INDUBITABLY: The Debate Podcast

In this episode, Josh and Kelly tackle a classic political and economic debate.  Does Capitalism or Socialism do a better job at creating wealth?  What about distributing it?  With the world currently being predominantly capitalist, how has that gone for us?  Would it be better off incorporating more socialist policies? Or even switching to it completely?

Donald Trump is almost certainly set to be the Republican nominee for President in November, but that does not mean that he is universally supported within his own party.  In this episode we weigh the good odds he brings to the table of recapturing the White House against some long term concerns he poses for Republicans.  With the party standing at a crossroads, is Trump the right path to follow into the future?

In part 2 of our series on the conflict between Israel and Hamas we look at how the messaging from both sides has evolved over the past couple of months, and ask exactly how effective it is in garnering support to its side.  Is the world starting to experience compassion fatigue for the people whose lives are defined by this conflict?  Or is our collective attention span simply not long enough to provide the support needed to solve the world’s most pressing problems.

The Israeli - Palestinian conflict is a decades old dispute, but these last two months have exploded into a monumental exacerbation of violence.  When battle lines are drawn so clearly and hatred is so deeply rooted, is it possible to have a productive conversation on an issue?  In part 1 of our series on this issue, we try to help you understand the history and arguments for this particular war as well as provide some lessons to apply to discussions on similarly contentious conflicts.

On this Halloween, we examine fear through a variety of questions:  Is fear useful or harmful?  How afraid should we be of imaginary things?  Should we be scared of death?  Will Kelly survive an hour immersed in a horror filled conversation?  There’s only one way to find out… join us on Josh’s favorite holiday of the year!

Plenty of movies and tv shows have attempted to tap into debate as a source of impassioned and quick witted speeches, but do they get it right? Debates on the screen, in politics, and in academic tournaments take a variety of forms, and have their own distinct strengths and weaknesses.  We examine each of these and point out the lessons that you can learn to improve your own debating skills.

Our society is obsessed with stories about crime, and most of the time the more heinous it is, the better.  That means that there are millions of dollars to be made off of the retelling of the lives and misdeeds of criminals.  Do they have a right to share their stories under free speech protections?  Does that include the profit that follows?  Or should a consideration of their victims prompt us to forbid such cashing in on crime?

The recent fires in Maui and the continuing aftermath have brought attention to the impacts that tourism can have on popular destinations.  Many local, or even national, economies can be completely dependent on the tourism industry, but how do we ensure that same dollars are not having destructive long term effects on the people, cultures and environments of fragile locales?

Hollywood is currently on strike, in large part over the fear actors and writers have of AI generated art.  What implications does this new technology have for the creative content that we consume?  Will human artists be replaced by computers in Movies? Music? Photography?  And if the quality of AI generated art can compete or surpass our own capabilities, is that even a bad thing?

With the clash in Eastern Europe seemingly escalating, Indubitably asks the question:  Can War Ever Be Justified?  If so, what conditions have to be met?  “Just War Theory” attempts to answer those very questions, laying out standards for entering into, engaging in, and obligations after war.  Which conflicts meet or fall short of the burdens that are established?

It’s no secret that many news sources suffer from bias and influence from special interests.  As a result, average citizens are taking it upon themselves to report on the happenings of their communities and the world at large.  How do large media corporations do at holding to their own ethical standards?  And are these citizen journalists a better alternative?

Indubitably tackles the greatest question of them all!  In this episode we do for you what no scholar or philosopher in the history of humanity has managed to yet.  We reveal the secret to the meaning of life!  (Alright, not quite, but we get as close as we can.)  Does life even have meaning at all?  If yes, does that meaning apply to all of us universally?  Is it centered around self?  Or service?

If we had to escape Earth and flee to a new planet, but only half of the human population could go, how would we choose who to save and who we would leave behind?  In an Indubitably plot twist, Josh proposes that we should sacrifice all men, to start over with a female led civilization.  Would this choice save us from the sexism that exists on our planet?  Or is it discriminatory in it of itself?

For the last century, our economies and industries have been defined by the use of fossil fuels.  But, with our supplies fast diminishing and our understanding of their negative impact becoming more and more obvious, it's time we look to alternatives.  What are our best options moving forward?  Realistically, are there any viable replacements?

