilt or bulldozed?
  • We all count, why are we so anxious about it?
  • Gullibility and faith, are they interchangeable terms?


    • 9/8/05
  • What did our founding fathers mean by "Don't tread on me?"
  • What are the ethical conflicts for weapons suppliers and manufacturers?
  • What would Socrates and Karl Marx think about the state of American democracy?
  • When groups try to achieve goals, is it more important to be well organized or to have good leadership?
  • What's the source of addiction?
  • Does love beget hate?


    • 9/1/05
  • Should online media be governed by the same rules as mainstream media?
  • Why are humans the only animal that blushes?
  • Is there a way to help families displaced by Katrina, I.E. take them into your home?
  • Is there a difference between a revolutionary and a terrorist?
  • Is Katrina a nickname for global warming?

    • top

    8/18/05
  • One world, one people: Is there more that unites us than divides us?
  • Can what happened in Israel yesterday happen here in the U.S.?
  • What is ethics?
  • Is there any difference between a revolutionary and a terrorist?
  • Why do we treat political murderers differently than traditional murderers?
  • How do we balance the rights of society with the rights of individuals?
  • Does love beget hate?
  • Has our automobile culture contributed to our perception that society is classless?


    • 8/11/05
  • Is our humanity defined by our conscience?
  • How should we balance the needs of individuals versus society?
  • Do we have a right to judge people?
  • Are commercial space endeavors going to eclipse governmental ones in the future?
  • Why don't American talk about social class?
  • In politics, does reason or emotion dominate and why?
  • Do more choice lead to better choices?
  • What makes a job worth doing?
  • Are assumptions about our origins beneficial?


    • 8/4/05
  • Why don't Americans talk about social class?
  • What is appeasement?
  • Why do Americans talk about social class?
  • Is college a waste of time?
  • If we had the technology to change human nature, should we?
  • Should the two top vote receivers become President and Vice-President?
  • What is freedom?
  • How should we balance the needs of individuals versus the needs of a group or society?
  • Is the bliss of the redeemed heightened by the sufferings of the damned?
  • What are ethics and why aren't we paying attention to them?

    • top

    7/28/05
  • Does having beliefs about life produce more good or bad?
  • Are corporations the new government?
  • Why don't Americans talk about social class?
  • Can America compete?
  • What is the difference between a terrorist and a revolutionary?
  • When is it okay to give up?


    • 7/21/05
  • Under what circumstances, if any, is it acceptable to censor the arts?
  • Why don't Americans talk about social class?
  • Who created God?
  • Your life is precious, isn't everyone's?
  • Where is the center of the universe?


    • 7/14/05
  • Why don't American talk about social class?
  • What is a meaningful life?
  • Is it feasible for the U.S. to convert to a 32-hour work week?
  • Why do bad things happen to good people?
  • Is understanding between generations decreasing?
  • When are brains more of a benefit to getting a job vs. physical appearance?
  • What is naturally conditioned in us from birth vs. what is imposed on us by society?
  • Your life is precious, why isn't mine?


    • 7/7/05
  • Should parents embarrass their children in public?
  • Your life is precious, is mine?
  • How should we balance the needs of individuals against the needs of society?
  • Is "necessary evil" an oxymoron?
  • What is the difference between bad and evil?
  • Should parents be allowed to learn the gender of their child at 5 weeks of pregnancy?
  • Is technology dehumanizing society?

    • top

    6/30/05
  • Is higher education a right or a privilege?
  • Your life is precious, why isn't mine?
  • What's the purpose of language?
  • "I can't": why are the words so hard to say?
  • What is reality?
  • Is automated policing fair?
  • Are we all on a common level or not?


    • 6/23/05
  • Your life is precious, why isn’t mine?
  • Is there still loyalty?
  • What is the meaning of friendship?
  • Don’t we need a new format for electing the President, Vice President, etc.?
  • What did the American founding fathers mean by the phrase “don’t tread on me?”
  • Why don’t Americans talk about social class?
  • What determines intelligence?
  • Can we ever have a U.S. without institutional racism?


