BeIR/webis-touche2020 huggingface dataset:
Sexuality is a Mental Defect

My opponent states that homosexuality is the most common abnormal sexuality. I would like to question if this is really abnormal or if he is just uncomfortable with the idea of homosexuality or any other "abnormal" sexuality. Also, in studies done by many clinicians, many people with severe mental illnesses have active sex lives, (British Journal of Psychiatry; Sexuality and Serious Mental Illness) so I don't see a point in addressing social behavior disorders. I also would like some clarification as to what my opponent is arguing, as he is all over the place. He keeps coming back to sexual activity, which is only a small part of sexuality, as I have stated previously. I agree with my opponent in the fact that sexuality is a biological mental function. However, if you are saying that everyone has a mental defect, because you claim sexuality is just that, and everyone is involved in their own sexuality, then having sexuality classified as a mental defect would be considered "normal", and therefore, not considered "abnormal," as my opponent clearly stated. Yes, every form of sexuality ALLOWS for a form of sexual activity that does not lead to reproduction, however, that is a choice, and a mental defect is not a choice.
Sexuality is a Mental Defect

My opponent's claim on this debate being solely on homosexuality may make sense when you look at this debate. However, my focus on homosexual examples is merely because homosexuality is not only the most common abnormal sexuality, but also the most supportive of my claim. Asexuality is another strong example of how non-heterosexual sexualities go against the very reason for sexual activity. Bisexuality allows for one to be able to have heterosexual attraction, but also allows one to have homosexual attraction. Transgender operations do not allow the person to change their part in sexual reproduction. Objectum Sexuality is proven to be able to be caused by social isolation. Social isolation, often caused by social anxiety disorder, can cause people to find comfort in inanimate objects. (MedicalDaily, "Lonely Planet: Relationships With Inanimate Objects Develop When People Can't Find Human Connection.") As I said before, "defect" was a poor choice of wording on my part. It can be said, however, that any form of sexuality, heterosexual included, is a condition residing in the brain. The perception of reality and reaction to stimulus is caused by chemical changes in the brain when said stimulus is observed. Humans are designed as social creatures with a year-round mating season in which sexual reproduction occurs. There are countless proven conditions that inhibit or affect social abilities, such as social anxiety disorder, anti-social personality disorder, dissociated identity disorder, and depression. Every sexuality allows for a form of sexual activity that does not lead to an offspring. This fact shows that sexuality inhibits and affects human reproduction, which is in fact an important and vital part of life. My opponent has yet to any substantial support for her argument, rather only focus on the errors within mine. While I do appreciate the scrutiny, as I am new to debating and try to further my skills every day, I notice a scenario where you are given two options, if you disprove one the other must be true. I do wish to state that I do not intend for my argument to come across as homophobic or discriminatory against anyone's sexual identification.
Sexuality is a Mental Defect

I believe what my opponent needs to clarify what he is arguing because what he seems to be arguing is that HOMOSEXUALITY is a "mental defect," whereas the resolution clearly states that SEXUALITY IN GENERAL is a "mental defect." I would like to bring this debate back to the real resolution, resolved: Sexuality is a mental defect. I would like to call into attention my opponent's supporting evidence for his "mental condition link." He claims that "people who identify by a non-heterosexual sexuality make up a large portion of paranoid schizophrenia patients" according to PsychiatryOnline. However, what he fails to mention is that this data is only from a small sample of people, 150 people to be exact. This is absolutely NOT a good sample size for a study on mental "defects." Also, all of these test subjects were male, meaning that the data is skewed toward males suffering specifically from paranoid schizophrenia. Even then, this data is STILL faulty, as there is no significant correlation between homosexuality and paranoid schizophrenia. I would also like to remind individuals that correlation is absolutely NOT causation. I am not comfortable arguing against this "homosexual necrophilia" among ducks until I know for certain whether he is arguing that homosexuality is a "mental defect" or if sexuality is a "mental defect."
Sexuality is a Mental Defect

I will agree that the term "Mental Defect" was misused, and I do apologize for that. My point still stands that it cannot be defined as a human trait, for that would imply that is solely placed in humans. Homosexuality is present as a primal nature throughout the animal kingdom. Looking at ducks, specifically, there is a recorded case of homosexual necrophilia. (Source: TheGaurdian.com, Necrophilia Among Ducks Ruffles Research Feathers.) Sexuality is a matter of perception. How does on perceive mating? How does one perceive themselves? How does one perceive their mate? Mental perception is a neurological process by which the brain determines how the person should react to stimulus, both mental and physical. As support to my mental condition link, a study has shown that people who identify by a nonheterosexual sexuality make up a large portion of paranoid schizophrenia patients. (PsychiatryOnline)
Sexuality is a Mental Defect

