The AAMC has released a listing of MCAT Writing Sample items (topic statements
and instructions) for your information and use in preparing for that section
of the test. Topics selected for use in MCAT exams will be similar or identical
to those in this list.
Each Writing Sample item consists of a topic statement (printed boldly)
followed by instructions for three writing tasks. Your first task is to
explain or interpret the topic statement. Because the first two sentences
of the instructions are the same for all items, they are stated once here
rather than beneath each item. These instructions are:
The instructions for the second and third writing tasks
vary from item to item and are printed immediately beneath each topic
statement. When using this list for practice, you should be sure to follow
the instructions for all three tasks in writing your essay.
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The object of education should be to teach skills, not values.
Describe a specific situation in which the object of education
might be teaching values rather than skills. Discuss what you think
determines when the object of education is to teach skills and when
it is to teach values. |
The nature of democracy requires that its citizens be dependent
upon one another.
Describe a specific situation in which citizens in a democracy
might justifiably not be dependent upon one another. Discuss what
you think determines when citizens in a democracy should be dependent
upon one another. |
|
Of all the forms of media, television has the strongest influence
on public opinion.
Describe a specific situation in which television might not have
the strongest influence on public opinion. Discuss what you think
determines whether or not television has the strongest influence
on public opinion. |
History is the record of humanity's wars.
Describe a specific situation in which history might be the record
of something other than humanity's wars. Discuss what you think
determines when history should be the record of humanity's wars
and when it should be something else. |
|
To obey an unjust law is to approve of it.
Describe a specific situation in which obeying an unjust law might
not necessarily mean approving of it. Discuss what you think determines
when disobeying a law is justified. |
The personal privacy of citizens should be protected from government
intrusion.
Describe a specific situation in which government might justifiably
intrude upon a citizen's personal privacy. Discuss what you think
determines when government has a right to intrude upon citizens'
privacy and when it does not have a right to intrude. |
|
The introduction of modern technologies is harmful to underdeveloped
areas of the world.
Describe a specific situation in which the introduction of modern
technologies might not be harmful to an underdeveloped area of the
world. Discuss what you think determines whether or not the introduction
of modern technologies is harmful to underdeveloped areas of the
world. |
The good of a society depends upon the defense of individual
rights.
Describe a specific situation in which the good of a society might
not depend upon the defense of individual rights. Discuss what you
think determines when the good of a society depends upon the defense
of individual rights. |
|
In politics, one's friends and one's enemies are often the same.
Describe a specific political situation in which one's friends
and one's enemies might not be the same. Discuss what you think
determines whether or not one's friends in politics are also one's
enemies. |
A student's academic success depends more on hard work than
on intelligence.
Describe a specific situation in which a student's academic success
might depend more on intelligence than on hard work. Discuss what
you think determines whether a student's academic success depends
more on hard work or on intelligence. |
|
New technologies often hide problems that are only revealed
later.
Describe a specific situation in which the benefits of a new technology
might not hide later problems. Discuss what you think determines
when the benefits of a new technology outweigh potential problems. |
Displaying intelligence can sometimes be a politician's downfall.
Describe a specific situation in which displaying intelligence
might not be a politician's downfall. Discuss what you think determines
whether or not displaying intelligence will be a politician's downfall. |
|
In times of war, maintaining public support is often the most
difficult battle.
Describe a specific situation in which maintaining public support
in a time of war might not be difficult. Discuss what you think
determines when maintaining public support in times of war is difficult
and when it is not. |
Television news should be expected to present both sides of
an issue.
Describe a specific situation in which television news might not
be expected to present both sides of an issue. Discuss what you
think determines when television news should be expected to present
both sides of an issue and when it should not. |
|
The public is swayed more by new ideas than by good ones.
Describe a specific situation in which the public might be swayed
more by a good idea than by a new one. Discuss what you think determines
whether the public will be swayed by new ideas or by good ones. |
It is always best to be cautious in financial matters.
Describe a specific situation in which it might be better not to
be cautious in a financial matter. Discuss what you think determines
whether or not it is best to be cautious in financial matters. |
|
A person's first priority in life should be financial security.
Describe a specific situation in which a person's first priority
in life might not be financial security. Discuss what you think
determines whether or not a person's first priority in life should
be financial security. |
Plans for achieving social justice can succeed only when those
affected give their approval.
Describe a specific situation in which a plan for achieving social
justice might succeed without approval by those affected. Discuss
what you think determines whether or not plans for achieving social
justice can succeed only when approved by those affected. |
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Political freedoms are best appreciated in those countries where
they do not exist.
Describe a specific situation in which political freedoms might
be appreciated in a country where such freedoms do exist. Discuss
what you think determines whether political freedoms are best appreciated
in countries where such freedoms are denied or where they exist. |
A good movie usually teaches a moral lesson.
Describe a specific situation in which a good movie might not teach
a moral lesson. Discuss what you think determines whether or not
the quality of a movie depends upon its ability to teach a moral
lesson. |
|
A government has not only the right, but also the responsibility,
to regulate what is broadcast over the public airwaves.
Describe a specific situation in which a government might not be
justified in regulating what is broadcast over the public airwaves.
Discuss what you think determines when a government is justified
in regulating what is broadcast over the public airwaves and when
it is not. |
Price is not necessarily a reflection of value.
Describe a specific situation in which price is an accurate reflection
of value. Discuss what you think determines when price reflects
value and when it does not. |
|
Education serves to restrict the human mind rather than to free
it.
Describe a specific situation in which education frees the human
mind. Discuss what you think determines when education restricts
the human mind and when it frees it. |
Creativity flourishes best in circumstances where freedom of
speech is openly permitted.
Describe a specific situation in which creativity might flourish
in circumstances where freedom of speech is not openly permitted.
Discuss what you think determines whether or not freedom of speech
encourages creativity. |
|
Granting mercy is sometimes the best way for a judge to serve
justice.
Describe a specific situation in which granting mercy might not
be the best way for a judge to serve justice. Discuss what you think
determines when granting mercy serves justice and when it does not. |
Politicians should vote according to their beliefs, without
worrying about whether their constituents agree with those beliefs.
Describe a specific situation in which a politician should take
into account the beliefs of constituents when voting. Discuss what
you think determines whether politicians should vote according to
their beliefs or those of their constituents. |
|
Local governments should be allowed to govern free of federal
interference.
Describe a specific situation in which local governments should
not be allowed to govern free of federal interference. Discuss what
you think determines whether or not local governments should be
allowed to govern free of federal interference. |
Almost every great fortune is made at the expense of other people.
Describe a specific situation in which a fortune might be made
without harm to other people. Discuss the principles you think determine
whether or not fortunes are made at the expense of other people. |
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The courts should punish the guilty according to the nature
of the crime.
Describe a specific situation in which the courts might justifiably
take circumstances into account when punishing the guilty. Discuss
what you think determines whether the courts should consider the
crime or other factors in order to decide punishment. |
Advances in communication have led to a loss of personal privacy.
Describe a specific situation in which an advance in communication
might not lead to a loss of personal privacy. Discuss what you think
determines when advances in communication lead to a loss of personal
privacy. |
|
There are times when an individual's private acts should become
a public concern.
Describe a specific situation in which an individual's private
acts should not become a public concern. Discuss what you think
determines whether or not the acts of an individual should become
a public concern. |
A country needs enemies, real or imagined, in order to maintain
its identity.
Describe a specific situation in which a country might not need
an enemy in order to maintain its identity. Discuss what you think
determines whether the existence of enemies is necessary for a country
to maintain its identity. |
|
Too many politicians turn public matters into private gains.
Describe a specific situation in which a politician might not turn
a public matter into a private gain. Discuss what you think determines
whether or not politicians will turn public matters into private
gains. |
By studying other cultures we increase our understanding of
our own culture.
Describe a specific situation in which studying another culture
might not increase the understanding of one's own culture. Discuss
what you think determines when the study of another culture increases
the understanding of one's own culture and when it does not. |
|
A democratic government must provide equal opportunity for all
citizens.
Describe a specific situation in which a democratic government
might not have to provide equal opportunity for all its citizens.
Discuss what you think determines when democratic governments must
provide equal opportunity for all citizens and when they need not. |
Freedom of speech should include acts or opinions that may be
objectionable to the majority of people.
Describe a specific situation in which an act or opinion objectionable
to the majority of the people should not be protected by the right
to free speech. Discuss what you think determines when an objectionable
act should be protected under freedom of speech. |
|
An effective leader must possess the ability not only to deal
with current problems, but also to anticipate future ones.
Describe a specific situation in which a leader might be effective
without anticipating future problems. Discuss what you think determines
whether or not it is necessary for a leader to anticipate future
problems. |
Leadership involves speaking out when others might keep silent.
Describe a specific situation in which leadership might involve
keeping silent. Discuss what you think determines whether a leader
should speak out or keep silent. |
|
In politics, good intentions cannot justify bad actions.
Describe a specific situation in which good intentions in politics
might justify a bad action. Discuss what you think determines whether
or not good intentions in politics can justify bad actions. |
Human behavior is guided primarily by self-interest.
Describe a specific situation in which human behavior might not
be guided primarily by self-interest. Discuss what you think determines
when human behavior is guided primarily by self-interest and when
it is not. |
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A country's strength increases in direct proportion to its freedoms.
Describe a specific situation in which a country's strength might
not increase in direct proportion to its freedoms. Discuss what
you think determines when a country's strength will increase in
direct proportion to its freedoms and when it will not. |
Politicians should concentrate on making policy rather than
attempt to affect people's beliefs.
Describe a specific situation in which politicians might attempt
to affect people's beliefs rather than make policy. Discuss what
you think determines when politicians should concentrate on making
policy and when they should attempt to affect people's beliefs. |
|
Wealthy politicians cannot offer fair representation to all
the people.
Describe a specific situation in which a wealthy politician might
offer fair representation to all the people. Discuss what you think
determines whether a wealthy politician can or cannot offer fair
representation to all the people. |
Government policy should be directed at addressing the needs
of the present.