Every year, almost 2.5 million women in America, and 10 thousand worldwide compete in beauty pageants.  Are they being judged solely on their physical appearance or do other characteristics have a meaningful affect on the competition’s results?  While adults can choose whether or not to participate, are these pageants healthy for children to engage in?

When heinous crimes go unpunished by authorities, do we just let the perpetrators get away?  Or, as private citizens, do we have the right to serve as judge, jury and sometimes, executioner?  While various justice systems have standardized rules for what constitutes crime and appropriate punishment, what happens if we let people decide these things for themselves?

Discourse around gun control is always contentious, but rarely productive.  Part of the blame lies in the failures of both sides to argue in good faith.  After recent events in Tennessee, we are re-releasing this “Adjudication” episode from our archives, where, rather than present arguments on a topic, we judge the arguments that are already commonly forwarded to either uphold or erode the right to bear arms.

Senior Citizens are the largest  and most active voting block in the US.  But is their ability to define election results undermining the future of the country for the rest of us that will still be around to live in it? Is there a justification to remove a constitutional right from a demographic based on their age?

Quiet Quitting refers to doing the minimum requirements of one’s job and putting in no more time, effort, or enthusiasm than absolutely necessary.  Is this a fair response to employers placing ever increasing burdens on their workers?  Or are quiet quitters being unfair to their companies, coworkers, or even themselves?

Look!  Up in the sky!  It’s a bird!  It’s a plane!  It’s… A Chinese Spy Balloon?  Or is it a weather balloon?  In this episode we examine the tense relationship between the United States and China, and some of the more interesting strategies they pursue as they attempt to gain the upper hand over each other.

For years now, Hollywood has come under criticism for its lack of diversity, particularly when it comes to awards shows.  Will this year be any different?  Despite recent efforts to be more inclusive when it comes to the talent and stories brought to the silver screen, is greater representation automatically a good thing?  How do we balance authenticity with tokenism?

Every year, school districts across the United States ban more and more books for an increasing number of reasons.  How can we decide which, if any, are too dangerous for our children to read?  Is protecting students from potentially upsetting ideas a mistake that will lead to sub par education and stunted development?

In this episode, Josh battles on behalf of humanity against a computer counterpart that is giving speeches generated by the AI model ChatGPT.  The topic for the debate is “It is Immoral to be Apolitical.”  Following the debate, Kelly gives her judgment on who she thinks won, and we have a discussion about the AI’s performance, as well as future implications.

On this holiday of (corporatized?) romance, we examine the question of whether or not it is better to be single or in a relationship?  Do societal expectations surrounding partnership push people into "situationships" that are unhealthy and inauthentic? What about marriage?  Should governments be incentivizing people to enter into these lifelong bonds or should we perhaps end state recognition of marriage altogether?

In 2021 the National Football League made over $17 Billion.  As each of us attends games, buys jerseys and supports our teams, what kind of organization are we handing our money over to?  How does the NFL treat its players when it comes to injuries or equity?  Does it turn away from the criminal and oftentimes abusive activities of some of its players?  And what should we, as fans, do about it?

Virtually every system of morality constructed by any society throughout history has been based on the idea that we, as humans, possess free will.  But what if that isn’t the case?  In this episode we examine the theory that every choice we make has been predetermined, whether by prior causes or natural law, and what the ramifications of that could be.

Perhaps the strongest biological urge that any species faces, and quite possibly the meaning of life itself, is procreation.  But with tens of thousands of children around the world orphaned or abandoned, and our population growing exponentially, is it time that we set aside that urge for the betterment of society?  Are parents who seek to pass on their genes acting immorally?

With Psilocybin, Ketamine, Ayahuasca and other Psychedelics and Hallucinogens starting to show potential benefits as therapeutic cures to a variety of conditions, states are considering whether or not to legalize them.  Should they be made available for researchers?  For medical use?  For recreation?  We discuss “The Science” behind these options as well as compare them to current alternatives.

Several countries around the world have very recently elected corrupt leaders:  Brazil, the Philippines, (the USA?).  Should candidates who have been exiled from their country or spent time in jail be eligible to run for office?  If you had the choice between a competent but corrupt leader or an honest politician (oxymoron?) who would likely do a worse job, who would you vote for?