In this case, I do agree with my opponent to some degree in that sexuality is a birth trait, however, I do not agree that is a "mental defect" as my opponent so blatantly put it. I propose that there is a biological component to sexuality, however it is not a choice, and is not just a LGBTQI thing, this is a human thing, a biological human trait. Sexuality is about so much more than just sex. Sexuality also encompasses how one feels about their body, their biological sex, one's gender, one's gender identity, one's sexual orientation, one's sexual behaviors, one's values and attitudes toward sexual relationships, and any desires or fantasies or sexual preferences. This also does not include just the LGBTQI community; this also includes heterosexual individuals. Sexuality is a human trait; it is a part of everyone's life to some degree. The DSM-IV, Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders which is produced by the American Psychiatric Association, defines a mental defect as, "mental retardation, brain damage or other biological dysfunction that is associated with distress or disability causing symptoms or impairment in at least one important area of an individual's functioning." However, with sexuality, we cannot classify it as a "mental defect" as everyone has or identifies with at least one, if not all, components of sexuality, which I defined above, and sexuality is not a dysfunction, nor does it impair at least one important area of an individual's functioning. Therefore, I propose that because sexuality is a HUMAN trait and it does NOT interfere with an individual's functioning in one important aspect of that individual's life, we absolutely CANNOT classify it as a "mental defect."
Sexuality is a Mental Defect

The matter of sexuality boils down to the base argument of birth trait versus choice. I propose that sexuality is in fact a birth trait, and that it is a mental defect that can be linked to other mental conditions. The evolutionary purpose of sex is for reproduction. It is said humans developed their pleasure for it in order to have a year-round mating season, thus allowing more reproduction. Any form of sex that does not lead to reproduction is for pleasure, and therefor an evolutionary defect that is present in all humans. Homosexual incidents have been recorded in several animal species that do not gain pleasure from sex. This statement removes the idea that sexuality is driven from our pleasure of sex.
Sexuality is a Mental Defect

I would like to point out that a serious disorder, again, impairs one or more important areas of an individual's functioning. Opinions are not a vital function of life. If my opponent would like to discuss opinions, than I feel like he needs to understand what an opinion is. An opinion is a view, judgment, or appraisal formed in the mind about a particular matter. Yes, people have opinions, however, it is still not a vital function of life. Also, the way the resolution is stated clearly says that sexuality IS a mental defect. If my opponent were actually arguing that sexuality AFFECTS one's life in the same manner a social disorder does, that would be our resolution. I would like to conclude this debate by saying that my opponent framed this debate poorly and some of his sources were poor and did not help him make his point any clearer. The resolution was flawed based on what he wanted to argue. Therefore, I still stand in saying that SEXUALITY IS NOT A MENTAL DEFECT.
Resolved: Abortion ought to be preserved as a medical practice worldwide

Abortion has to be preserved as a medical practice worldwide because it should be that every woman has a choice. Lets say a mother gives birth to her first ever child, her living conditions are super satisfactory and she delivers the baby with no interruptions. but what if The mother instead was very ill concerning her condition which in turn affects the life of the baby she holds inside and not for the better. If abortion wasn't preserved as a medical practice then she would give birth to a baby that carries on her illness, one of them could have it worse or even both; so by keeping abortion as a medical practice, the woman would be able to have more options surrounding her pregnancy.
Resolved: Abortion ought to be preserved as a medical practice worldwide

Resolved: Abortion ought to be preserved as a medical practice worldwide I will argue against this resolution and the opponent will argue for it. May the best debater win! -LDBen P.S. You can post your first argument below. DO NOT post an acceptance message. Simply offer your arguments. P.S.S. Please do not go off on a 10,000 character tangent with no stated arguments. It would make it easier for me and the judges to read you debate. I.E. 1. XXXX 2. XXXXX NOT 1. XXXXXXXAUISHDJASXXXASODASJLXXXXXASHDKASHDKJXXXXX XXXXASJLDHKHAKSLHXXXXLAJHSDKLJASHDKJLXXXX
the whole political system is flawed

When I said all politicians lie i didn't specify whether or not they were political lies or just general lies because general lying also implies the ability and possibility to lie even at a political level. Also as a point of reference and proof that nothing is done in favour of what the people want - in New Zealand (which is where i'm from by the way) there has been 10 citizens initiated referendum's held and all 10 have been overruled by the government and exactly the opposite of what the citizens wanted to be changed was done. This fact is proof that we do not live in a democracy. In America - you have lobbyists which change your laws. .Many a lobbyist has on numerous occasions been caught out on bribe acceptance. Although this has happened - the political system has not changed or become more transparent as to ensure it won't happen again which begs the question as to "why". .. .. America is supposed to be one of the wealthiest nations on earth yet your homeless and starving number in the millions (more than the population of new zealand) Every politicians stance on poverty and hunger regardless of right or left wing is to "eradicate or decrease it". .. All it's ever done is statistically risen and worsened. in conclusion my opponent has only really made very weak attempts at counter arguing my premises and not put forward any of his/her own premises/conclusions in favour of proving that it's not flawed.
the whole political system is flawed