    • 6/16/05
  • Is a customer always right?
  • Are we ruled by mechanical time or personal time?
  • How much is a human life worth?
  • Is the institution of marriage still needed?
  • Are we imprisoned by ideology?
  • Which is more important; the rights of individuals or the needs of society?
  • Will we always need totalizing narratives?


    • 6/9/05
  • What does it mean to be true to oneself?
  • Is vanity selfishness?
  • Is idealism possible in modern society?
  • Is life precious?
  • What is hope?
  • Is the media necessary?
  • Is there a time when censorship is appropriate? If so when?


    • 6/2/05
  • Should the Government solve the health care crisis?
  • Why don’t American talk about social class?
  • Can the intention be separated from the act?
  • Can we ever solve homelessness?
  • Which is worse – not voting or voting uninformed?
  • Does clothing have a purpose in warm weather?

    • top

    5/26/05
  • Is universal peace possible?
  • Should we have to fake being happy if we are not?
  • Is it worth the effort to develop your own voice?
  • What’s the meaning of “The Little Engine That Could?”
  • Are expectations future disappointments planned out in advance?
  • What is respect? How can peace be found with different concepts of respect?
  • What are some of the depths of ignorance?
  • Why are we uncomfortable with the concept of women in combat?


    • 5/19/05
  • What is the difference, in any, between religiousness and spirituality?
  • How do we decide to help someone or not?
  • Why don’t Americans talk about social class?
  • What is the future of the heart metaphor?
  • What is home?
  • Is individualism possible?


    • 5/12/05
  • Is there a way to look at life without setting goals?
  • What does it mean to be organized?
  • What should be the purpose of prison and is that always the same as justice?
  • How should we deal with scarcity?
  • How should we deal with plentitude?
  • Should profit trump compassion?
  • What is the appeal of fantasy?
  • What should we do about not getting the real news in America?
  • Is there ever an appropriate use for censorship?


    • 5/5/05
  • Other than here, in what ways may individuals relate to or express philosophy?
  • Does technology cause more problems than it solves?
  • Is the Nation-State obsolete?
  • Except for Buddhism, most of the major world religions believe in an anthropomorphic God; Is this blasphemy?
  • Do some people really want to be homeless and why?
  • Is music appreciation an innate or learned quality, or is music just organized noise?
  • Is there physical evidence for a metaphysical aspect in our world?

    • top

    4/28/05
  • Do we control time or does time control us?
  • Intelligent Design or Evolution? Any evidence?
  • What do we as Americans fear the most?
  • Contrast innocence with ignorance.
  • Why are there so many dysfunctional families?
  • How does one love oneself?
  • Is it vanity to worry about how others think of you rather than how you think of yourself?


    • 4/14/05
  • When is ok to be selfish?
  • What makes a question interesting and powerful?
  • Is it ever possible to quit something?
  • Is there a relative value to each of our lives?
  • What is a friend?
  • Which has caused more harm in history: wrong decisions or indecisions?
  • Should politicians make decisions based on conscience or consensus?


    • 4/7/05
  • Why is Socrates Café so popular and what do we get out of it?
  • What is a game?
  • What constitutes personal identity?
  • What role does passion play in our lives and how does it effect our decisions?
  • Is there a reason for one religious belief to be over another?
  • Should a certain income level be made to donate to a charity of their choice?

    • top

    3/31/05
  • Did God create humanity or did humanity create God?
  • Why should we believe Democracy is a good thing?
  • Is laughter more important than wisdom?
  • What is a fool?
  • Should politician make decisions based on conscience or consensus?
  • How much information is enough?
  • What is adulthood?


    • 3/17/05
  • Why do we procrastinate?
  • What is the role of logic in society?
  • How does one love oneself?
  • Do we have the right to die?
  • What is living?
  • Should you be rude to people you don't know?
  • Is more wrong done by a wrong decision or an indecision?
  • Why are we in Iraq?


    • 3/17/05
  • Does power corrupt?
  • What is the role of logic in society?
  • Is infidelity ever justified?
  • Is there any purpose for philosophy in contemporary society?
  • How much is enough?
  • What is luck?
  • What is a friend?


