BeIR/webis-touche2020 huggingface dataset:
The Social Contract and Moral Obligations

PrefaceIt's been a sizeable amount of time since I last debated, and I really want to get back into it, esp. now that the campaign is over and things are settling down. This is one of two challenges I am issuing, and I think it should afford some interesting discussion. I find the topic to be cool, somewhat of a departure from a lot of the common topics used on DDO, and I think it will provide an basis for an engaging discourse! To accept, you must have completed at least 3 debates. To vote, a judge must have a minimum ELO ranking of 2,500. This is specifically a debate on social contract theory, and its applicability/validity in moral philosophy.Full TopicDue to the social contract, governments have moral obligations to their citizens which are superior to those it has towards non-citizens.TermsThe definitions below are influenced by or excerpted from the Internet Encyclopedia of Philosophy and Merriam Webster.Social Contract Theory - "Social contract theory, nearly as old as philosophy itself, is the view that persons' moral and/or political obligations are dependent upon a contract or agreement among them to form the society in which they live...[S]ocial contract theory is rightly associated with modern moral and political theory and is given its first full exposition and defense by Thomas Hobbes. After Hobbes, John Locke and Jean-Jacques Rousseau are the best known proponents of this enormously influential theory." Simply put, the social contract theory argues that a government is formed pursuant to a mutual agreement or contract among the people of a given jurisdiction, and that the scope and duties of the government are determined by the agreement or contract.Government - 'the organization, machinery, or agency through which a political unit exercises authority and performs functions'Moral - 'sanctioned by or operative on one's conscience or ethical judgment; conforming to a standard of right behavior'Obligation - 'something one is bound to do'Rules1. No forfeits2. Any citations or foot/endnotes must be individually provided in the text of the debate3. No new arguments in the final round4. Maintain a civil and decorous atmosphere5. No trolling6. No "kritiks" of the topic (e.g. moral skepticism, governments don't exist, etc.)7. My opponent accepts all definitions and waives his/her right to add resolutional definitions8. For all undefined terms, individuals should use commonplace understandings that fit within the logical context of the resolution and this debate9. Pro must go first and must waive in the final round10. Violation of any of these rules or of any of the R1 set-up merits a lossStructureR1. Pro's CaseR2. Con's Case, Pro rebuts Con's CaseR3. Con rebuts Pro's Case, Pro defends Pro's CaseR4. Con defends Con's Case, Pro rebuts Con's CaseR5. Con rebuts Pro's Case, Pro waivesThanks......again to whomever accepts; I am looking forward to a truly stellar and enjoyable discourse!
The Possession of Marijuana Ought to be Legal in the USA

In this round I’m going to claim that legalizing marijuana will do more good than harm to the USA with four arguments. 1. Excise taxes At the moment the government of the USA has a debt problem. (1) This can either be solved by raising taxes or lowering spending. Both are very unpopular with the voters, so how to solve this problem? Create a totally new tax which people barely notice is there. At the moment there are already excise taxes on alcohol, tobacco and some other goods (2). After marijuana is legalized it’s pretty easy to add an excise tax to it. Washington and Colorado already legalized marijuana and so far they already collected more than $200 million with an excise tax on marijuana (3). 2. Medical marijuana So far some research has been done to see what the medical uses are of marijuana. To quote from JAMA: There was moderate-quality evidence to support the use of cannabinoids for the treatment of chronic pain and spasticity. (4) So marijuana has some medical applications. If it helps, we should probably use it. So some states decided to legalize medical marijuana while keeping recreational marijuana illegal. When this happens some people start to abuse the medical marijuana. Even some teens abused medical marijuana (5). After marijuana is legalized, it can also get used in the medical industry without people worrying it gets abused. After all, why take the risk of abusing the medical marijuana if you can get it legally? Talking about medical marijuana, con, can you please elaborate if you are completely against legalizing marijuana or if you do allow medical marijuana? 3. Economy Legalizing marijuana has multiple positive influences on the economy. To start off, it already created about 10,000 new jobs (6) in Colorado. When people are working, they no longer need social benefit, so this improves the finances of the governments even more. Furthermore, since the excise tax is 15% of the average market price of retail marijuana (7), the contribution to GDP of marijuana was about $1.333 billion. 4. Culture The culture of the USA is often associated with liberty, equality, private property and democracy (8). I’d like to draw your attention to the last point: democracy. In a democratic country the majority decides. In 2014 a survey concluded that 52% of the population supported the legalization of marijuana (9). It would be democratic to legalize marijuana because of this. The previous four arguments gave an overview of the advantages of legalizing marijuana. I now hand the debate over to con, so he can state why he believes marijuana should be illegal. Sources 1) . http://www.usdebtclock.org... 2) . https://en.wikipedia.org... 3) . http://www.huffingtonpost.com... 4) . http://jama.jamanetwork.com... 5) . http://www.newportacademy.com... 6) . http://www.hightimes.com... 7) . https://www.colorado.gov... 8) . https://en.wikipedia.org... 9) . http://www.huffingtonpost.com...
The Possession of Marijuana Ought to be Legal in the USA