Police forces everywhere are looking less like the patrolmen of the past and more like a modern military unit.  Weaponry has increased in scale and technical ability, providing greater protection for officers.  But has this come with equivalent protections for society or greater threats?  How should we feel when the law of the land is enforced through bomb wielding robots, tanks, and surveillance systems imported straight from warzones?

For our New Year’s special, we step up to one of the most common requests we get on the show: Listeners want to get to know Josh and Kelly a bit better!  They answer questions about themselves, the show, and debate as an activity to give you a look into the minds of our hosts.  Will you feel closer to them?  Or just horrified at what Josh named his cat?  You’ll have to decide for yourself!

Have you ever wondered what a dinner conversation with five debaters would look like?  In the first of our two end of the year specials, we invited back some old guests from previous episodes so you can listen in on our “holiday party.”  We talk Christmas Carols, Disney Adults, Aliens and more.  Hope you enjoy and Happy Holidays to all of you!

Josh and Kelly defend the honor of Indubitably and do battle against Crystal and Robby from the podcast “Mind Changers & Great Debaters."  Has the plastic surgery industry become primarily cosmetic in nature or is it an important medical tool?  Are people able to make rational decisions about this kind of procedure or are the risks of abuse and addiction too high?

With the World Cup in full swing, the drama on the field is rivaled perhaps only by the scandals that run rampant behind the scenes of football (soccer)’s organizing body.  Is the bid process for the selection of host nations legitimate?  If so, how did Qatar’s bid and subsequent preparation for these games hold up to criticisms over migrant worker abuse and human rights violations?

While the debate in American discourse seems to be centered around questioning established science, Josh and Kelly instead judge the arguments that take place after accepting the reality of climate change.  Who and how should we deal with the human threat to the wellbeing of our planet?  Why have we been unable to galvanize action thus far?

In this episode we tackle one of the most famous thought experiments ever.  Should Utilitarian or Deontological ethics inform our decision on how to act when deciding who deserves to live or die?  We also spend some time discussing a different thought experiment: The Prisoner’s Dilemma.  Josh and Kelly match wits to see who emerges victorious and who loses everything!

What should we call it when one group of people consumes the culture of another?  Is it offensive or harmful to dress as, eat like, or create art in a fashion that originates from different ethnicities or nationalities?  Or, is this the natural manner in which culture and society progresses, and something to be celebrated rather than lamented?

With the 2022 Midterm results in (mostly), we look at the election as a whole and the implications it holds for our government.  What does this mean for Biden’s ability to push his agenda in the next two years?  Does it bode well for Trump 2024?  Were some of the propositions on abortion, drug legalization and slavery (?!) potentially trend setting?

Back in July, Twitter’s future was uncertain at best as Elon Musk was taken to court by the company as it attempted to force him to follow through with his original plans to buy the platform.  Now, that takeover is complete, but the company’s future is just as uncertain as ever.  With Musk and Twitter once again dominating as front page news, we are throwing back a few months for listeners who might not have heard this episode previously.

The Black Panther movies use Wakanda to present a vision of black prosperity, presenting audiences an optimistic narrative of Africa’s potential.  How realistic is a future Africa that resembles the hopeful promise Marvel’s writers have laid out for us?  How do nations navigate the difficult decisions necessary to realize the path to development that has thus far been so elusive?

On this Halloween we use some classic Halloween monsters and villains to answer the question of whether or not Evil exists.  Do motivations matter, or are actions what define something as good or bad?  Why are clowns so horrifying?  And of course, who is the scariest Halloween villain of all??

On Indubitably’s 1 year anniversary we get introspective (for just a bit) and look back on our first 52 episodes as well as forward to our next 52.  We also break out “The Debater’s Treasury,” a book that was printed over 100 years ago with 200 topics that were debated at the time.  How many of them are still relevant today?  We answer this question as well as thank all of you for sticking with us for this year!

Where does an authentic Indigenous identity come from?  Is bloodline or community a more important foundation for acceptance?  What are the appropriate ways to serve as an ally to various minority communities without overstepping boundaries?  We are reaching into the vault for this episode as Josh bails on Kelly to travel Italy for a couple of weeks.  We'll be back soon!