    • 3/10/05
  • Is what we eat a political act?
  • What should students learn about history in High School and why?
  • Should we be allowed to censor professor political positions and opinions?
  • Who can you trust nowadays?
  • What’s more important for politicians: consensus or conscience?
  • How much is enough?
  • What is contentment?


    • 3/3/05
  • What should students learn about history in public school and why?
  • What is a happy life?
  • Are leaders necessary when there are wise-men or mentors?
  • Has Political Correctness gone too far?
  • What does it mean to own your feelings?
  • Should teachers be allowed to share their personal view?
  • What really make the world go around?

    • top

    2/24/05
  • What is the meaning of generosity?
  • What is security?
  • Will truth make us free?
  • What is truth?
  • Is there really a God?
  • What is the purpose of a nation?
  • What is a friend?
  • Is language adequate for ascertaining the truth?
  • Why are we our worst enemy?


    • 2/16/05
  • Is geography destiny?
  • What is common ground regarding Abortion?
  • Where does nature end and technology begin?
  • What is character?
  • How do we set a priority?
  • Why don’t we laugh more?
  • Does biology override culture?
  • How does our language represent our culture?
  • What is a friend?
  • Why are we our worst enemy?


    • 2/10/05
  • Can too much praise damage one’s psyche?
  • What is a friend?
  • Is geography destiny?
  • What is the difference between men and women and what are the social implications?
  • Is there anything wrong with cloning people?
  • In this chaotic world who is in charge?
  • What are Americans so angry with each other?
  • What is the value of an apology?
  • Is democracy a good thing?


    • 2/3/05
  • When should belief trump reason?
  • Is there absolute truth?
  • Do people behave like sheep?
  • Can too much praise damage one’s psyche?
  • Does belief in being right justify a wrong?
  • Should we care if Spongebob is gay?
  • Does society commit suicide when individual responsibility is divorced from individual freedom?
  • Who is in charge?
  • What is quality?

    • top

    1/21/05
  • Is it more noble to affect change or leave undisturbed?
  • Is freedom possible without truth?
  • Is pessimism a creation of our short lifespan?
  • Which is the greater motivator; music or a gun?
  • Can social order be maintained without power?
  • Are we in control of our own destiny?
  • What is friendship?
  • Incentive.


    • 1/13/05
  • Why?
  • Is geography destiny?
  • Why did the U.S. attack Iraq?
  • Is there a need for religion?
  • Where is God in the tsunami?
  • Does mankind keep repeating the same mistakes?
  • What is friendship?
  • When are actions evil?
  • What is ego?


    • 1/6/05
  • Is there a benefit to sibling rivalry?
  • Is money worth the price?
  • Is there a shortage of doubt?
  • Should we be consistent?
  • What is intuition?
  • Where are the new jobs?
  • Is geography destiny?
  • Do we control our destiny?
  • Why are human beings predators?
  • To which question above is the answer yes and no?

    • top

    12/26/04
  • Who are we to ourselves and what is our value?
  • How will Jesus save you?
  • Life if precious?
  • What is humility?
  • What is senility?
  • Why do we ignore our needs?
  • Are there responsibilities with freedom?


    • 12/23/04
  • What color is better, Red or Blue?
  • Is the risk always worth the reward?
  • Is money worth the price?
  • Why do some people think they are better than others?
  • Are gifts (talents) given to the right people?
  • If life is unfair, why?


    • 11/11/04
  • What does it mean to be spiritual and how do you measure it?
  • Why do we use the word “retarded” as slang?
  • What is courage?
  • Is there a shortage of doubt?
  • How/Why do we war?
  • Why do we procrastinate doing the things we want to do?
  • Are highway fatalities socially acceptable homicide?


    • 11/4/04 - 3 years of questioning!
  • What is Community?


    • 2/26/04
  • Knowing the imperfections of Democracy, if the majority is wrong, what mechanism should be used so the truth of minority could prevail?
  • What is the value of Socrates Café discussion?
  • What is a teacher?
  • What is enough?
  • Are Americans getting soft?
  • Should Minnesota reinstate the death penalty?
  • Was the war in Iraq justified?