ResolutionThe Possetion of Marijuana Ought to be Legal in the United States of AmericaRules 1. Pro will begin arguing in Round 1. He will post something similar to "no round as agreed" in Round 4.2. No new arguments in the last round. DefintionsI expect all terms in the redolution to be clear. If in doubt, use the commmon usage of the word.
Phones Ruining Society

Its not all about the phones. Phones were here before, but there is a big difference between the past and present. There are 2 main differences: 1) Technology: In the near past phones had buttons and small screens so it was not comfortable as much to use it, but now with touch screen, its easy as it can be. 2) Apps: Things that you can do on a touch screen mobile are almost infinite. But mostly its games and facebook. And what do kids and teenagers love the most? Games and faacebok (or any other social media) They use it so much because the phone is small, easy to handle and its comfortable and you can take it anywhere you want and you can be online all the time. Its only popular because its comfortable. I'm not a fan of selfies but it is a growing trend - walking like a zombie while taking pictures of yourself - I don't know why it is but at least they put they heads up a couple of time so they wont break their neck looking at the phone ! So I think that its not the phone solely but the most harm is caused by the apps and stupid trends.
Music Battle: 50's and 60's Rock N' Roll

More excellent song choices! It's so cool to get to hear the original version of Pretty Girls Everywhere, I never heard it! I always thought the Arthur Alexander version was the original http://youtu.be... so I learned something new! Johnny B. Goode, such a classic! It was actually going to be my round 1 song, but then I decided to switch it to Nadine. So for my last round, I'd thought I'd cover a little Motown, Stax, and just one of my favorite bands ever! For my Motown choice (so much to choose from) I'm going to pick the Four Tops- Standing in the Shadows of Love http://youtu.be... they are one of my favorite Motown artists/groups (along with The Temps, Marvin, and the mighty Miracles!) For my Stax choice I'm going to have to pick the Late, Great Mr. Otis Redding's Can't Turn You Loose https://m.youtube.com...# the energy and star quality that man had was unbelievable... Truly a legend and gone way way too soon... My last song is from one of my ALL TIME FAVORITE bands!! (Ok, I know I have a lot of favorites, but these guys are way way up there on my absolute all-time favorite list!!) They are The Rascals (also known as The Young Rascals). They have put out so many timeless hits that you still hear everywhere (i.e. Good Lovin' and It's a Beautiful Morning). This particular song of their's (written by group members Eddie Brigati and Felix Cavaliere) became an extremely successful cover hit for Pat Benatar 14 years later in 1980, and her music video for the song became the 2nd video ever to be broadcast on Mtv!! As much as I love her version, for me the original is the greatest! So here they are- The Rascals, with You Better Run http://youtu.be...
Music Battle: 50's and 60's Rock N' Roll