News reporters often cover subjects who are in distress.  Do they have a moral obligation to help the victims of the various circumstances that they are reporting on?  Do their professional efforts cover their responsibilities to their fellow humans or are they ethically bound to go above and beyond when they are in a position to be of service?

In 2021 the National Football League made over $17 Billion.  As each of us attends games, buys jerseys and supports our teams, what kind of organization are we handing our money over to?  How does the NFL treat its players when it comes to injuries or equity?  Does it turn away from the criminal and oftentimes abusive activities of some of its players?  And what should we, as fans, do about it?

If you worry about your credit score… imagine being assigned a score as a human being.  In China, people are granted or lose points for every day activities like picking up after their dog or playing video games.  Depending on their ratings, they could be denied access to schools, have their internet speeds throttled, or get boosted on a dating site.  Could this, or systems like it be implemented elsewhere around the world?

In our Labor Day special we examine the plight of underpaid underappreciated workers and ask the question of what they should do about it? Are unions a good or bad option for both workers or society at large?  Is violent revolution our best course of action against oppressive capitalist structures and the uber rich?

Josh and Kelly risk eternal damnation as they adjudicate the debate over the existence of an almighty creator.  From the beginnings of the universe, to consciousness, to the experiential evidence claimed by millions of people around the world, in this episode we evaluate the arguments of both church and science as we try to answer some of  humanity’s greatest questions.

It can be incredibly difficult to decipher the mixed messages that come from international leaders in regards to nuclear weaponry.  To complicate things further, the dangers from weaponizing nuclear power can come in many forms.  In this episode, we attempt to cut through the rhetoric, analyzing current geo-political realities and letting you know which countries are most at risk of a nuclear attack.

American WNBA player Brittney Griner was just sentenced to 9 years of jail time by a Russian court.  Is it fair for her, or anybody, to be jailed for the crimes of a country they are visiting, especially when those same actions are not illegal in their home nation?  Alternatively, if you commit a crime in your home country, should other countries, who might not agree with that particular policy, offer you sanctuary?  Or extradite you back to face punishment?

Our gender, through both nature and nurture plays a defining role in almost every aspect of our lives.  We explore both the benefits and shortcomings of the ways in which society has defined what it means to operate in this world as a male or a female, starting from before we are even born and carrying through to adulthood.

Some of the biggest breakthroughs in the history of scientific and medical research have come through questionable, if not completely immoral means.  How do we balance the ethics of acknowledging the suffering of one group of victims with the desire to provide potentially life saving treatment to another?  When we personally benefit from evil actions taken in the past, do we become complicit?

Elon Musk’s proposed 44 billion dollar takeover, and then subsequent backtracking has left the fate of Twitter in the hands of the Delaware Court of Chancery.  While it's unlikely Musk will be forced to purchase the company he no longer wants, it raises the questions of whether or not he would be good for the platform, as well as whether or not the existence of Twitter itself is good or bad for society at large.

Hunting is close to a billion dollar industry with animals from squirrels to endangered elephants finding themselves on the wrong side of a scope.  What are the moral implications of killing an animal, particularly when they have no realistic way of fighting back?  Are there practical benefits to conservation that hunting provides that might justify the action?

On this Fourth of July we celebrate our Independence Day by asking if… we should celebrate our Independence Day?  How far is too far when it comes to Patriotism?  Should we say the Pledge of Allegiance in schools?  Is America the greatest country in the world?  Would we have been better off if we had just stayed part of the British Empire?

We as a society are obsessed with True Crime.  Let’s just be blunt, opening a window to the evil humanity is capable of can be fascinating.  But when media exposes the stories of real people for all of us to consume, are the storytellers and audience just innocent observers? Or do we start to become culpable for some degree of harm to the victims of these cases?

Millions of illegal immigrants live in the United States right now, with millions more attempting to cross the border every year.  Are these migrants an unsustainable drain on our resources, or do the economic benefits they provide outweigh the costs?  Do countries have a greater moral obligation to ensure their own citizens are cared for, or do people have an inherent right to be supported regardless of their country of origin?

Josh and Kelly go head to head in this episode, arguing over whether or not our government is stealing from us.  They tackle questions around the ethics of consent (or lack thereof), how infrastructure and services could be provided without taxation, and whether or not we actually possess the representation required to be taxed fairly.