Describe a specific situation in which government policy might
be directed at addressing concerns of the future rather than the
needs of the presents. Discuss what you think determines when government
policy should be directed at addressing present needs and when it
should be directed addressing future concerns. |
|
Alliances between nations are more often a matter of economics
than of shared ideologies.
Describe a specific situation in which an alliance between nations
might be a matter of shared ideology. Discuss what you think determines
when alliances between nations are a matter of economics and when
they are a matter of shared ideologies. |
Most positive outcomes in politics are the result of skillful
planning.
Describe a specific political situation in which a positive outcome
might not be the result of skillful planning. Discuss what you think
determines whether or not skillful planning in politics will result
in positive outcomes. |
|
Democracy necessarily implies the suppression of some individual
interests for the good of society as a whole.
Describe a specific situation in which a democratic government
might place individual interests ahead of the good of the whole
society. Discuss what you think determines when the good of society
should take precedence over the interests of individuals. |
The role of a political opposition is to criticize the policies
of those in power.
Describe a specific situation in which the role of a political
opposition might be something other than to criticize the policies
of those in power. Discuss what you think determines when the role
of a political opposition should be to criticize the policies of
those in power and when it should not. |
|
The role of technology should be to improve human life, but
not to affect human values.
Describe a specific situation in which technology might justifiably
affect human values. Discuss what you think determines whether or
not technology should affect human values. |
Higher education would be more effective if colleges were more
selective in choosing students.
Describe a specific situation in which higher education would not
be more effective if colleges were more selective in choosing students.
Discuss what you think determines whether or not higher education
would be more effective if colleges were more selective in choosing
students. |
|
A nation's ability to survive is often dependent upon its military
strength.
Describe a specific situation in which a nation's ability to survive
might not depend on its military strength. Discuss what you think
determines when a nation's ability to survive is dependent upon
its military strength. |
Stability in society can lead to stagnation.
Describe a specific situation in which stability in society might
not lead to stagnation. Discuss what you think determines whether
or not stability in society leads to stagnation. |
|
Education should promote learning outside the classroom as well
as within.
Describe a specific situation in which education might justifiably
not promote learning outside the classroom. Discuss what you think
determines whether or not education should foster learning outside
the classroom. |
Lies are often less harmful than the truth.
Describe a specific situation in which the truth might be less
harmful than lies. Discuss what you think determines whether or
not lies are less harmful than the truth. |
|
Globalization eliminates important cultural differences.
Describe a specific situation in which globalization might not
eliminate important cultural differences. Discuss what you think
determines whether or not globalization eliminates important cultural
differences. |
In business, the image of a product is more important than the
product itself.
Describe a specific situation, in business, in which the product
itself might be more important than the image of the product. Discuss
what you think determines, in business, whether or not the image
of a product is more important than the product itself. |
|
The most effective way to change people's opinions is to appeal
to their emotions.
Describe a specific situation in which the most effective way to
change people's opinions might not be to appeal to their emotions.
Discuss what you think determines whether or not the most effective
way to change people's opinions is to appeal to their emotions. |
Art should not challenge our perception of the world.
Describe a specific situation in which art challenges our perception
of the world. Discuss what you think determines whether or not art
should challenge our perception of the world. |
|
A witness who has something to gain from providing testimony
is often lying.
Describe a specific situation in which a witness who has something
to gain from providing testimony might not be lying. Discuss what
you think determines whether or not a witness who stands to gain
from providing testimony will lie. |
It is better to tolerate minor defects in the law than to change
it.
Describe a specific situation in which it might be better to change
the law than to tolerate minor defects in it. Discuss what you think
determines when it is better to tolerate minor defects in the law
than to change it and when it is better to change it. |
|
Creative inspiration, rather than careful planning, often results
in the best solution to a problem.
Describe a specific situation in which careful planning might result
in the best solution to a problem. Discuss what you think determines
whether creative inspiration or careful planning can best solve
a problem. |
A good education is its own reward.
Describe a specific situation in which a good education might not
be its own reward. Discuss what you think determines when a good
education is its own reward and when it is not. |
|
Social justice can occur only when people accept the equality
of others.
Describe a specific situation in which social justice might occur
without people accepting the equality of others. Discuss what you
think determines whether or not social justice can occur only when
people accept the equality of others. |
Progress seldom comes from the deliberations of a group. Rather,
progress most often comes from the creative thinking of individuals
working alone.
Describe a specific situation in which progress might come from
the deliberations of a group rather than the creative thinking of
individuals working alone. Discuss what you think determines whether
the deliberations of a group or the creative thinking of individuals
working alone will result in progress. |
|
Ordinary citizens, not heroes, determine the history of a nation.
Describe a specific situation in which heroes, not ordinary citizens,
determine the history of a nation. Discuss what you think determines
whether ordinary citizens or heroes determine the history of a nation. |
A person who enters public life is necessarily forced to surrender
some degree of personal privacy.
Describe a specific situation in which a public figure should not
have to surrender personal privacy. Discuss what you think determines
when a public figure's personal privacy ought to be surrendered. |
|
Action taken for the good of the greatest number can sometimes
be detrimental to the interests of the few.
Describe a specific situation in which an action taken for the
good of the greatest number might not be detrimental to the interests
of the few. Discuss what you think determines whether or not action
taken for the good of the greatest number will be detrimental to
the interests of the few. |
In the recording of history, it is impossible to be objective.
Describe a specific situation in which it might be possible to
be objective in the recording of history. Discuss what you think
determines when objectivity in the recording of history is possible
and when it is not. |
|
The benefits of a competitive society extend only to those willing
to compete.
Describe a specific situation in which someone not willing to compete
might benefit in a competitive society. Discuss what you think determines
when the benefits of a competitive society extend only to those
willing to compete. |
Any business must be concerned with the long-term consequences
of its actions.
Describe a specific situation in which a business might justifiably
not be concerned with the long-term consequences of its actions.
Discuss what you think determines whether or not a business must
be concerned about the long-term consequences of its actions. |
|
The surest way to political success is to offer hope to the
voters.
Describe a specific situation in which offering hope to the voters
might not lead to political success. Discuss what you think determines
when offering hope to the voters will lead to political success
and when it will not. |
The strength of a democracy depends upon each citizen's respect
for the ideas of others.
Describe a specific situation in which the strength of a democracy
might not depend upon its citizens' respect for the ideas of others.
Discuss what you think determines when the strength of a democracy
depends upon its citizens' respect for the ideas of others. |
|
A government's use of force to maintain social order is sometimes
justified.
Describe a specific situation in which a government's use of force
to maintain social order might not be justified. Discuss what you
think determines when a government's use of force to maintain social
order is justified and when it is not. |
The arts do not significantly enhance the quality of human life.
Describe a specific situation in which the arts might significantly
enhance the quality of human life. Discuss what you think determines
whether or not the arts significantly enhance the quality of human
life. |
|
In business, success is often due to the mistakes of others.
Describe a specific situation in which success in business might
not be due to the mistakes of others. Discuss what you think determines
when success in business is the result of the mistakes of others. |
Some dishonesty is necessary to keep a friendship strong.
Describe a specific situation in which some dishonesty is not necessary
to keep a friendship strong. Discuss what you think determines whether
or not some dishonesty is necessary to keep a friendship strong. |
|
Nations often resist new approaches to solving social problems.
Describe a specific situation in which a nation did or might attempt
to solve a social problem with a new approach. Discuss what you
think determines when a new approach would be the best way for a
nation to solve a social problem. |
The best laws derive from rational thought rather than emotion.
Describe a specific situation in which a good law might derive
from emotion rather than rational thought. Discuss what you think
determines when the best laws derive from rational thought and when
they derive from emotion. |
|
Technology may be increasing faster than our ability to use
it wisely.
Describe a specific situation in which a new technology might not
be beyond our ability to use it wisely. Discuss what you think determines
whether or not a new technology can be used wisely. |
A popular television show reveals more about a nation than the
editorial page of a newspaper does.
Describe a specific situation in which a popular television show
might not reveal more about a nation than the editorial page of
a newspaper would. Discuss what you think determines whether or
not a popular television show reveals more about a nation than the
editorial page of a newspaper does. |
|
In politics, the responsible use of power is rewarded with greater
power.
Describe a specific situation in which the responsible use of power
might not be rewarded with greater power. Discuss what you think
determines whether or not the responsible use of power will be rewarded
with greater power. |
The government should not regulate scientific research.
Describe a specific situation in which the government should regulate
scientific research. Discuss what you think determines whether or
not the government should regulate scientific research. |
|
The way to achieve political success is to promise people that
their lives will be better.
Describe a specific situation in which the way to achieve political
success might not be to promise people that their lives will be
better. Discuss what you think determines whether or not the way
to achieve political success is to promise people that their lives
will be better. |
A researcher must be thorough, painstaking, and disciplined,
but also willing to suspend these qualities in order to follow a
hunch.
Describe a specific situation in which it might be better for a
researcher to follow a hunch. Discuss what you think determines
whether a researcher should be disciplined or follow a hunch. |
|
Progress often complicates as much as it simplifies.
Describe a specific situation in which progress might simplify
more than it complicates. Discuss what you think determines whether
progress complicates or simplifies. |
A nation's foreign aid should be directed to help those countries
that help themselves.
Describe a specific situation in which a nation's foreign aid might
justifiably not be directed to help those countries that help themselves.
Discuss what you think determines whether or not a nation's foreign
aid should be directed to help those countries that help themselves. |
|
Only after coming to know another culture can a person truly
begin to understand its people.
Describe a specific situation in which it might be possible to
understand a people without knowing about their culture. Discuss
what you think determines when knowing another culture is necessary
for understanding its people. |
Laws are not an effective means of achieving social change.
Describe a specific situation in which a law might be an effective
means of achieving social change. Discuss what you think determines
whether or not laws can effectively bring about social change. |
|
Praise teaches better than criticism.
Describe a specific situation in which praise might not teach better
than criticism. Discuss what you think determines whether praise
or criticism teaches better. |
We are educated more by our mistakes than by our successes.
Describe a specific situation in which someone might be educated
more by success than by mistakes. Discuss what you think determines
whether or not one learns more from mistakes than from successes. |
|
Teachers must accept partial responsibility for the failure
of any of their students.