Ooooh this round gets a bonus song eh? Splendid song choices as always. My next songs.... Number one guy is in quite a predicament, one most guys wish to be in and rings true for many of us. Jes surrounded by pretty girls and so here you have it... Pretty Girls Everywhere by Eugene Church https://youtu.be... The next song is kind of the opposite and for reasons unknown is the place I find myself in, only the lonely know the way I feel and me and Roy sing this song over and over while I drive. So here you go. Only the lonely by Roy Orbison https://youtu.be... Alright this next song is walking on the border of your year limit. A 1970 Rock song and you can tell from this song how rock started evolving into the modern day music. I can't tell you what this song but I beleive it's about a dance called the rock and roll hoockie koo and ironically the name is... Rock and Roll Hoochie Koo by Johnny Winter https://youtu.be... And the bonus song and I was waiting for you to choose it but you didn't is one of my favourite rock and roll songs. Johnny B. Goode by Chuck Berry https://youtu.be...
Music Battle: 50's and 60's Rock N' Roll

Once again, I love your song choices! :) there's so much amazing music from this era, we could have an endless number of rounds! For this next round I'd like to showcase some music from the British Invasion. Unfortunately I'm in a hurry right now, but it's the only time I'm gonna be able to get on here before my deadline is up. So I'm just gonna post the songs, no lyric descriptions (I think they speak for themselves anyway!) Herman's Hermits- I'm Henry VIII I Am http://youtu.be... Dave Clark 5- Any Way You Want It http://youtu.be... The Hollies- Stop Stop Stop http://youtu.be... And as a bonus, a song from a very important lady from the British Invasion, Dusty Springfield- The Look of Love http://youtu.be... Enjoy!!
Music Battle: 50's and 60's Rock N' Roll

Alrighty great song choices! Here are the links to my last three songs. Now onto the next three songs. The first song is really asking a question that is strange, why do fools fall in love? The answer they get is unknown, the same reason as why rain falls from up above or why birds sing so gay (Happy) they just do. Now the first song. Why do Fools Fall in Love by Frankie Lymon and the Teenagers The second song is probably one more unknown as the artist mainly does country ballads and country songs but basically this guy is so sad that his baby left him in the dirt that she's got him singing the blues. Here you have it. Singing the Blues by Marty Robbins Third song, this guy has quite the woman across town that is really good to him. SOunds like quite a girl and I am quite jealous, she gives him money, saves her loving and...well why don't you have a listen. I got a Woman by Ray Charles
Music Battle: 50's and 60's Rock N' Roll

Love your song choices! I haven't heard The Fool in YEARS! I am a big fan of both Bobby Lewis and The Coasters (I've seen the Coasters live a few times, not the original line up but still GREAT). This next round I think I'm going to showcase some of the great Girl Groups of the Rock N' Roll era. I'll give brief explanations of what the lyrics are about since that's what you've been doing, and it's a good idea. The Ronettes- (The Best Part Of) Breakin' Up The title of the song says it all, (well, almost all) how "the best part of breaking up is when you're making up." I love Ronnie Spector's powerful vocals backed by that amazing "Wall of Sound" sound! The Shirelles- Baby It's You This song is about a woman who wants so badly to be with this man, despite whatever she hears people saying about him (that he's a cheater, he's never been true, etc) and all the lonely nights she's cried over him. It's on the slower side and has got a beautifully haunting sound to it! "Baby It's You" has been covered by many artists, most notably The Beatles and Smith. And of course, I have to include a song by The Supremes- You Can't Hurry Love She is so anxious to find a love to ease her mind, but she remembers Mama said "You can't hurry love, no, you just have to wait!" She said "love don't come easy- it's a game of give and take."
Music Battle: 50's and 60's Rock N' Roll

Thanks Stiletto for that wonderful selection of songs! We've proven that "rock and roll is here to stay, it will never die." So now we're posting three sings and I'm going to lost a wide selection. The first involves a toast to a fool that went and told his girlfriend bye bye. Kind of a depressing rock song but with great lyrics and a great voice the song is art in motion. The second song is more of an upbeat describing a girl that although she's pretty she's not the kind of girl you want to be in a relationship with. She's poison ivy, and you can look but you better not touch. Third song describing a man that cannot even sleep just thinking of his girl. Tossing and turning all night, this guys waking up at all times of the night but he can't get her off his mind. Now I cannot figure out how to get the link from YouTube from my phone. So here's what's going to happen. I will post the name's and artists for now and post the links in the next round when I have access to a computer. First song: The Fool by Sanford Clark Second song: Poison Ivy by The Coasters Third song: Tossin and Turnin by Bobby Lewis
Music Battle: 50's and 60's Rock N' Roll