Our memories define who we are as people.  It’s no wonder then that humans have always been fascinated by the ideas of wielding the power of perfect recall, or having the ability to forget painful experiences.  Would these tools give us more control over our work, relationships or health?  Or does the allure of control over our memory pose more dangers than benefits?

The US and UK share a policy of “never” negotiating with terrorists.  Does this blanket policy deter future attacks or kidnappings? Or are we just condemning innocent hostages to death, leaving them abandoned in the hands of their captors?  Should we treat other similar organizations, e.g., drug cartels, gangs or PIRATES in the same way?

The answer to whether or not pineapple belongs on pizza is obvious, but have you ever considered what constitutes a pizza in the first place?  Should “experts” or critics have the right to define our food for us, or tell us what and where we should be eating?  Do certain peoples or cultures to have a rightful claim of “ownership” over traditional dishes?

The Effective Altruism movement asks people to donate more of themselves to charities, and make sure that those causes will use their resources as efficiently as possible.  Are you a less moral person for giving money to the Red Cross, if you could save more lives donating elsewhere?  Is it ok to prioritize your own family, friends or community over people living around the world who are in greater need?

Space has captured our imaginations for thousands of years, and from the Cold War to more recent contests between the ultra rich, countries and corporations alike are racing to stake their claim to the heavens.  What is there to gain from controlling the universe outside of our atmosphere?  Should anyone even be able to own the territories or resources of outer space?  If so, how do we balance out competing interests?

Will Smith’s slapping of Chris Rock at the Oscars has brought public attention to the question of whether or not there are certain topics that should be off limits for comedians.  If so, where exactly should that line be drawn?  If a comedian crosses that line, what is the appropriate response to it?  Is Amy Schumer funny?  Some of these questions have more obvious answers than others.

Democracy is a Billion dollar industry.  Where does this money come from?  What exactly is it buying?  We look at the rules surrounding campaign contributions and question whether or not they strike an equal balance between protecting the legitimacy of our democratic system and the constitutionally protected right to free speech.  When all the cash is counted, does the average citizen have a realistic way to make a meaningful difference in our elections?

It’s hard to find a good definition of what Critical Race Theory is in the mainstream media.  We try to provide exactly that, as well as examine this concept’s strengths and weaknesses.  If and where it does have merit, should it be included as part of our school’s curriculums?  What sort of policy implications could this theory have for our society at large?

Josh and Kelly team up to propose the assassination of the Russian President in a formal debate.  The discussion explores how this targeted killing stacks up against other alternative solutions to the crisis in Ukraine.  Does Vladimir Putin deserve to die?  Would his death bring an end to the conflict? Or would backlash from his successor just make the situation worse for everyone involved?

With the nomination of Ketanji Brown Jackson to the highest court of the land, we examine the confirmation process she will have to survive in order to be appointed to the bench.  Beyond the controversies that surround the politicization of that particular process, the Supreme Court is wrestling with calls for reform, from court packing to term limits.

As Queen Elizabeth II of Great Britain celebrates her Platinum Jubilee, we take on the concept of royalty, examining its legitimacy and efficacy.  From the ruling families of old, to modern constitutional monarchies, to the remaining absolute monarchies, does the existence of royalty translate to a better quality of life for their subjects?

Some of the most influential minds of our generation are warning us about the potential dangers of AI.  But, with the benefits this emerging technology has to offer us, along with the potential profits to be made off of its development, research is certainly not slowing down.  Would a world populated by intelligent machines be a future utopia?  Or will humanity face extinction at the hands of our own creations?

Around the globe, over $500 billion in subsidies are provided to farmers every year.  Proponents suggest this money helps protect our food supply and stabilize the agricultural industry against both market and natural forces.  But critics say subsidies are not only inequitable, but damaging to the environment and economies alike.

On this Valentine’s Day, we decide to take a break from more simplistic subject matters like international affairs, philosophical enquiry or economic theory, in order to focus on something a bit more complicated: romance.  Specifically the benefits and challenges posed by dating apps as their users try to navigate the modern dating scene.