Describe a specific situation in which a teacher might justifiably
not accept some responsibility for the failure of a student. Discuss
what you think determines whether or not teachers should accept
some responsibility for the failure of one of their students. |
A politician's true beliefs are displayed during a crisis.
Describe a specific situation in which a politician's true beliefs
might not be displayed during a crisis. Discuss what you think determines
whether or not a crisis will bring out a politician's true beliefs. |
|
Celebrities, having sought fame, lose their right to privacy.
Describe a specific situation in which a celebrity should not lose
the right to privacy. Discuss what you think determines whether
or not celebrities should lose their right to privacy. |
The plurality of opinions in a democratic system often leads
to political deadlock.
Describe a specific political situation in which the plurality
of opinions might not lead to deadlock. Discuss what you think determines
whether or not an abundance of opinions will lead to political deadlock
in a democracy. |
|
A politician's public image is more important than his or her
ideas.
Describe a specific situation in which a politician's ideas might
be more important than his or her public image. Discuss what you
think determines when a politician's public image might be more
important than his or her ideas and when it might not. |
Great leaders follow the will of the majority.
Describe a specific situation in which a great leader might not
follow the will of the majority. Discuss what you think determines
whether or not great leaders follow the will of the majority. |
|
Receiving a political endorsement can be as harmful as it is
helpful.
Describe a specific situation in which receiving a political endorsement
might not be harmful. Discuss what you think determines when political
endorsements are harmful and when they are helpful. |
Violence is never justified as a way to resolve disputes.
Describe a specific situation in which violence might be justified
as a way to resolve disputes. Discuss what you think determines
whether or not violence is justified as a way to resolve disputes. |
|
The rich have a responsibility to help the poor.
Describe a specific situation in which the rich might not have
a responsibility to help the poor. Discuss what you think determines
whether or not the rich have a responsibility to help the poor. |
The primary requirement for a successful politician is common
sense.
Describe a specific situation in which a politician might need
an asset other than common sense to be successful. Discuss what
you think determines when politicians need common sense in order
to achieve success and when they do not. |
|
In a democracy, the government is never justified in lying to
its citizens.
Describe a specific situation in which the government, in a democracy,
might be justified in lying to its citizens. Discuss what you think
determines whether or not the government, in a democracy, is ever
justified in lying to its citizens. |
The privileges of citizenship in a democracy involve responsibilities.
Describe a specific privilege of citizenship in a democracy that
might not involve responsibility. Discuss what you think determines
when privileges of citizenship in a democracy involve responsibilities. |
|
The exercise of political leadership is limited to those holding
office.
Describe a specific situation in which the exercise of political
leadership might not be limited to those holding office. Discuss
what you think determines whether or not the exercise of political
leadership is limited to those holding office. |
Environmental concerns should always take priority over economic
concerns.
Describe a specific situation in which environmental concerns might
not justifiably take priority over economic concerns. Discuss what
you think determines whether environmental or economic concerns
should have priority. |
|
Employees should have the same right to privacy in the workplace
as they do outside the workplace.
Describe a specific situation in which an employee should not have
the same right to privacy in the workplace as outside it. Discuss
what you think determines whether or not employees should have the
same right to privacy inside the workplace as they do outside it. |
In a free society, laws must be subject to change.
Describe a specific situation in which a law should not be subject
to change in a free society. Discuss what you think determines whether
or not a law in a free society should be subject to change. |
|
The primary purpose of law is to maintain order, not to ensure
justice.
Describe a specific situation in which the primary purpose of law
might be to ensure justice. Discuss what you think determines whether
the primary purpose of law should be to maintain order or to ensure
justice. |
Although it claims to promote individuality, most advertising
promotes conformity.
Describe a specific situation in which advertising might promote
individuality rather than conformity. Discuss what you think determines
whether advertising promotes individuality or conformity. |
|
A government is obligated to see that the basic needs of its
citizens are met.
Describe a specific situation in which a government might not be
obligated to see that the basic needs of its citizens are met. Discuss
what you think determines whether or not a government is obligated
to see that its citizens' basic needs are met. |
Popular entertainment is rarely excellent entertainment.
Describe a specific situation in which entertainment might be both
"popular" and "excellent." Discuss what you think determines when
entertainment can be both "popular" and "excellent." |
|
Government should not make laws regarding people's personal
safety.
Describe a specific situation in which government might justifiably
make a law regarding people's personal safety. Discuss what you
think determines when government is justified in making laws regarding
people's personal safety and when it is not. |
Technology solves many problems, but in the process often creates
new problems.
Describe a specific situation in which a technology might not create
a new problem. Discuss what you think determines when a technology's
benefits outweigh its potential problems. |
|
The essential concern of a democracy must be the protection
of human rights.
Describe a specific situation in which the concern of a democracy
might be something other than the protection of human rights. Discuss
what you think determines when the concern of a democracy should
be the protection of human rights. |
In a democracy, the successful politician resembles the ordinary
citizen.
Describe a specific situation in which the successful politician
in a democracy does not resemble the ordinary citizen. Discuss what
you think determines whether or not the successful politician resembles
the ordinary citizen. |
|
No country should interfere with the internal politics of another
country.
Describe a specific situation in which a country might justifiably
interfere with the internal politics of another country. Discuss
what you think determines whether or not a country should interfere
with another country's internal politics. |
Society is best served by giving people as much freedom as possible.
Describe a specific situation in which society might not be best
served by giving people as much freedom as possible. Discuss what
you think determines when society is best served by giving people
as much freedom as possible. |
|
People tend to ignore the flaws of national leaders.
Describe a specific situation in which people might not ignore
the flaws of national leaders. Discuss what you think determines
when people might ignore the flaws of national leaders and when
they might not. |
The wisest leaders follow the advice of those around them.
Describe a specific situation in which a wise leader might not
follow the advice of others. Discuss what you think determines when
it is wise for a leader to follow the advice of others and when
it is unwise. |
|
Most financial decisions are made because of greed.
Describe a specific situation in which a financial decision might
not be made because of greed. Discuss what you think determines
when greed is the basis for making a financial decision. |
Only a fully informed electorate can vote responsibly.
Describe a specific situation in which a less than fully informed
electorate might vote responsibly. Discuss what you think determines
how much information is enough to allow for responsible voting. |
|
Only educated people can take advantage of new technologies.
Describe a specific situation in which uneducated people might
be able to take advantage of a new technology. Discuss what you
think determines whether only educated people can take advantage
of new technologies. |
A democratic government is never justified in keeping secrets
from the voting public.
Describe a specific situation in which the government of a democracy
might be justified in keeping a secret from the voters. Discuss
what you think determines whether or not a democratic government
is justified in keeping secrets from the voters. |
|
In a democracy, the press has not only the right but the responsibility
to report all of the news.
Describe a specific situation in which a free press would be justified
in not reporting something. Discuss what you think determines when
something should be reported by the press. |
Politicians often achieve their goals by ignoring the needs
of their constituents.
Describe a specific situation in which a politician might achieve
a political goal without ignoring the needs of the constituents.
Discuss what you think determines whether or not politicians can
achieve political goals by ignoring the needs of constituents. |
|
Adaptation is necessary for success in business.
Describe a specific situation in which adaptation might not be
necessary for success in business. Discuss what you think determines
when adaptation is necessary for success in business and when it
is not. |
A business' main purpose should be to make a profit.
Describe a specific situation in which the main purpose of a business
might justifiably be something other than making a profit. Discuss
what you think determines whether or not the main purpose of a business
should be to make a profit. |
|
In politics, the end rarely justifies the means.
Describe a specific situation in which a political end might justify
using questionable means for accomplishing that end. Discuss what
you think determines whether or not a political end justifies the
means for accomplishing that end. |
Political decisions made for the sake of a present good may
in time prove to be mistakes.
Describe a specific situation in which a political decision made
for the sake of a present good might not prove to be a mistake.
Discuss what you think determines whether or not political decisions
made for the sake of a present good will prove to be mistakes. |
|
It is in the nature of democracy to reward mediocrity.
Describe a specific situation in which a democracy might not reward
mediocrity. Discuss what you think determines when democracy rewards
mediocrity. |
Governments have a responsibility to regulate companies that
provide necessary services to citizens.
Describe a specific situation in which a government might not have
a responsibility to regulate a company that provides a necessary
service to citizens. Discuss what you think determines whether or
not governments have a responsibility to regulate companies that
provide necessary services to citizens. |
|
The study of history is more an art than a science.
Describe a specific situation in which the study of history might
be more of a science than an art. Discuss what you think determines
whether the study of history is more an art or a science. |
The purpose of law is to ensure order.
Describe a specific law whose purpose is not to ensure order. Discuss
what you think determines when the purpose of law should be to ensure
order and when it should be concerned with something other than
order. |
|
A government must sometimes require its citizens to do things
they may not want to do.
Describe a specific situation in which a government might not be
justified in requiring its citizens to do something they do not
want to do. Discuss what you think determines when a government
has the right to make its citizens do something they do not want
to do. |
In a democracy, an indifferent citizenry encourages an indifferent
government.
Describe a specific situation in which an indifferent citizenry
in a democracy might not encourage an indifferent government. Discuss
what you think determines whether an indifferent citizenry in a
democracy will or will not encourage an indifferent government. |
|
The public's right to know must sometimes take precedence over
an individual's right to privacy.
Describe a specific situation in which an individual's right to
privacy might justifiable take precedence over the public's right
to know. Discuss what you think determines when the public's right
to know is more important than the individual's right to privacy. |
History is a record of the struggle between opposing ideologies.
Describe a specific situation in which history might not be a record
of the struggle between opposing ideologies. Discuss what you think
determines when history is a record of the struggle between opposing
ideologies and when it is not. |
|
Any restriction of individual freedom in a society is unjustified.
Describe a specific situation in which the restriction of individual
freedom in a society might be justified. Discuss what you think
determines when the restriction of individual freedom in a society
is justified and when it is not. |
Highly paid executives are essential for the continued success
of a business.
Describe a specific situation in which highly paid executives might
not be essential for the continued success of a business. Discuss
what you think determines whether or not highly paid executives
are essential for the continued success of a business. |
|
In a country that fosters freedom of speech, the expression
of ideas should never be censored.