My opponent has cited an article that states that everyone has told lies, but it does not give a distinction between political lies and lies in politicians personal lives. It does not matter to the political system whether a politician told their children “the dog ran away”, instead of telling them that the dog died. Thus, you still need to prove that all of these people have told political lies, harmful to the democracy. You also stated that “nothing is ever done in favor of what the people want”, but for this to be true, you must prove that every single law/bill ever passed in the history of the world has been contrary to the wants of the citizens.
All Middle-ish Easterners Are The Spirit Of Africa

The pro doesnt make a case for why all middle easterners are the spirit of africa, but ill present my case anyway. 1) The middle east includes Iran, Afghanistan, Israel, Syria, Turkey, and other countries that are not African so if anything Middle easterners carry the spirit of Asia, not Africa. 2) African spirit isnt limited to people of Middle Eastern descent, it includes people from the Saharan Desert, from Central Africa, from the countries that border the Mediterranean sea, etc. The spirit of Africa is not made solely from people from areas close to the Middle East 3) What the hell is the spirit of Africa?
Banning Guns

This will be short seeing as how my adversary FFed all rounds. he claims and I quote "Placing a Ban on firearms will not save lives, nether will gun free zones" This is the resolution and is entirely false. What my adversary could have claimed is the amount of lives that will be saved by a ban on firearms is not worth the cost of implementing it. That is entirely a true statement, but if one life is saved by implementing a ban on fire arms his resolution is false. With more than 300,000,000 guns in civilian ownership in the USA[1], it is safe to assume that if a hypothetical ban were to occur and a buy back were implemented. One gun that was turned back in, would probably stop the death of a civilian. This is just basic logic. If you decrease the number of hand guns in circulation, and the number that is being produced. It will decrease gun deaths. Therefore Cons resolution is false. He phrased this horribly though. The issue is that implementing Gun control like this is not effective. It will prevent deaths but not enough deaths that it is worth of trying to implement it practically. [1] http://www.gunpolicy.org...
Banning Guns

I am against placing a ban on guns and think it will accomplish much of nothing. The resolution however is that " Placing a ban on firearms will not save lives. Neither will gun free zones. " I will argue for the fact, that banning guns could possibly save lives. We just must admit that the amount of lives that are saved from it, are not worth the efforts of banning them. Even if a ban on guns saved one life, cons resolution is false. I accept and will argue for the fact that banning guns could possibly save lives.
What is the role and purpose of Religion

1, I would like to ask the question, does it bring happinienss, or is ignorance really bliss? I would hope you would vote against this framework, my opponent says it's fine for religion as long as we are happy. I ask you to take the point of view of most people. I submit to you: why do "happy" people have an impulse to KILL others because they are infidels, or DEHUMANIZE women because allah allows it. why DENY RIGHTS to the homosexuals because a dusty old tomb told you so? Does religion make some of the people? yes. Does it kill, dehumanize, and deny rights to alot of people? yes. I ask you how many people are "ned flanders" that are the most happy people in the world? slim to none. Religion should be revoked, because it is arrogant, and arrogance leads to unhappiness. This turns the entire pro case.
What is the role and purpose of Religion

Obviously I do not agree, otherwise I wouldn't have taken the con side. I negate that religion is a community structured for the intentional aid. Personally, I beleive it is an excuse. An excuse for people to not accept that it is only man and his creation, that runs the universe. Religion is also considered a profiteering for the elite. Consider the following: Religion takes in billions of dollars every year, never pay taxes, and yet it seems that They always need more?. Religion is in my opinion, just a way to control people for elitist interst. Either that, or it is a blatent disregard for common sense and human life, by justifying mass murder, terrible tragedies that should be avoided by saying god did it
The Christian God doesn't exist.

You make the assumption that I grew up in a heavily religious family. However, That is not entirely the case and, Like you, I questioned the existence of God. Every time my mother would talk about Jesus or make a comment about how my choices, Both immediate and otherwise, Were sins, I would just tell her that I didn't believe any of that Jesus crap. I'm paraphrasing, Of course, But you get the idea. Anyway, Fast forward about ten years later. I had just graduated and that should be cause for celebration. However, This wasn't entirely the case because my godless behavior lead to me getting kicked out of my parents house. Now, You have to understand that I was filled with hatred and that hatred manifested itself into physical violence, Starvation, And many other horrible things. The worst thing about it was what I could only describe as a dark fog that clouded my mind and I felt that I could do nothing about it. Anyway, One day, I meet a nice Christian woman and, Because I'm smart, I pretend to go along with what I perceive as "bullsh*t". She later told me that she was training to be a minister. We bumped into each other at irregular times and, One day, While we were talking, She offered to bring me to Christ. Of course, With my massive ego, I wanted to show her how stupid her beliefs were, So I reluctantly agreed. I sat down on some steps and held her hand. She told me to close my eyes and repeat everything she said. I don't know what she was praying and it, Honestly, Felt like ages while I was doing it, But during that time, I started shaking with fear. After a while, The fear subsided, And I felt as if I was lighter than a feather and, For the first time in a long time, Happy. Of course, I don't have any evidence that any of this happened, Other than God turning my life around and giving me the occasional moment in which I see someone with a personality similar to what I previously had, But in a situation far worse than mine. All in all, I'd rather believe in something stupid like "Jesus" than be a homeless drug addict anyday and, To me, That is more real than anything else I have experienced.
The Christian God doesn't exist.