From vaccine mandates to police brutality, certain sports figures have used their unique platform to bring attention to political and social causes that they care about.  But, as a venue that has the power to unite typically divided groups of people, should the sports pitch be off limits from these types of protests?  Is it fair for leagues to silence their stars, removing their ability to speak out on these important topics?

When words aren’t enough, how do we influence the behavior of a rogue nation?  In an attempt to avoid going to war, oftentimes countries and international actors implement sanctions as a way of convincing uncooperative governments to comply with their demands.  We discuss what factors help determine the success or failure of these efforts.

With advances in medical technology we are gaining more and more control over the genetic code of our children.  From the ability to create resistance to disease, to power over selecting a baby’s height or hair color, do parents have the right or responsibility to create the “perfect” child?

Museums around the world are in possession of thousands of pieces of art and artifacts which were created by people of a different culture, oftentimes in a different part of the globe.  Is there a moral obligation to return these objects to their place of origin?  What would this mean for our ability to preserve these irreplaceable items?  Do we lose the capacity to effectively educate the public if they are removed from museums?

Discourse around gun control is always contentious, but rarely productive.  Part of the blame lies in the failures of both sides to argue in good faith.  In our first ‘Adjudication Episode,’ rather than present arguments on this topic, we judge the arguments that are already commonly forwarded to either uphold or erode the right to bear arms.

In the United States alone, churches generate an estimated $125 billion in yearly “revenue.”  Do governments deserve to receive a cut from that income? Or does the work that faith communities do justify their continued tax exempt status?  How do secular governments best maintain a separation of church and state when it comes to financial matters?

Which debates made up this past year?  We look back at the defining controversies of the year along with some of the most ridiculous issues that made the news.  For an added bonus, we make a couple of predictions for 2022 and beyond!

One of the most iconic choices ever presented in a movie, these little colored capsules ask us to decide if ignorance really is bliss? What sort of harsh realities are we equipped to face?  And is it even possible to tell the difference between the two?

The idea of providing every citizen a set amount of money on a regular basis has been garnering increased attention in recent years.  Is there a realistic way to fund a program like this?  And even if there is, how does it compare to more targeted social programs?

In the second of our formal debates, we clash over issues of representation and democracy.  Would quotas forward the rights of women in politics? Or if they are simply seen as a token gesture, would they actually set the movement back?

From the top of Mt. Everest to the depths of the Bering Sea, workers around the globe take on incredible risks for less than incredible wages.  When is accepting potentially deadly work a choice and when is it coercive?  Are there realistic alternatives for people living in communities whose major industries bring with them the chance of death?

There are currently more tigers living in captivity in the United States than there are in the wild around the entire world.  Should private owners be allowed to possess Exotic Animals?  Are Zoos really any better?

We’re here to share with you all the tips and tricks needed to survive holiday dinners with the family!  Whether your goal is to keep the peace and maintain relationships, or crush your opposition and win that debate, we’ve got you covered!

Mandatory Minimum Sentences seek to standardize our Criminal Justice System, at the expense of judicial discretion.  Does this approach ensure a balance between the rights of the incarcerated and the safety of the society as a whole?  Are the principles of our justice system upheld by this policy?

Where does an authentic Indigenous identity come from?  Is bloodline or community a more important foundation for acceptance?  What are the appropriate ways to serve as an ally to various minority communities without overstepping boundaries?

Taiwan’s status is ambiguous by design.  Should it be recognized as an independent country, considering this would result in almost certain military backlash from China?  Is the United States ready to go to war with Beijing over this issue?

Given the inevitability of the Zombie Apocalypse... would you rather fight to hold on to your humanity?  Or give in and become a zombie?

Should your Right to Life include the Right to Die?  How much control should we be granted over our own deaths?

Our Government is over $28 TRILLION in debt.  To avoid catastrophic economic impacts, should we continue to borrow more and more?  Or do we need to put a limit on how much debt the United States can accrue?

What does it mean for something to be "Unethical" and does eating meat qualify?  What are the ramifications of proclaiming carnivores to be unethical?

Many governments around the world have started to implement Mandatory Vaccine Legislation.  Is this global pandemic enough of a threat to justify such extreme policies?  Or do these laws violate citizens’ individual rights?

Meet Josh and Kelly as they talk about themselves (awkwardly), the state of discourse in the world (a bit bitterly), and their goals for the show (optimistically)!