Describe a specific situation in which the expression of an idea
should be censored, even in a free society. Discuss what you think
determines whether an idea should be permitted expression. |
In a democracy, a politician should vote according to the will
of the constituents.
Describe a specific situation in which a politician might not vote
according to the will of the constituents. Discuss what you think
determines when a politician should vote according to the will of
the constituents. |
|
Alliances between countries are often based on mutual convenience.
Describe a specific situation in which an alliance between countries
might be based on something other than mutual convenience. Discuss
when you think convenience should determine the basis of an international
alliance. |
Compulsory education often inhibits a student's motivation to
learn.
Describe a specific situation in which compulsory education might
not inhibit a student's motivation to learn. Discuss what you think
determines when compulsory education inhibits a student's motivation
to learn and when it does not. |
|
The essential function of law in a democracy is to protect individual
rights.
Describe a specific situation in a democracy when a law might justifiably
not protect individual rights. Discuss what you think determines
when the function of law in a democracy should be the protection
of individual rights. |
All human rights involve responsibility.
Describe a specific situation in which a human right might not
involve responsibility. Discuss what you think determines whether
or not a human right involves responsibility. |
|
All laws derive from the moral code of a majority of the people.
Describe a specific situation in which a law might not derive from
the moral code of the majority. Discuss what you think determines
when the moral code of the majority is the basis of law. |
Moral principles should be absolute, never affected by the circumstances
of a given situation.
Describe a specific situation in which a person's moral principles
might be affected by circumstances. Discuss what you think determines
when a person's moral principles should be absolute. |
|
The grading system increases students' motivation to learn.
Describe a specific situation in which the grading system might
not increase students' motivation to learn. Discuss what you think
determines whether or not the grading system increases students'
motivation to learn. |
The primary concern of television news today is to entertain
rather than to inform.
Describe a specific situation in which the primary concern of television
news is or could be to inform. Discuss what you think determines
whether the concern of television news should be to entertain or
to inform. |
|
Those who own land have the right to do with it as they choose.
Describe a specific situation in which someone who owns land might
not have the right to do as they choose with it. Discuss what you
thank determines whether or not those who own land have the right
to do with it as they choose. |
A just legal system is one that will risk freeing a guilty person
before convicting an innocent one.
Describe a specific situation in which a just legal system might
risk convicting an innocent person before freeing a guilty one.
Discuss what you think determines whether or not a just legal system
should risk freeing a guilty person before convicting an innocent
one. |
|
Political ideas are applicable only to the age that produces
them.
Describe a specific situation in which a political idea might not
be applicable only to the age that produces it. Discuss what you
think determines when political ideas are applicable only to the
age that produces them and when they are not. |
Political campaigns often present a false image of the candidate.
Describe a specific situation in which a political campaign did
not present a true image of a candidate. Discuss what you think
determines the degree to which a political campaign presents the
truth about a candidate. |
|
In politics, the simple solution to a problem is often the most
popular solution.
Describe a specific situation in which a simple solution might
not be the most popular solution to a problem. Discuss what you
think determines when the simple solution to a problem will be the
most popular solution and when it will not. |
No branch of government should have more power than another
branch.
Describe a specific situation in which one branch of government
might justifiably have more power than another branch. Discuss what
you think determines when one branch of government should not have
more power than another branch and when it should. |
|
Crimes committed by individuals should also be considered crimes
when committed by governments.
Describe a specific situation in which a crime committed by an
individual might not be considered a crime when committed by a government.
Discuss what you think determines whether or not crimes committed
by individuals should also be considered crimes when committed by
governments. |
In a democracy, citizens who do not vote cannot affect their
nation's political destiny.
Describe a specific situation in which citizens of a democracy
who do not vote can affect their nation's political destiny. Discuss
what you think determines whether citizens who do not vote can affect
the political destiny of a democracy. |
|
Society needs the concept of a legal age in order to establish
when one should be considered an adult.
Describe a specific situation in which society might reasonably
consider someone an adult without using the concept of legal age.
Discuss what you think determines whether or not the concept of
legal age should be used to establish adulthood. |
The ideals that soldiers defend often differ from the ideals
of those who send them into battle.
Describe a specific situation in which the ideals that soldiers
defend might be the same as the ideals of those who send them into
battle. Discuss what you think determines when the ideals that soldiers
defend differ from the ideals of those who send them into battle
and when they are the same. |
|
The media's use of unethical investigative practices is never
justified.
Describe a specific situation in which the media's use of unethical
investigative practices might be justified. Discuss what you think
determines when the media's use of unethical investigative practices
is justified and when it is not. |
The public has the right to know about the private lives of
public officials.
Describe a specific situation in which the public might not have
the right to know about the private life of a public official. Discuss
what you think determines when the public has the right to know
about the private lives of public officials and when it does not. |
|
Persons who have political power should exercise that power
to benefit others, not themselves.
Describe a specific situation in which it might be justifiable
to exercise political power for personal benefit. Discuss what you
think determines when it is appropriate to exercise political power
for personal benefit. |
Justice is best served by truth.
Describe a specific situation in which justice might not be served
by truth. Discuss what you think determines whether or not truth
serves justice. |
|
Objectivity should be the primary goal in reporting the news.
Describe a specific situation in which a news report might justifiably
not be completely objective. Discuss what you think determines whether
or not objectivity should be the primary goal of news reporting. |
The way something is sold is often more important than what
is being sold.
Describe a specific situation in which what is being sold might
be more important than the way it is sold. Discuss what you think
determines whether or not the way something is sold is more important
than what is being sold. |
|
The more wealth a nation possesses, the more personal liberty
it offers its citizens.
Describe a specific situation in which the personal liberty of
citizens might not depend on a nation's wealth. Discuss what you
think determines when the personal liberty of citizens depends on
a nation's wealth and when it does not. |
People's dissatisfaction with their living conditions leads
to social progress.
Describe a specific situation in which people's dissatisfaction
with their living conditions might not lead to social progress.
Discuss what you think determines whether or not people's dissatisfaction
with their living conditions leads to social progress. |
|
Innovative methods used by the press to reach a broader audience
often end up providing that audience with less information.
Describe a specific situation in which innovative methods used
by the press might not end up providing an audience with less information.
Discuss what you think determines when innovative methods used by
the press to reach a broader audience end up providing less information. |
In a free society, individuals must be allowed to do as they
choose.
Describe a specific situation in which individuals in a free society
should not be allowed to do as they choose. Discuss what you think
determines when a free society is justified in restricting an individual's
actions. |
|
In government, idealism must sometimes give way to reality.
Describe a specific situation in which idealism in government might
not have to give way to reality. Discuss what you think determines
when idealism in government should give way to reality. |
Only when public figures admit their mistakes can they earn
the public's trust.
Describe a specific situation in which a public figure is trusted
despite not admitting a mistake. Discuss what you think determines
whether admitting a mistake will gain the public's trust. |
|
Concerned individuals are often better than the government at
solving society's problems.
Describe a specific situation in which the government might be
better than concerned individuals at solving a social problem. Discuss
what you think determines whether the government or concerned individuals
will be better at solving social problems. |
The best education teaches students to question authority.
Describe a specific situation in which education might teach students
to respect authority. Discuss what you think determines when education
should teach students to question authority and when it should teach
them to respect authority. |
|
In a democracy, elections are the surest way to bring about
political change.
Describe a specific situation in which an election might not be
the surest way to bring about political change in a democracy. Discuss
that you think determines when elections are the surest way to bring
about political change in a democracy and when they are not. |
Our belief in an idea only lasts until the introduction of the
next idea.
Describe a specific situation in which an idea might continue to
be believed even after the introduction of an idea that challenges
it. Discuss what you think determines whether or not our belief
in an idea will be displaced by a new idea. |
|
In politics, resorting to personal attack usually indicates
the weakness of one's own position.
Describe a specific political situation in which resorting to personal
attack might not be an indication of the weakness of one's own position.
Discuss what you think determines when resorting to personal attack
in politics is an indication of the weakness of one's own position. |
Students are their own best teachers.
Describe a specific situation in which students might not be their
own best teachers. Discuss what you think determines when students
can be their own best teachers and when they cannot. |
|
The best policy for a nation is to exert a strong foreign influence.
Describe a specific situation in which the best policy for a nation
might not be to exert a strong foreign influence. Discuss what you
think determines when a nation should exert a strong foreign influence
and when it should not. |
The abundance of information on the Internet limits its usefulness.
Describe a specific situation in which the abundance of information
on the Internet might not limit its usefulness. Discuss what you
think determines whether or not the abundance of information on
the Internet limits its usefulness. |
|
Education occurs when the student has a desire to learn.
Describe a specific situation in which education might occur without
the student's having a desire to learn. Discuss what you think determines
when education requires that the student have a desire to learn
and when it does not. |
In achieving political compromise, a rational argument is more
effective than a threat to disrupt order.
Describe a specific situation in which a threat to disrupt order
might be more effective than a rational argument in achieving a
political compromise. Discuss what you think determines whether
a rational argument or a threat to disrupt order is more effective
in achieving political compromise. |
|
The power of politicians is often due to their reputations.
Describe a specific situation in which the power of a politician
might not be due to reputation. Discuss what you think determines
whether or not a politician's power is due to reputation. |
A politician's lifestyle should reflect his or her political
views.
Describe a specific situation in which a politician's lifestyle
might not reflect his or her political views. Discuss what you think
determines whether or not a politician's lifestyle should reflect
his or her political views. |
|
We too often measure our freedom by what we do not have to do
rather than by what we should do.
Describe a specific situation in which we might measure our freedom
by what we should do. Discuss what you think determines whether
we measure our freedom by our obligations or our lack of them. |
Employers should not withhold information from their employees.
Describe a specific situation in which an employer might justifiably
withhold information from employees. Discuss what you think determines
when employers should withhold information from their employees
and when they should not. |
|
Once elected, a politician's only goal is to stay in office.
Describe a specific situation in which a politician might have
a goal other than to stay in office. Discuss what you think determines
when staying in office becomes the sole objective of a politician
and when it does not. |
In business, quick solutions often do not address the real source
of a problem.