The 50s and 60s are absolutely my favorite era for music as well! All I play on xm in the car! :) Excellent song choice, by the way! Ok, for this round I will be posting three songs- These are three of my favorite 1950s Rockabilly hits, enjoy! Eddie Cochran- Somethin' Else http://youtu.be... Johnny Burnette- Train Kept A Rollin' http://youtu.be... Dale Hawkins- Susie Q http://youtu.be...
Music Battle: 50's and 60's Rock N' Roll

Thank you for making this debate Stiletto. I can assure you I'll give you a run for your money;-) I just want to start by saying that the oldies music (50's 60's) were the best era of music so far. This was a time of happiness and great times. The world war had ended, the economy was getting back on it's feet and everyone for the most part was living life as it's meant to be. Listening to great music, sipping a soda, and going places in the sweet automobiles like the 34' wagon in this next song. Sure sexism was a major thing in the day so don't feel off about the two girls for every boy as every boy wishes to see more girls then guys. (In those days at least) Just let the awesome harmony and cool groove blow you away as you hear the next song, by "Jan & Dean", Surf city.
Music Battle: 50's and 60's Rock N' Roll

Since my opponent Brian and I are both big fans of old rock n' roll music, I thought I'd challenge him to this music battle. It should be fun! All songs must be from no later than 1969 (ok, I'll make an exception, no later than 1970!). There will be 5 rounds, so there is lots of music to be shared. I can't wait to see what songs he chooses! My first song choice is "Nadine" by Chuck Berry- 1964
Music Battle: 50's and 60's Rock N' Roll

Well sadly this is the last round:-( This was a great idea and I thank you for suggesting that we do this. I had fun! I beleive that no classic rock battle should exclude this singer. This person is talking about a train that took his girl away and won't bring her back. A very specific 16 coaches long here's... Elvis Presley singing Mystery Train https://youtu.be... The next song describing a girl who can't help but love the singer. You are asked to kindly be aware that they both can't help it. Little Richard singing The Girl Can't Help it https://youtu.be... The last song is most fitting since we are proving it true. We don't care what people say because rock and roll is here to stay. The last song is here. Cheers. Danny and the Juniors singing Rock and Roll is Here to Stay https://youtu.be...
Lord of the rings vs harry potter.

As per my opponent's rules, I will not be making any arguments in Round 1. However, I would like to make note that the facts he presents in Round 1 have the Lord of the Rings as one book, and the movies as 3 separate movies. The debate is about the Harry Potter series as a whole, and whether it is better than Lord of the Rings or The Hobbit as a whole---not which particular book or movie. Thank you for what I hope will be a fun and interesting debate, and I accept the challenge. I will uphold the resolution that the Harry Potter series is better than the Lord of the Rings and the Hobbit. Good luck!
Lord of the rings vs harry potter.

Hello I will be arguing that the Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit are better than the Harry Potter series Better Adj Superior. Wikipedia is considered a reliable source for this debate No arguments shall be made in round one Time to crunch some numbers. Although the sales for the first few Harry Potter novels are unknown we do know the sales for books 4-7 The sales are in book order. 4: 66 million [1] 5: 55 million [2] 6: 65 million [3] 7: 44 million [4] Assuming that the first three books had similar sales, the average would be around 55 million per book The books in the Lord of the Rings (Abbreviated lotr) have sales like this Lotr: 150 million The Hobbit: 100 million [5] an academy award or an oscar is considered of by many as the highest award a film can receive Number of academy awards won by the harry potter series: 0 [6] lotr academy awards won The fellowship of the ring: 4 The two towers: 2 The return of the king:11 The return of the king won every oscar it was nominated for and is tied with Ben-hur and titanic for most academy awards won by a film. [7] I have presented you with some facts Good luck [1] http://en.wikipedia.org... [2] http://en.wikipedia.org... [3] http://en.wikipedia.org... [4] http://en.wikipedia.org... [5] https://en.wikipedia.org... [6] http://en.wikipedia.org...(film_series) [7] http://en.wikipedia.org...(film_series)
Is Terridax comment about this poem accurate