    • 10/30/03
  • Should government be able to immunize without consent?
  • Can this country be saved?
  • Is the middle-class disappearing?
  • Is there a mind-body dualism?
  • To what degree does language effect how we think?
  • Can a company that is focused on its employees’ health survive in this economy?


    • 11/6/03 - Second Anniversary of question!
  • What is Community?


    • 11/7/02 - First Anniversary of questioning!
  • What is Community?


    • 11/1/01 First meeting of Ridgdale Socrates Cafe!
  • What is Community?
    •
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    The following questions were never dated.

  • Because we are living longer, has that changed how we look at our lives?
  • How do you know it is the “right time”?
  • What is “social conscience”?
  • Why is the political divide evenly split?
  • Was the rise in the cost of oil planned?
  • Is using Prozac when you are not depressed cheating?


  • What does it mean to be true to yourself?
  • Can a weapon not be dangerous?
  • Are the citizens responsible for the actions of their government?
  • Can you simplify your wants and have a happier life?
  • What is forgiveness?
  • What is freedom of the press?


  • What is innocence?
  • How do you know who you are?
    •
  • Which is the best way to control people: by fear or by love?
  • What are morals and where do they come from?
  • What makes people happy?
  • What is family?
  • How do we determine what we are willing to confide?
  • Does our sense of justice change like fashion?


  • What is America’s role in the world?
  • What is the States interest in family?
  • Are Cheney’s comments being used to scare us?
  • Should the 527’s be eliminated?
  • What are symptoms of fascism?
  • Will America turn socialist?
  • How can you well what is truth and what isn’t?


  • How do we deal with stereotyping and discrimination?
  • What are the hidden taxes?
  • Are traditional religions relevant in contemporary society?
  • Should sex, politics and religion be taboo in formal conversation?
  • What is boredom?


  • How can we tell who is dangerous?
  • How do we know if our perceptions are accurate?
  • Assuming the transfer of sovereignty in Iraq occurs, what will happen and how do we deal with it?
  • Who is fit to rule?
  • In a given argument, is it possible for more than one individual/group to be right?
  • Who has the right to say who can come into the U.S.?
  • In fighting terrorism, why is it that we attack the symptom and not the cause?


  • Does the state have an interest in family?
  • What is boredom?
  • What is innocence?
  • What is humility?


  • What are the differences between the two major political parties in the U.S.?
  • Is philosophical inquiry politically correct?
  • What is the common good?
  • Is free love free?
  • Is faith helpful or hurtful?
  • What is the state’s interest in marriage?
  • What is our responsibility to others?
  • Should brain implants be legal?

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  • How can we help others when we haven’t finished helping our own?
  • Should “we” include everybody?
  • What is the difference between codependency and a healthy dependence on each other?
  • What is the state’s interest in marriage?


  • In a republic like ours (U.S.), can we actually create jobs here?
  • Should “we” include everybody?
  • Has mankind short-circuited evolution?
  • What is paradise?
  • Is the “goal” of life death?
  • Is federally funded exploitation legal?
  • What is abuse?


  • How do you acquire a taste for something?
  • Is the American dream still alive?
  • What is rich?
  • What is boredom?


  • Is guilt a means to teach values?
  • Is the use of anti-depressants by healthy people something that stunts their emotional growth?
  • Can you make a silk purse out of a sow’s ear?
  • What is the state’s interesting marriage?
  • How do we distinguish between discipline and abuse?
  • Is George Bush crying “wolf” when it comes to the war on terrorism?
  • What constitutes a full life?


  • When does the end justify the means?
  • Who serves organized religion?
  • Can we win the war on terrorism?
  • Do we control our own thoughts and emotions?
  • Where are the jobs?
  • Why isn’t healthcare free?
  • What is common sense?
  • What is the state’s interest in marriage?
  • What is meant by civil religion?
  • Why is everyone always looking for the next big thing?