Describe a specific business situation when a quick solution might
address the real source of a problem. Discuss what you think determines
when quick solutions in business address the real source of a problem
and when they do not. |
|
Groups that attempt to influence government policy are only
interested in benefiting themselves.
Describe a specific situation in which a group attempting to influence
government policy might be interested in benefiting others. Discuss
what you think determines when groups attempting to influence government
policy do so for their own benefit and when they do so for the benefit
of others. |
It is not good ideas, but rather personal influence, that leads
to success in politics.
Describe a specific situation in which good ideas might lead to
success in politics. Discuss what you think determines whether good
ideas or personal influence leads to success in politics. |
|
What is taught in school should be a representation of the best
that has been thought and said in the past.
Describe something that should be taught in school but does not
represent "the best that has been thought and said in the past."
Discuss what you think determines when education should emphasize
the past. |
Pride weakens powerful nations.
Describe a specific situation in which pride would not weaken a
powerful nation. Discuss what you think determines whether or not
pride weakens powerful nations. |
|
A leader cannot act fairly and at the same time please everyone.
Describe a specific situation in which a leader might act fairly
and still please everyone. Discuss what you think determines whether
or not a leader's acting fairly can please everyone. |
In politics, appearing decisive is more important than actually
making decisions.
Describe a specific situation in which making decisions in politics
might be more important than appearing decisive. Discuss what you
think determines when it is more important in politics to appear
decisive and when it is more important to make decisions. |
|
History is the record of but a few events, repeated again and
again, different only in time and context.
Describe a specific historical event that was or might be unique
rather than a repetition of a previous event from a different time
and context. Discuss what you think determines when historical events
can be said to be unique and when they can be described as repetitions
of events from earlier times and contexts. |
Good government demands that principles must sometimes be compromised.
Describe a specific situation in which good government might not
demand that principles be compromised. Discuss what you think determines
whether or not good government requires that principles be compromised. |
|
Developed nations have an obligation to provide aid to the underdeveloped
nations of the world.
Describe a specific situation in which a developed nation might
not be obligated to provide aid to an underdeveloped nation. Discuss
what you think determines when developed nations have an obligation
to provide aid to underdeveloped nations. |
Truth is an ideal to which all researchers should aspire, but
they should never assume they have actually found it.
Describe a specific situation in which researchers might reasonably
assume they have found the truth. Discuss what you think determines
whether or not researchers can reasonably be said to have found
the truth. |
|
Politicians should maintain ethical standards higher than those
of other citizens.
Describe a specific situation in which a politician should not
be expected to maintain higher ethical standards than other citizens.
Discuss what you think determines when politicians should be expected
to maintain higher ethical standards than other citizens and when
they should not. |
Most advertising is designed to prevent consumers from making
rational choices.
Describe a specific situation in which advertising does or might
help consumers make rational choices. Discuss what you think determines
whether or not advertising prevents customers from making rational
choices. |
|
Scientists should seek to confirm theories or hypotheses rather
than to refute them.
Describe a specific situation in which a scientist might seek to
refute a theory or hypothesis rather than to confirm it. Discuss
what you think determines when scientists should seek to confirm
theories or hypotheses and when they should seek to refute them. |
People are influenced more by the media than by their parents'
values.
Describe a specific situation in which people might be more influenced
by their parents' values than by the media. Discuss what you think
determines whether or not people are influenced more by the media
than by their parents' values. |
|
To be successful in business, it is important to appear socially
acceptable.
Describe a specific situation in which a person or group was or
might be successful in business without appearing socially acceptable.
Discuss what you think determines when success in business depends
upon appearing socially acceptable. |
Visual images convey reality more accurately than words do.
Describe a specific situation in which visual images might not
convey reality more accurately than words do. Discuss what you think
determines whether or not visual images convey reality more accurately
than words do. |
|
Education makes everyone equal.
Describe a specific situation in which education does not make
everyone equal. Discuss what you think determines whether or not
education makes everyone equal. |
Music has the power to entertain, but seldom to educate.
Describe a specific situation in which music might have the power
to educate. Discuss what you think determines when music has the
power to entertain and when it has the power to educate. |
|
The success of a business depends on its ability to compete.
Describe a specific situation in which the success of a business
might not depend on its ability to compete. Discuss what you think
determines whether or not the success of a business depends on its
ability to compete. |
Wealthy people should be required to share a portion of their
wealth with the less fortunate.
Describe a specific situation in which wealthy people should not
be required to share a portion of their wealth with the less fortunate.
Discuss what you think determines whether or not wealthy people
should be required to share a portion of their wealth with the less
fortunate. |
|
Reading educates. Television entertains.
Describe a specific situation in which television can or might
educate. Discuss what you think determines whether or not television
can be educational. |
A nation's history is shaped more by popular ideas than by the
actions of its government.
Describe a specific situation in which a nation's history might
be shaped more by the actions of its government than by popular
ideas. Discuss what you think determines whether a nation's history
is shaped more by popular ideas or by the actions of its government. |
|
We must obey not only the laws of which we approve, but also
those of which we may not approve.
Describe a specific situation in which one who does not approve
of a law might justifiably break that law. Discuss what you think
determines when it is justified to break a law. |
The function of the press should be to report only the facts
of daily events, not to influence the public's opinion about those
facts.
Describe a specific situation when the press might be justified
in attempting to influence the public's opinion. Discuss what you
think determines whether or not the press should attempt to influence
public opinion. |
|
Heroes are ordinary people made heroic by circumstance.
Describe a specific situation in which someone might be heroic
because of something other than circumstance. Discuss what you think
determines when heroism is dependent on circumstance and when it
is not. |
One must learn discipline before one can learn anything else.
Describe a specific situation in which a person might not need
to learn discipline before learning anything else. Discuss what
you think determines when a person must learn discipline before
learning anything else. |
|
Political debate often gets in the way of political action.
Describe a specific situation in which political debate might not
get in the way of political action. Discuss what you think determines
whether or not political debate will get in the way of political
action. |
Democratic nations should offer refuge to citizens of oppressive
governments.
Describe a specific situation in which a democratic nation should
not offer refuge to citizens of an oppressive government. Discuss
what you think determines whether democratic nations should offer
refuge to citizens of oppressive governments. |
|
In politics, campaign promises are seldom kept after the election
is won.
Describe a specific situation in which a campaign promise is likely
to be kept after an election is won. Discuss what you think determines
whether a particular campaign promise will be kept. |
The main concern of law is the protection of persons, not the
protection of property.
Describe a specific situation in which the main concern of a law
might be to protect property rather than persons. Discuss what you
think determines when the main concern of law is the protection
of persons and when it is the protection of property. |
|
Only the history of free nations is worthy of study.
Describe a specific situation in which the study of a nation that
was or is not free might be worthy of study. Discuss what you think
determines whether or not a nation's history is worthy of study. |
For a leader, good management is often more important than clear
policy.
Describe a specific situation in which clear policy might be more
important for a leader than good management. Discuss what you think
determines whether good management or clear policy is more important
for a leader. |
|
Technological advances contribute to the development of a free
and open society.
Describe a specific situation in which technological advances might
not contribute to the development of a free and open society. Discuss
what you think determines whether or not technological advances
contribute to the development of a free and open society. |
In a truly free and open society, censorship of the press can
never be justified.
Describe a specific situation when, in a free and open society,
censorship of the press might be justified. Discuss what you think
determines when censorship of the press can be justified in a free
and open society and when it cannot. |
|
Advances in technology benefit some people while disadvantaging
others.
Describe a specific situation in which advances in technology benefit
everyone. Discuss what you think determines whether or not advances
in technology benefit everyone. |
Students should be granted the same rights inside school as
they possess outside school.
Describe a specific situation in which students might reasonably
not be granted a right in school that they are granted outside school.
Discuss what you think determines when a right granted to students
outside school is justifiably denied them in school. |
|
Scientific inquiry is rooted in the desire to discover, but
there is no discovery so important that in its pursuit a threat
to human life can be tolerated.
Describe a specific situation in which a threat to human life might
be tolerated in the pursuit of scientific discovery. Discuss what
you think determines when the pursuit of scientific discovery is
more important than the protection of human life. |
A career-oriented education is not necessarily the best education.
Describe a specific situation in which a career-oriented education
might prove to be the best education. Discuss what you think determines
when a career-oriented education is the best education and when
it is not. |
|
The primary function of art is to entertain, not to challenge
us.
Describe a specific situation in which the primary function of
art might be to challenge us, rather than to entertain us. Discuss
what you think determines whether the primary function of art should
be to entertain or to challenge us. |
Advancements in communication technology have reduced the quality
of human interaction.
Describe a specific situation in which advancements in communication
technology have not reduced the quality of human interaction. Discuss
what you think determines whether or not advancements in communication
technology have reduced the quality of human interaction. |
|
Punishment without rehabilitation is unjust.
Describe a specific situation in which punishment without rehabilitation
might be just. Discuss what you think determines whether punishment
without rehabilitation is just or unjust. |
Travel is the best way to learn about different cultures.
Describe a specific situation in which travel might not be the
best way to learn about different cultures. Discuss what you think
determines whether or not travel is the best way to learn about
different cultures. |
|
A teacher's job is not to provide the right answers, but to
ask the right questions.
Describe a specific situation in which a teacher's job might be
to provide the right answers. Discuss what you think determines
when a teacher's job is to ask the right questions and when it is
to provide the right answers. |
Politicians too often base their decisions on what will please
the voters, not on what is best for the country.
Describe a specific situation in which a politician might make
an unpopular decision for the good of the country. Discuss the principles
you think should determine whether political decisions should be
made to please the voters or to serve the nation. |
|
Successful political candidates are those in whom the voters
see the most flattering image of themselves.
Describe a specific situation in which a successful political candidate
might not represent the most flattering image of the voters. Discuss
what you think determines when political candidates succeed because
of the flattering image they present to voters. |
The ability to campaign well is not necessarily an indication
of a politician's ability to govern well.