You present a fair argument. However, Why do you assume that God exists? Because people thousands of years ago said he did and just carried it down generation by generation? If they do exist, Why is the Christian one the correct one? Judaism and Hinduism came before it, Surely they would know better? You say God created the universe and everything in it, And you say that they are love. But why? You were most likely told that by your parents, They were told that by their parents, Etc etc. . . Christianity is completely based around blind faith that doesn't benefit the society at all as I stated in round 2, As people through history could use it as an explanation for their actions. In the medieval times, The Church offered "Indulgences" where if someone sinned they could pay their way out of it. Perhaps the chance of there being an enlightened deity is possible, But the notion that said deity demands attendance from their followers and has an afterlife system based on whether you believed in them; while they offered you zero proof that they did, Is completely ridiculous. So I conclude my side of the argument with a video that you could watch if you wish, Or anyone reading this debate could view if they so wished; that reiterates some of the points I made: https://youtu. Be/ttevamkS6gw? T=4m52s
The Christian God doesn't exist.

The definition of love that you have given me is actually lust. True love is when you give of yourself to someone else, Asking nothing in return. Did God not create the Universe? Or give us life? He does everything for us, Yet we foolishly mock Him. Not to pry or anything, But have you considered as to why you wanted to debate this in the first place? Obviously, There is a part of yourself that cares about others on such a deep level that you are willing to get them to question their spiritual beliefs because you believe in humanity's potential. That, My friend, Is love.
The Christian God doesn't exist.

But what exactly makes God love? I hear it a lot that God is the personification of all things good and holy. But is that really correct? Can an enlightened being, Who demands respect and weekly attendance from their followers; who banishes those who don't follow them to a place of eternal torture and dread? Explain to me, Why, With all that has happened in history, And all the suffering that believing in the Christian God has brought, Should people still be believing in them. You say God is love, And I can't deny love. But what is love if you think about it? If I were a sociopath, Or a depressed person; from my view I could easily say that Love doesnt exist. Love is from a scientific point of view the brains attachment to the things it enjoys. And I honestly don't believe people are enjoying fearing God that much. I respect your opinion of course, But if you could present a more detailed argument I'd be glad. I'm in no hurry to get this argument over so please take your time. Thanks
Rape of women and chidren should be legal

You say women can't do some things? What? What can they not do? What they can't do, they can't do only because our society has placed restrictions on them. Your a joke and a disgrace still. If your not a joke, if you firmly believe in what you are saying, then you probably need some help. Good luck getting through life. What do you think the world would be like without women? Not very successful. There are things women excel at that men can't do well. Like raising children. Men can do it, but women are precisely evolved to be better at it. How would you like to be raped? By a woman. I think that would show you a lot of things. It would show you what it's like, and why it's not legal (and won't ever be) . And it would show you that women can do anything a man can do. You feel like your better than women. Show us. Prove it to us. Prove it to the men. Prove it to the women. Prove it to the children. In the comments you said "Children should be raped because it shows them how the world is". Your wrong. The world isn't like that. The world is better than that. You want to know why the world is better than that? Because there are laws. Laws to protect people against murder, assault, fraud and yes, rape. People break those laws. They are punished. You probably need help. Mental help. Even if this is all a joke and you don't believe this, this isn't a topic to joke about. Rape is a serious issue. Here's a number to call : 1-800-662-4357. Rape statistics say that you have a 12-30% percent chance of pregnancy after rape. What do you say to all the unwanted pregnancies resulting from women who are raped. Here's another statistic. 43% of women after being raped end up with a sexually transmitted disease. A potentially deadly sexually transmitted disease. Your just going to laugh those off? An STD would probably prevent that woman from having sex again. Properly done, consensual sex. Here's another statistic. 13% of women who are raped attempt suicide. Suicide. You are thinking of legalizing something that causes 13% of victims to try and kill themselves. Not even Donald Trump would think of legalizing rape. You have no chance. You have no reason. Signing off for now William Coleman A Man From Canada Eh