  • Is God a woman?
  • Do people derive their dignity through work?
  • Could listening devices affect one spiritually?
  • What is the true nature of hypocrisy?
  • What makes a person wise?
  • What is a sensitive?
  • Can killing be justified?
  • What is the state’s interest in marriage?


  • What impact do lobbyists have in regards to getting laws passed?
  • What is morally repugnant?
  • How does a wise person deal with injustice?
  • Is there a shortage of doubt?
  • How do you erase a first impression?
  • Why do we procrastinate doing things we want to do?
  • Is health care a right?
  • Why do we get bored?


  • What is the purpose of the Electoral College?
  • Can we legislate morality?
  • Can consciousness inhabit inanimate objects?
  • Are profits good?
  • What is boredom?
  • Should we take care of people from other countries before we take care of our own?

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  • Does fear motivate?
  • Is U.S. politics narcissistic?
  • What is intelligence?
  • What is fear?
  • What is the “states” interest in family?
  • Is there a point when question asking is harmful?


  • If you are wrong do you have to give the money back?
  • Is philosophical inquiry politically incorrect?
  • How do you ensure a fair election?
  • Is the only thing we have to fear, fear itself?
  • Is there strength in numbers?
  • How important is integrity?


  • Does “like” attract “like”?
  • How do we acquire tastes?
  • What is boredom?
  • Is creativity a multiple personality?
  • Does the uniform make the person?
  • Does a “logo” make a difference?


  • What is dishonesty?
  • What are the advantages or disadvantages to growing partisanships?
  • Why do “they” hate us?
  • Am I my sibling’s keeper?
  • Can politics and religion be kept separate?
  • Why do we get bored?


  • Is selfishness the greatest sin?
  • What is the meaning of contentment?
  • What is democracy?
  • Can we live without fear?
  • Does capitalism require unemployment?
  • What is forgiveness?


  • Are barriers (defenses) good in your life?
  • What is respect?
  • What are the differences between innocence and ignorance?
  • Do we need time?
  • What is the nature of time?
  • What does it take to move (sway) people?
  • Is Abu Ghraib a trickle down from the bush policy of preemptive war?


  • What’s the difference between being mad, angry and rageful?
  • Should we use our minds or hearts?
  • Where are the “new” jobs in America?
  • If life a pain/pleasure quotient?
  • Are we really bettor off since the sexual revolution?
  • Why are contractors (homebuilders) so arrogant?
  • Is it always better to know something?
  • Should we stimulate more exuberance in our lives?


  • Is non-violence a viable stance in a hostile world?
  • Is the world more hostile today?
  • Is it a lie to withhold the truth from someone who has a right to the information?
  • Are there noble lies and bad truths?

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  • Why does this holiday season make people crabby?
  • What is exuberance?
  • Should we use our mind or our heart?
  • Do we really get our emotions from the heart?
  • Do we find contentment in passiveness or passion?
  • Are we responsible for everything that happens to us?
  • Party?


  • Why would a society engage in an activity that is detrimental to itself?
  • How do we know what is real?
  • Is a bad intent as punishable as a bad action?
  • What is the most widely recognized characteristic representative of the American people?
  • Is there a purpose for piety in contemporary society?
  • What does society do when it gets bored?
  • What goes around comes around.
  • To what extent are we in control of our emotions?


  • Why do “they” hate us?
  • Are we alone in the universe?
  • Is there a God?
  • Is loyalty dead in America?
  • How can we learn to more effectively integrate Socratic inquiry into our daily lives?
  • Is there such a thing as universal perfection?
  • Should social graces be adhered to when the truth is covered up?


  • If you are a Democrat, can you realistically work for the Republican Party?
  • Is there value in being moral in an amoral society?
  • What is meant by “level of abstraction”?
  • Who will guard the guards?
  • Are all opinions valid?
  • Do we need to free ourselves from conventional morality by power of intellect and will to achieve public success in contemporary society?
  • Is life a zero-sum game?
  • What is a friend?