Describe a specific situation in which the ability of a politician
to campaign well might indicate an ability to govern well. Discuss
what you think determines when the ability to campaign well is an
indication of a politician's ability to govern well and when it
is not. |
|
A political party's position is often defined by what the party
opposes.
Describe a specific situation in which a political party's position
might not be defined by what the party opposes. Discuss what you
think determines when a political party's position is defined by
what the party opposes and when it is not. |
For a politician, honesty is the surest route to failure.
Describe a specific situation in which a politician's honesty might
not lead to failure. Discuss what you think determines whether or
not a politician's honesty will lead to failure. |
|
The primary function of the media should be to inform, not to
change public opinion.
Describe a specific situation in which the primary function of
the media should be to change public opinion, rather than to inform.
Discuss what you think determines whether the primary function of
the media should be to inform or to change public opinion. |
Television distracts us from what is really important.
Describe a specific situation in which television might not distract
us from what is really important. Discuss what you think determines
whether or not television distracts us from what is really important. |
|
In politics, loyalty always shifts.
Describe a specific situation in politics where loyalty might not
shift. Discuss what you think determines when political loyalty
will shift and when it will not. |
Unity in a democracy often results in conformity.
Describe a specific situation in a democracy when unity might not
result in conformity. Discuss what you think determines whether
or not unity in a democracy results in conformity. |
|
Technology designed to make our lives simpler often turns out
instead to make our lives more complicated.
Describe a specific situation in which a new technology might not
make our lives more complicated. Discuss what you think determines
whether a new technology simplifies or complicates our lives. |
A law must be enforced to be effective.
Describe a specific situation in which a law might not be enforced
and still be effective. Discuss what you think determines whether
or not a law must be enforced to be effective. |
|
In politics, inaction is often the wisest action.
Describe a specific situation in which action in politics might
be wiser than inaction. Discuss what you think determines whether
action or inaction in politics is wiser. |
Health care for all is a realistic goal.
Describe a specific situation in which health care for all might
not be a realistic goal. Discuss what you think determines whether
or not health care for all is a realistic goal. |
|
Ambition in business often leads to more ambition rather than
to satisfaction.
Describe a specific situation in which ambition in business might
lead to satisfaction rather than to more ambition. Discuss what
you think determines whether business ambition leads to more ambition
or to satisfaction. |
To serve justice, a judge must be compassionate.
Describe a specific situation in which a judge might serve justice
without being compassionate. Discuss what you think determines whether
or not a judge must be compassionate in order to serve justice. |
|
The government should have the right to regulate the content
of Web sites on the Internet.
Describe a specific situation in which the government should not
have the right to regulate the content of Web sites on the Internet.
Discuss what you think determines whether or not the government
should have the right to regulate the content of Web sites on the
Internet. |
The primary responsibility of corporate executives is to their
employees.
Describe a specific situation in which the primary responsibility
of corporate executives might not be to their employees. Discuss
what you think determines whether or not the primary responsibility
of corporate executives is to their employees. |
|
A democratic government loses continuity of leadership by holding
regular elections.
Describe a specific situation in which a democratic government
might not lose continuity of leadership despite regular elections.
Discuss what you think determines whether or not a democratic government
loses continuity of leadership by holding regular elections. |
An orderly society must never compromise in matters of law.
Describe a specific situation in which an orderly society might
justifiably compromise in matters of law. Discuss what you think
determines when an orderly society should compromise in matters
of law and when it should not. |
|
Persons of authority are responsible for the actions of those
they oversee.
Describe a specific situation in which a person of authority might
justifiably not be responsible for the actions of a subordinate.
Discuss what you think determines when persons of authority should
be responsible for the actions of those they oversee and when they
should not. |
Once a democracy elects its leaders, citizens should be able
to trust those leaders to decide what is best for the country.
Describe a specific situation in which a leader in a democracy
might not be fully trusted to decide what is best for the country.
Discuss what you think determines whether or not citizens in a democracy
can trust their elected leaders to decide what is best for the country. |
|
Artistic freedom should take precedence over what the government
might consider objectionable.
Describe a specific situation in which artistic freedom should
not take precedence over what a government might consider objectionable.
Discuss what you think determines when artistic freedom should take
precedence over what the government might consider objectionable
and when it should not. |
For every problem a technological innovation solves, it tends
to create another, sometimes greater, problem.
Describe a specific situation in which technology's solving a problem
might not create another, greater problem. Discuss what you think
determines whether or not the drawbacks of a new technology outweigh
its benefits. |
|
A nation's identity is determined more by what it consumes than
by what it creates.
Describe a specific situation in which a nation's identity might
be determined more by what it creates than by what it consumes.
Discuss what you think determines whether a nation is identified
more by what it consumes or by what it creates. |
Strongly held beliefs limit one's ability to form friendships
with people holding opposite views.
Describe a specific situation in which strongly held beliefs would
not limit one's ability to form friendships with people holding
opposite views. Discuss what you think determines whether or not
strongly held beliefs limit one's ability to form friendships with
people holding opposite views. |
|
Nonconformity is sometimes necessary in order for society to
progress.
Describe a specific situation in which nonconformity might impede
the progress of society. Discuss what you think determines when
nonconformity is beneficial to social progress. |
Good teaching requires flexibility.
Describe a specific situation in which good teaching might not
require flexibility. Discuss what you think determines when flexibility
is necessary for good teaching. |
|
Freedom of speech is an absolute right that must never be limited.
Describe a specific situation in which freedom of speech might
justifiably be limited. Discuss what you think determines when freedom
of speech should be limited. |
Sometimes the civil rights of individuals must be compromised
in order to ensure public safety.
Describe a specific situation in which an individual's civil rights
might not be compromised in order to ensure public safety. Discuss
what you think determines when public safety should outweigh the
civil rights of individuals. |
|
Government regulation of business is necessary in a democracy.
Describe a specific situation in which government regulation of
a business might not be necessary in a democracy. Discuss what you
think determines when government regulation of business is necessary
in a democracy and when it is not. |
Compromise demands that each party in the compromise lose something.
Describe a specific situation in which a compromise might not demand
that each party in the compromise lose something. Discuss what you
think determines whether or not a party will lose something in a
compromise. |
|
Television almost always distorts the way we see the world.
Describe a specific situation in which television might not distort
the way we see the world. Discuss what you think determines when
television distorts our perception of the world. |
The primary concern of business should be the safety of its
employees.
Describe a specific situation in which the primary concern of a
business might not be the safety of its employees. Discuss what
you think determines when the main concern of a business should
be its employees' safety and when it should not. |
|
Students should not have a significant role in determining university
policy.
Describe a specific situation in which students should have a significant
role in determining university policy. Discuss what you think determines
whether or not students should have a significant role in determining
university policy. |
In business, attention to detail might prevent unexpected problems.
Describe a specific situation in business in which attention to
detail might not prevent unexpected problems. Discuss what you think
determines whether or not attention to detail might prevent unexpected
problems in business. |
|
Adherence to one's beliefs is often a sign of narrow-mindedness.
Describe a specific situation in which adherence to one's beliefs
might not be a sign of narrow-mindedness. Discuss what you think
determines when adherence to one's beliefs is a sign of narrow-mindedness
and when it is not. |
Students should study only what naturally interests them.
Describe a specific situation in which students might study something
other than what naturally interests them. Discuss what you think
determines when students should study what naturally interests them
and when they should not. |
|
Scientific advances should be shared with all nations.
Describe a specific situation in which scientific advances should
not be shared with all nations. Discuss what you think determines
whether or not scientific advances should be shared with all nations. |
A country must use its natural resources in a way agreeable
to all its citizens.
Describe a specific situation in which a country might justifiably
use its natural resources in a way that is not agreeable to all
its citizens. Discuss the principles you think determine when a
natural resource should be used in a way agreeable to all its citizens. |
|
To master technology is to become enslaved by it.
Describe a specific situation in which mastering technology might
not mean becoming enslaved by it. Discuss what you think determines
whether or not mastering technology means becoming enslaved by it. |
The best politician is the one most removed from politics.
Describe a specific situation in which the best politician might
not be the one most removed from politics. Discuss what you think
determines whether or not the best politician is the one most removed
from politics. |
|
The newsworthiness of an event often depends on what else happened
that day.
Describe a specific situation in which an event would be newsworthy
no matter what else happened the same day. Discuss what you think
determines whether or not the newsworthiness of an event depends
on other events occurring on the same day. |
Modern transportation is often more concerned with speed than
with safety.
Describe a specific situation in which modern transportation was
or might be concerned more with safety than with speed. Discuss
what you think determines when modern transportation should be concerned
with speed and when it should be concerned with safety. |
|
The scientific community, by itself, should determine ethical
standards for scientific research.
Describe a specific situation in which the scientific community
should not determine ethical standards for scientific research by
itself. Discuss what you think determines whether or not the scientific
community should determine ethical standards for scientific research
by itself. |
In business, using a successful method for too long may lead
to failure.
Describe a specific situation in which continuing to use a successful
method might not lead to failure. Discuss what you think determines
when using a successful business method for too long leads to failure. |
|
Politicians achieve success by appealing to the needs of voters
rather than the beliefs of voters.
Describe a specific situation in which a politician might achieve
success by appealing to the voters' beliefs rather than their needs.
Discuss what you think determines when politicians can achieve success
by appealing to voters' needs and when they can achieve success
by appealing to voters' beliefs. |
The more people rely on computers, the more people become alienated
from one another.
Describe a specific situation in which computers might not alienate
people from one another. Discuss what you think determines whether
or not computers alienate people from one another. |
|
Small businesses are more beneficial to society than large corporations.
Describe a specific situation in which large corporations are more
beneficial to society than small businesses. Discuss what you think
determines whether or not small businesses are more beneficial to
society than large corporations. |
Too often, politicians are motivated more by personal benefit
than by what is best for the country.
Describe a specific situation in which a politician might be motivated
more by what is best for the country than by personal benefit. Discuss
what you think determines whether politicians are motivated by personal
benefit or by what is best for the country. |
|
Education comes not from books but from practical experience.
Describe a specific situation in which books might educate students
better than practical experience. Discuss what you think determines
when practical experience provides a better education than books
do. |
There are as many versions of history as there are historians.