horrible definition http://www.thefreedictionary.com... 1. Arousing or tending to arouse horror; dreadful: "War is beyond all words horrible" (Winston S. Churchill). 2. Very unpleasant; disagreeable. on point 1 I can not see anything in this poem that arouse horror please show me those lines that you say arouse horror on the contrary there are many lines that arouse beauty eg Oh beloved each budding rose springs from thy breath All things beautiful are but reflections of the face of thee All nightingale songs sing of thee In all things is thy face flower bird bee in everyplace From every flower in every garden I breathe the scent of thee Oh my sighs for thee be frothing up the waves upon the sea on point 2 I cannot see anything in this poem that are very unpleasant; disagreeable please show me those lines that are very unpleasant; disagreeable on the contrary there are many lines that are quite beautiful eg Oh to see the face of my beloved bright like noon day sun Oh I like sickle-shaped moon or the split moons face laced in necklaces of stars like upturned candles bright for thee does upon this path long for thee do long again Oh that the moon-faced cunt to I wouldst reveal its sight to me My soul breathes a thousand sighs each pore of my drying flesh laments for the sight of thee Oh I plead with thee send forth the fragrance of thy breath Send forth the sight that enraptured on it my soul might be
Is Terridax comment about this poem accurate

I thank the con for a good debate. Anyways, Conceded Points: 1. Terridax's comment must be right since he is more credible than shakuntala (evidenced by ELO, win percentage). Thus, since I win that the comment that the poem is horrible must be correct, the poem is horrible and I win the debate. 2. shakantula admits that these poems are nothing more than self-advertising. 3. shakantula admits that he should be banned. As such, please ban him. And also while we're at it, let's vote him off the island. And his points: First, I'd like to say a quick word: shakantula continually addresses my points as the "con's points." Sorry buddy. You're the con. By constantly refuting himself, he not only proves he has an incredibly low IQ, but he simply has no way to win the round. So vote pro. He says "con does not explain why the poem is horrible at all he talks about is the presentation of the poem." Sorry, what? Firstly, I do not only talk about presentation - shakantula fails to understand the meanings of the words syntax, diction, writing ability, and sophistry. Without syntax and diction, you don't have a poem - they are the poem. Without writing ability and sophistry, you don't have a good poem - you have a horrible poem. Since shakantula completely concedes these points, vote pro automatically. Not only that, but the con says that the main point of the debate, which he claims "was taken for granted," was that the debate was about the "poem's content." A few points on that: 1. I address your content - diction and syntax quite literally mean content. The only time I address the presentation was when I talked about your size 500 font, a point that went conceded, more proof that your poem is horrible. 2. The topic of this debate, as agreed by both of us, was whether or not "THIS POEM was horrible," not whether "this poem's content" was horrible. 3. Since when has the quality of a poem been decided solely by its content? That's like saying we should judge books not for its writing, but for its synopsis. In fact, poems are far more dependent on its actual writing style and prose than books - it is for that reason that poets like Shakespeare and Robert Frost are so appreciated - not for their ideas, but for their techniques. Also, the con says that all of my arguments are assertions without evidence. Certainly not. My explanation that I had to go to the ER because my eyes started bleeding is the proof of my assertion for my first point and the poem itself was proof for my second point. Not only that, but interestingly, the pro uses an assertion to claim that assertions should be ignored without evidence, while himself not providing evidence as for why assertions without proof are bad, a contradictory statement that can not be taken seriously. Thus, for making my eyes bleed and arousing horror, for being just a really bad poem in general, for using giant font, for asserting that assertions are bad, for being less credible than Terridax, for breaking the Terms of Use of debate.org, for calling me the con, and for killing babies, this poem must be horrible. Vote pro. And seriously man, advertise somewhere else.