  • Under what circumstances, if any, is it justifiable for nations or people to loosen or violate values?
  • Does the end justify the means?
  • What is war?
  • Why isn’t peace possible?
  • What is a hero?
  • What is the connection between art and politics?
  • What is peace?


  • What is child abuse?
  • Why are we sending aid to other countries instead of helping people here?
  • Can one hold two contradicting beliefs and accept both of them?
  • What is the connection between politics and art?
  • What is civil religion?
  • Are there any absolutes?
  • Is world peace possible or does human nature make war inevitable?
  • What can we do to engender long-term planning instead of short-term?


  • Where do dreams come from?
  • Can there be a victimless crime?
  • Whose evil is evil?
  • Should we live in the “now”?
  • What is “Minnesota nice”?
  • What is a “sentient” being?
  • What is it to live in the moment?


  • What is the method for dealing with terrorism?
  • Is murder always an act of free will?
  • Do we live in the midst of a new renaissance?
  • What is vision?
  • What should be the definition of hardship to allow us to not be on a jury?
  • Is the world a conversation?
  • Is life a zero-sum game?
  • Would the world be safer without men?

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  • What is the common good?
  • What is intuition and when should you follow it?
  • What is respect and who determines it?
  • What is reality?
  • What is a successful life?
  • To what extent are we free?
  • Why does the government suppress the existence of extra-terrestrials?


  • Is the mind in the brain or the brain in the mind?
  • What is the common good?
  • What is intelligence?
  • Is life a zero-sum game?
  • What does America stand for?
  • Why do we take care of others before taking care of our own?
  • What is beauty?


  • Do people really change?
  • What is the common order of nature?
  • What am I doing here?
  • What is success?
  • Is evil self-destructive?


  • Do the ends ever justify the means?
  • Is Santa Claus important and if so, why?
  • What is truth?
  • Is western style democracy outdated?
  • Does there remain a rift between science and the humanities?
  • What is the nature of self?


  • What does it mean to “know thy self”?
  • On difficult moral issues is there a middle ground?
  • Is man destined to destroy himself?
  • Are corporations killing Democracy?
  • Are our “representatives” representing us?
  • Can there be peace without war?


  • Is progress an illusion?
  • What is progress?
  • Is it possible to change someone’s mind?
  • Does Minnesota need the death penalty?
  • Does Minnesota need “Minnesota nice”?
  • How do we decide?
  • Should the government sponsor possibly detrimental research?
  • How do you distinguish between different shades of truth and lies?

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  • Why not develop a genetic code for terminal illness?
  • Is life a zero-sum game?
  • What is compassion? Is it necessary?
  • Is being nice necessary?
  • Why do “they” hate us?
  • Is it possible to get rid of the two-party system in the U.S.?
  • What is home?


  • What is fair?
  • What is nature?
  • Does anger serve a purpose?
  • What is egalitarian?
  • How do we give what we receive from others?
  • What is the purpose of prayer?
  • Are public schools forums or institutions?


  • What is “Minnesota nice”?
  • What is common sense?
  • When is honesty beneficial?
  • What is personal identity?


  • Is luck real?
  • What is consciousness?
  • What are the ethics of Marketing?
  • Why do we worry?
  • Is fantasy dangerous?
  • Why do we fear?


  • Is inequality desirable?
  • Does (in) equality exist?
  • What does it mean to exist?
  • Is normality a desirable goal?
  • Are rules meant to be broken?
  • Should politics be a popularity contest?
  • What is a meaningless question?


  • Does the Government suppress the truth?
  • What is intuition?
  • Is fear the opposite of love?
  • Does war make unethical things ethical?
  • Can a killing be justified?
  • Where does original thought come from?
  • Have all thoughts been thought?
  • Can the U.S. overcome its fear?

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  • What is responsibility?
  • What is beauty?
  • Can freedom be universal?
  • Can democracy bring economic prosperity?
  • Why does philanthropy exist?
  • What is man’s destiny?
  • What is the next big thing?
  • Can you intentionally corrupt someone?