Describe a specific situation in which the account of a historical
event might not vary from historian to historian. Discuss what you
think determines whether or not the recording of historical events
depends on the historian doing the recording. |
|
In teaching, praise motivates better than criticism.
Describe a specific situation in teaching when praise might not
motivate better than criticism. Discuss what you think determines
whether praise or criticism will be a better motivator in teaching. |
Because an opinion is shared by a majority of the people does
not necessarily mean the opinion is correct.
Describe a specific situation in which a majority opinion was or
might be correct. Discuss what you think determines whether or not
a majority opinion is correct. |
|
Successful leadership is a matter of allowing everyone to share
responsibility.
Describe a specific political situation in which successful leadership
might not be a matter of allowing everyone to share responsibility.
Discuss what you think determines when successful leadership is
a matter of allowing everyone to share responsibility and when it
is not. |
Only those politicians who have learned the art of compromise
can achieve their political goals.
Describe a specific situation in which a politician might achieve
a political goal without compromising. Discuss what you think determines
when politicians should compromise to achieve a political goal. |
|
Self-government of a nation depends upon the self-discipline
of the individuals of the nation.
Describe a specific situation in which self-government of a nation
might not depend upon the self-discipline of the individuals of
the nation. Discuss what you think determines when self-government
of a nation depends upon the self-discipline of the individuals
of the nation. |
Discovery of the truth leads to justice.
Describe a specific situation in which justice might not result
from discovery of the truth. Discuss what you think determines whether
or not truth leads to justice. |
|
The most successful political leaders are those who flatter
their constituents.
Describe a specific situation in which a political leader might
gain success without flattering the constituents. Discuss what you
think determines when political leaders gain success by flattering
their constituents and when they do not. |
A nation's social stability depends upon its economic stability.
Describe a specific situation in which a nation's social stability
might depend upon something other than its economic stability. Discuss
what you think determines when a country's social stability depends
upon its economic stability and when it does not. |
|
In business, it takes money to make money.
Describe a specific situation in business where it might not take
money to make money. Discuss what you think determines when it takes
money to make money in business and when it does not. |
A business that creates a great product is sure to succeed.
Describe a specific situation in which a business that creates
a great product might not succeed. Discuss what you think determines
whether or not a business that creates a great product is sure to
succeed. |
|
In times of national crisis, the media should support official
government policy.
Describe a specific situation in which the media should not support
official government policy in a time of national crisis. Discuss
what you think determines whether or not the media should support
official government policy in times of national crisis. |
Good teaching promotes conformity.
Describe a specific situation in which good teaching might not
promote conformity. Discuss what you think determines whether or
not good teaching promotes conformity. |
|
The surest way to win an election is to avoid scandal.
Describe a specific situation in which avoiding scandal might not
be the surest way to win an election. Discuss what you think determines
whether or not avoiding scandal is the surest way to win an election. |
Success is not a worthy goal when it is achieved at the expense
of others.
Describe a specific situation in which a person might be justified
in pursuing success at the expense of others. Discuss what you think
determines when success should be pursued at the expense of others. |
|
Elected officials should not appoint their friends to positions
of political power.
Describe a specific situation in which an elected official might
justifiably appoint a friend to a position of political power. Discuss
what you think determines whether or not elected officials should
appoint their friends to positions of political power. |
An understanding of the past is necessary for solving the problems
of the present.
Describe a specific situation in which solving a current problem
might not require an understanding of the past. Discuss what you
think determines whether or not the past should be considered in
solving the problems of the present. |
|
The essential aim of law should not be to punish, but to assure
fairness for all.
Describe a specific situation in which the essential aim of law
might be to punish rather than assure fairness for all. Discuss
what you think determines whether the essential aim of law should
be to punish or to assure fairness for all. |
In a free society, all rights begin with the individual's right
to privacy.
Describe a specific right that does not begin with the right to
privacy. Discuss the principles you think determine rights in a
free society. |
|
It is each citizen's duty to obey the laws of the nation.
Describe a specific situation in which a citizen might not have
a duty to obey a law. Discuss what you think determines when citizens
have a duty to obey the laws of the nation and when they do not. |
Political leaders should make policy according to the opinion
of their constituents.
Describe a specific situation in which a political leader might
justifiably make policy contrary to the opinion of the constituents.
Discuss what you think determines when political leaders should
make policy according to the opinion of their constituents and when
they should not. |
|
In business, competition is superior to cooperation.
Describe a specific situation in which cooperation might be superior
to competition. Discuss what you think determines when competition
is superior to cooperation in business and when it is inferior. |
The primary goal of every business should be to maximize profits.
Describe a specific situation in which maximizing profits might
not be the primary goal of a business. Discuss what you think determines
whether or not the primary goal of a business should be to maximize
profits. |
|
No matter how oppressive a government, violent revolution is
never justified.
Describe a specific situation in which violent revolution might
be justified. Discuss what you think determines whether or not violent
revolution is justified. |
Caution is often the best guide for government.
Describe a specific situation in which caution might not be the
best guide for government. Discuss what you think determines when
caution is the best guide for government and when it is not. |
|
The primary concern of government should be the well-being of
its citizens.
Describe a specific situation in which the concern of government
might justifiably be something other than its citizens' well-being.
Discuss what you think determines when the primary concern of government
ought to be the well-being of its citizens. |
Politicians who are motivated by their own personal popularity
are not true leaders.
Describe a specific situation in which a politician motivated by
popularity might be a true leader. Discuss what you think determines
when a politician motivated by popularity can be a true leader. |
|
A politician needs public acceptance to be effective.
Describe a specific situation in which a politician might not have
public acceptance and still be effective. Discuss what you think
determines when a politician's effectiveness depends on public acceptance
and when it does not. |
In business, the notion of progress is often just an excuse
for making more money.
Describe a specific situation in which progress might not simply
be an excuse for making more money. Discuss what you think determines
whether or not progress is used as an excuse for making more money
in business. |
|
The purpose of education is often to instill in the individual
the established values of society.
Describe a specific situation in which the purpose of education
might not be to instill in the individual the established values
of society. Discuss the principles that you think determine whether
education should instill societal values. |
To purchase a country's products is to support its politics.
Describe a specific situation in which purchasing a country's products
might not necessarily mean supporting its politics. Discuss what
you think determines when purchasing a country's products supports
its politics and when it does not. |
|
Deception is a necessary part of all business transactions.
Describe a specific situation in which deception might not be necessary
in a business transaction. Discuss what you think determines when
deception is necessary in business transactions and when it is not. |
A nation's main concern should be to protect its international
business interests.
Describe a specific situation in which a nation might not be concerned
with protecting its international business interests. Discuss what
you think determines when a nation's main concern should be to protect
its international business interests. |
|
Evolution brings about more change than revolutions do.
Describe a specific situation in which revolution might bring about
more change than evolution. Discuss what you think determines when
evolutions will bring about more change and when revolutions will. |
Drastic action is sometimes the only way to bring about political
change.
Describe a specific situation in which drastic action might not
be the only way to bring about political change. Discuss what you
think determines when drastic action is the only way to bring about
political change and when it is not. |
|
In politics, new ideas are often seen as radical ideas.
Describe a specific situation in which a new political idea might
not be seen as radical. Discuss what you think determines whether
or not a new political idea will be seen as radical. |
Learning requires keeping an open mind.
Describe a specific situation in which learning might not require
keeping an open mind. Discuss what you think determines whether
or not a learning situation requires keeping an open mind. |
|
Television has more influence on people than books do.
Describe a specific situation in which books have more influence
on people than television does. Discuss what you think determines
whether or not television has more influence on people than books
do. |
Only research that has the potential for financial profit should
be pursued.
Describe a specific situation in which research that does not have
the potential for financial profit should be pursued. Discuss what
you think determines whether or not only research that has the potential
for financial profit should be pursued. |
|
In education, the newest way is not always the best way.
Describe a specific situation in education when the "newest way"
might in fact be the best way. Discuss what you think determines
whether or not innovation in education is an improvement. |
A truly free and open society must tolerate even the most radical
dissent.
Describe a specific situation in which a free and open society
should not tolerate radical dissent. Discuss what you think determines
whether a free society should tolerate or suppress dissent. |
|
Law enforcement is more a matter of justice than of politics.
Describe a specific situation in which law enforcement might be
primarily a matter of politics rather than justice. Discuss what
you think determines when law enforcement is a matter of justice
and when it is a matter of politics. |
Foreign diplomats should conform to the legal codes of their
host countries.
Describe a specific situation in which a foreign diplomat might
justifiably not conform to the legal code of a host country. Discuss
what you think determines when foreign diplomats should conform
to the legal codes of their host countries and when they should
not. |
|
It is not the responsibility of government to provide financial
assistance to failing businesses.
Describe a specific situation in which the government should provide
financial support to a failing business. Discuss what you think
determines whether or not the government should provide support
to a failing business. |
Students should be more interested in the process of learning
than in the facts learned.
Describe a specific situation in which students might be more interested
in the facts learned than in the process of learning. Discuss what
you think determines when students should be interested in the process
of learning and when they should be interested in the facts learned. |
|
The prestige of an occupation usually reflects the value of
that occupation to society.
Describe a specific situation in which the prestige of an occupation
might not reflect its value to society. Discuss what you think determines
when prestige reflects the value of an occupation to society. |
Television turns even the most significant events into entertainment.
Describe a specific situation in which television might not turn
significant events into entertainment. Discuss what you think determines
whether or not television turns significant events into entertainment. |
|
The historical significance of an event cannot be determined
without the perspective afforded by the passage of time.
Describe a specific situation in which the historical significance
of an event might be determined without the perspective afforded
by the passage of time. Discuss what you think determines whether
or not the passage of time is necessary to judge the historical
significance of an event. |
In politics, money equals power.
Describe a specific political situation in which money might not
equal power. Discuss what you think determines when money equals
power in politics and when it does not. |
|
It is sometimes necessary to restrict individual freedom for
the sake of social order.
Describe s specific situation in which individual freedom should
not be restricted. Discuss what you think determines when individual
freedom should take precedence over social order. |
A teacher's personal values have little place in the classroom.
Describe a specific situation in which a teacher's personal values
might justifiably have a place in the classroom. Discuss what you
think determines whether or not teachers should communicate their
personal values in the classroom. |
|
New developments in technology have caused us to become less
creative.
Describe a specific situation in which a development might not
cause us to become less creative. Discuss what you think determines
when new developments in technology cause us to become less creative. |
The power of the press depends on the literacy of its readers.
Describe a specific situation in which the power of the press might
not depend on the literacy of its readers. Discuss what you think
determines when the power of the press is dependent on the literacy
of its readers. |
|
The government should censor works of art that are offensive
to the public.
Describe a specific situation in which the government should not
censor works of art that are offensive to the public. Discuss what
you think determines whether or not the government should censor
works of art that are offensive to the public. |
Formal schooling often proves to be the most important part
of learning.
Describe a specific situation in which formal schooling might not
be the most important part of learning. Discuss what you think determines
whether or not formal schooling is the most important part of learning. |
|
The news media should report only what the public wants to know.
Describe a specific situation in which the news media might report
something other than what the public wants to know. Discuss what
you think determines when the news media should report what the
public wants to know and when they should not. |
Youth and innovation are sometimes more beneficial in politics
than age and experience.
Describe a specific political situation in which age and experience
were or might be more beneficial than youth and innovation. Discuss
what you think determines whether youth and innovation are more
beneficial that age and experience in politics. |
|
Computers are bringing the world closer together.
Describe a specific situation in which computers might not be bringing
the world closer together. Discuss what you think determines whether
or not computers are bringing the world closer together. |
Violence is sometimes necessary to achieve social change.
Describe a specific situation in which violence might not be necessary
to achieve social change. Discuss what you think determines when
violence is necessary to achieve social change and when it is not. |
|
Citizens of a democracy should always be permitted to express
their opinions freely.
Describe a specific situation in which a democratic government
might justifiably prevent a citizen from expressing an opinion.
Discuss what you think determines when a democratic government should
permit its citizens to express their opinions freely and when it
should not. |
Political decisions always require careful deliberation.
Describe a specific situation in which a political decision might
not require careful deliberation. Discuss what you think determines
whether or not political decisions require careful deliberation. |
|
A truly democratic society cannot maintain any unjust laws.
Describe a specific situation in which a democratic society might
reasonably maintain an unjust law. Discuss what you think determines
whether or not a truly democratic society can maintain an unjust
law. |
When there is a choice between obeying the law and following
one's own beliefs, it is best to follow one's beliefs.
Describe a specific situation in which it might not be best to
follow one's own beliefs rather than the law. Discuss what you think
determines when it is justified to follow one's own beliefs rather
than obey a law. |
|
In international diplomacy, what is said is less important than
how it is said.
Describe a specific situation in which something said in international
diplomacy might be more important than how it is said. Discuss what
you think determines whether or not what is said in international
diplomacy is less important than how it is said. |
Society often measures a person's worth by the ability to earn
money.
Describe a specific situation in which a person's worth might not
be measured by the ability to earn money. Discuss what you think
determines whether or not a person's worth is measured by the ability
to earn money. |
|
Effective government in a democracy requires that its citizens
be fully informed.
Describe a specific situation in which a democratic government
might be effective without its citizens being fully informed. Discuss
what you think determines whether or not citizens in a democracy
must be fully informed in order for government to be effective. |
In teaching, innovation is often more valuable than tradition.
Describe a specific situation in teaching when innovation might
not be more valuable than tradition. Discuss what you think determines
whether innovation or tradition is more valuable in teaching. |
|
In government, fairness is less important than the appearance
of fairness.
Describe a specific situation in which fairness in government might
be more important than the appearance of fairness. Discuss what
you think determines whether or not fairness in government is less
important than the appearance of fairness. |
In times of war, a government may be justified in suspending
certain civil liberties.
Describe a specific situation in which a government might not be
justified in suspending civil liberties in a time of war. Discuss
what you think determines whether or not a government is justified
in suspending civil liberties in times of war. |
|
In a democracy, only those citizens who exercise their democratic
responsibilities should be allowed to enjoy the rights of citizenship.
Describe a specific situation in which people in a democracy could
justifiably enjoy their rights without exercising their responsibilities.
Discuss what you think determines whether or not the rights of citizenship
should be limited to citizens who exercise their democratic responsibilities. |
A nation's economic aid to a foreign government usually implies
an endorsement of that government's policies.
Describe a situation in which a nation might extend economic aid
to a foreign government it does not endorse. Discuss what you think
determines whether or not a nation's economic aid to a foreign government
implies an endorsement of that government's policies. |
|
Today's mobile society often loses in family and community ties
what it gains in individual freedom.
Describe a specific situation in which mobility might enhance family
or community ties. Discuss what you think determines which is more
important to the individual--mobility, or maintaining family and
community ties. |
A law passed in the interests of only one part of society is
likely to harm the rest of society.
Describe a specific situation in which a law passed in the interests
of only one part of society might not be harmful to the rest of
society. Discuss what you think determines when laws passed in the
interests of one part of society will be harmful to the rest of
society and when they will not. |
|
Businesses succeed by taking advantage of consumers' weaknesses.
Describe a specific situation in which businesses succeed without
taking advantage of consumers' weaknesses. Discuss what you think
determines whether or not businesses take advantage of consumers'
weaknesses in order to succeed. |
Revolutions often destroy more than they create.
Describe a specific situation in which a revolution might create
more than it destroyed. Discuss what you think determines whether
revolutions will be destructive or creative. |
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Everyone who commits a crime in our society should be held equally
responsible under the law.
Describe a specific situation in which someone who commits a crime
might justifiably not be held legally responsible in the same way
as others who commit crimes. Discuss what you think determines whether
or not a person should be held legally responsible for committing
a crime. |
Strength of will is a virtue only when its goals and methods
are virtuous.
Describe a specific situation in which strength of will might be
a virtue even though its goals and methods are not virtuous. Discuss
what you think determines whether or not virtuous goals and methods
are necessary for strength of will to be considered a virtue. |
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The best way to fight injustice is to expose it.
Describe a specific situation in which the best way to fight an
injustice might not be to expose it. Discuss what you think determines
when the best way to fight an injustice is to expose it. |
All laws are a form of limitation.
Describe a specific law that is not a form of limitation. Discuss
what you think determines whether or not a law acts as a limitation. |
|
Public figures have the responsibility to be positive role models
in the community.
Describe a specific situation in which a public figure might not
have the responsibility to be a positive role model in the community.
Discuss what you think determines when public figures have the responsibility
to be positive role models in the community and when they do not. |
Highly selective universities are more beneficial to society
than less selective universities.
Describe a specific situation in which highly selective universities
would not be more beneficial to society. Discuss what you think
determines whether or not highly selective universities are more
beneficial to society than less selective universities. |
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Education should emphasize learning about the world as it is.
Describe a specific situation in which education might emphasize
something other than learning about the world as it is. Discuss
what you think determines when education should emphasize learning
about the world as it is and when it should not. |
Education serves to restrict the human mind rather than to free
it.
Describe a specific situation in which education frees the human
mind. Discuss what you think determines when education restricts
the human mind and when it frees it. |
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Most people are motivated by emotion rather than reason in political
matters.
Describe a specific situation in which people might be motivated
by reason rather than emotion in political matters. Discuss what
you think determines whether people are motivated by emotion or
reason in political matters. |
In advertising, truth is irrelevant.
Describe a specific situation in which truth in advertising might
be relevant. Discuss what you think determines when truth in advertising
is irrelevant and when it is relevant. |
|
Positive social change requires a great leader.
Describe a specific situation in which positive social change might
not require a great leader. Discuss what you think determines whether
or not positive social change requires a great leader. |
In fulfilling their responsibility to cover all significant
news events, the media must take care that the very act of covering
an event does not itself create news.
Describe a specific situation in which media coverage of an event
might legitimately be newsworthy. Discuss what you think determines
when media coverage of an event creates news. |
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Social injustice is best overcome by ensuring economic opportunity
for all.
Describe a specific situation in which a social injustice might
not be best overcome by ensuring economic opportunity for all. Discuss
what you think determines when social injustice is best overcome
by ensuring economic opportunity for all and when it is not. |
Innovation is the best path to success in business.
Describe a specific situation in which innovation in business might
not be the best path to success. Discuss what you think determines
when innovation in business leads to success. |
|
In politics, the most popular course of action is usually the
correct course of action.
Describe a specific political situation in which the most popular
course of action might not be the correct course of action. Discuss
what you think determines when the most popular course of action
will be the correct course of action. |
Social order is better achieved by establishing laws than by
trusting citizens to use their freedom wisely.
Describe a specific situation in which social order might be better
achieved by trusting citizens to use their freedom wisely than by
establishing laws. Discuss what you think determines when social
order is better achieved by establishing laws and when it is better
achieved by trusting citizens to use their freedom wisely. |
|
Citizens who enjoy a country's benefits during peacetime have
a responsibility to support their nation in time of war.
Describe a specific situation in which citizens might justifiably
not support their nation in time of war. Discuss what you think
determines whether or not citizens should support their nation in
time of war. |
The popular music of each generation rejects the conventions
of previous generations.
Describe a specific situation in which the popular music of a generation
might not reject the conventions of previous generations. Discuss
what you think determines whether or not the popular music of a
generation rejects the conventions of previous generations. |
|
To be effective, social criticism should be directed at issues,
not at individuals.
Describe a specific situation in which social criticism directed
at an individual might be effective. Discuss what you think determines
whether social criticism should be directed at issues or individuals
to be effective. |
Open-mindedness in a democracy sometimes requires tolerating
those things we may find objectionable.
Describe a specific situation in which open-mindedness in a democracy
might not require tolerating something we find objectionable. Discuss
what you think determines when open-mindedness in a democracy requires
tolerating something we may find objectionable and when it does
not. |
|
The public's right to information should override the government's
need for security.
Describe a specific situation in which the public's right to information
might justifiably not override the government's need for security.
Discuss what you think determines when the public's right to information
should take precedence over the government's need for security. |
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