  • Should an unjust law be obeyed?
  • Does being responsible lead to a good life?
  • What is the difference between heroism and stupidity?
  • What is truth?
  • What do we mean by the statement “the unexamined life is not worth living”?


  • What is normal?
  • Can you teach to the one and teach to the many?
  • Is there a reason to be fair?
  • Does everything have an opposite or inverse?


  • Is Eugenics good or bad?
  • Could politics exist without influence from the economy?
  • Is harassment of women relevant to the selection of a candidate?
  • Can prisoners/convicts truly be rehabilitated?
  • Is the price really the best way to choose things?


  • When should children be tried as adults?
  • Are the social sciences really science?
  • How free are we?
  • Are competition and compromise mutually exclusive?


  • Is Democracy bankrupt/dead/outmoded?
  • Is deceit useful?
  • How should we choose the best qualified candidates for political office?
  • Is capitalism fatally flawed?

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  • Is it good to be proud?
  • What is beauty?
  • What is privacy?
  • What is capitalism?
  • Should U.S. citizenship convey privileges?


  • Is inequality desirable?
  • Has affirmative action served its purpose?
  • Can a rational action be insane?


  • What is imperialism?
  • Will history treat us well for invading Iraq?
  • What is history?
  • What is leadership?
  • What is the purpose of philosophy?
  • What does it mean to be an individual?


  • Should a true Democracy suppress information?
  • What is fair?
  • Are American workers pricing themselves out of the market?
  • What is the meaning of victory?
  • Is reality being replaced by “virtual” or “synthetic” reality?
  • What does it mean to be subversive?


  • How blessed are the poor?
  • What is success?
  • How important are male role models?
  • Is voting a rational or emotional decision?
  • Are Al Qaeda and Neo-conservatives co-dependant?
  • Is there a mind-body dualism?
  • Why do we laugh?


  • What is friendship?
  • What does it mean to have faith?
  • What is the difference between faith and belief?
  • What would it mean to live with honor?

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  • What does it mean to need something?
  • What does it mean to be true to yourself?
  • What is chaos?
  • Why should I do the right thing?
  • How would an honorable person live?
  • What is wisdom?


  • Is gravity good?
  • Should we have a re-distribution of wealth?
  • What does it mean to be subversive?
  • Is Minnesota becoming un-nice?
  • Should there be a suppression of technological information in the press/media?


  • Do we have free will?
  • Is something natural “better” then something man-made?
  • What is “post-modern”?
  • Is it better to have the glass half full or half empty?
  • What is the purpose of monogamy?
  • What is fair?
  • What is love?
  • During war, can immoral things become moral?
  • Should government operations be funded secretly?


  • Is telling a lie ethical if it is done to make an unjust law fair?
  • When does passion become insanity?
  • Where does original thought come from?
  • Do labor savings devices save labor?
  • Why don’t labor saving devices seem to decrease workload?


  • What is justice?
  • Which is better, power or influence?
  • What is real (reality)?
  • What does appropriate mean?
  • What is security?


  • Why do we feel the need to fool ourselves?
  • What does it mean to be subversive?
  • Is there a place in contemporary American society for trade unions?
  • Why is the general public so easily manipulated?
  • Do we have a free press?
  • What does it mean to be a liberal?


  • Is there too much priority put on death in the U.S. in comparison to current world events?
  • How should we understand September 11th 2001?
  • What is the difference between a terrorist and a freedom fighter?
  • What do we need to know about the gang activity in Minneapolis?
  • What is evil?

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  • What have we learned from September 11th, 2001?
  • When is it time to stop medical intervention to maintain life?
  • Who decides when medical treatment should stop?
  • Is France becoming our enemy?
  • Do unhealthy emotions exist?


  • If it is not in the constitution, can a “law” be legal?
  • What makes an illegal drug legitimate?
  • How do you define a good education?
  • How should we educate our young?
  • Is an unexamined life truly not worth living?
  • What’s the connection between passion and purpose?
  • Is science a religion?


  • Can you be patriotic and un-American at the same time?
  • What is real?
  • Do all religions lead to the same place?
  • What determines good and evil?
  • What is the meaning of death?


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