November 2024 – Gp Lah!

The idea that science will one day create a perfect world is a dangerous delusion. Discuss.

There is little doubt that science is a stealthy snake. While science has made significant progress, the belief that it will create a perfect world is a dangerous delusion due to ethical, social, and environmental concerns.

I. Introduction

Hook: The promise of a perfect world through science captivates many. But science is dangerous.
Background: Overview of scientific advancements and their impact on society.
Thesis Statement: While science has made significant progress, the belief that it will create a perfect world is a dangerous delusion due to ethical, social, and environmental concerns.

II. Supporting View 1: Ethical Concerns

Topic Sentence: Science is dangerous so much so that scientific advancements often raise ethical concerns.
Example 1: In 2018, China’s gene-editing of babies sparked global ethical debates.
Example 2: In 2020, Japan faced ethical questions about AI in healthcare.
Example 3: In 2019, India’s use of biometric data raised privacy concerns.
Analysis: These examples show how ethical dilemmas challenge the notion of a perfect world through science.

III. Supporting View 2: Social Inequality

Topic Sentence: Science can exacerbate social inequality.
Example 1: In 2021, South Africa’s unequal vaccine distribution highlighted disparities.
Example 2: In 2019, India’s digital divide worsened educational inequalities.
Example 3: In 2020, the UK’s access to advanced healthcare technologies was unequal.
Analysis: These instances illustrate how scientific progress can increase social inequalities.

IV. Supporting View 3: Environmental Impact

Topic Sentence: Scientific advancements can harm the environment.
Example 1: In 2021, Brazil’s deforestation for biofuel production harmed ecosystems.
Example 2: In 2020, Australia’s mining activities caused significant environmental damage.
Example 3: In 2019, China’s industrial pollution remained a severe issue.
Analysis: These cases demonstrate that scientific progress often comes with environmental costs.

V. Opposing View 1: Solving Global Problems

Topic Sentence: Science has the potential to solve global problems.
Example 1: In 2021, Germany’s renewable energy initiatives addressed climate change.
Example 2: In 2019, Japan’s disaster prevention technologies saved lives.
Example 3: In 2020, India’s clean water projects improved public health.
Analysis: These examples show how scientific advancements can address critical global issues.

VI. Opposing View 2: Enhancing Quality of Life

Topic Sentence: Science enhances the quality of life for many.
Example 1: In 2020, South Korea’s healthcare innovations extended life expectancy.
Example 2: In 2019, Switzerland’s technological advancements improved daily convenience.
Example 3: In 2021, Finland’s education technology enhanced learning experiences.
Analysis: These instances highlight how science can significantly improve quality of life.

VII. Opposing View 3: Economic Growth

Topic Sentence: Scientific advancements drive economic growth.
Example 1: In 2019, China’s tech industry boosted its economy.
Example 2: In 2020, India’s IT sector created numerous jobs.
Example 3: In 2021, Germany’s engineering innovations fueled economic development.
Analysis: These examples illustrate that scientific progress can lead to substantial economic benefits.

VIII. Conclusion

Restate Thesis: While science has made significant progress, the belief that science will create a perfect world is a dangerous delusion due to ethical, social, and environmental concerns.
Summary of Key Points: Recap the main supporting and opposing views.
Final Thought: Strive for balanced progress that considers ethical, social, and environmental impacts.

Reading References:

Harari, Yuval Noah. Homo Deus: A Brief History of Tomorrow. 2016.
Joy, Bill. “Why the Future Doesn’t Need Us.” Wired, April 2000.
Susskind, Richard. Future Politics: Living Together in a World Transformed by Tech. 2018.
Jasanoff, Sheila. The Ethics of Invention: Technology and the Human Future. 2016.
Bostrom, Nick. Superintelligence: Paths, Dangers, Strategies. 2014.

The mark of a civilised society is how they treat their elderly. How far do you agree?

A society’s treatment of its elderly reflects its values and civility. However, other factors, such as economic development, education, and justice, also define a civilised society.

I. Introduction

Hook: The elderly are often seen as a society’s most vulnerable members.
Background: Overview of the importance of treating the elderly with respect and care.
Thesis Statement: A society’s treatment of its elderly reflects its values and civility. However, other factors, such as economic development, education, and justice, also define a civilised society.

II. Supporting View 1: Respect and Care for the Elderly

Topic Sentence: Respect and care for the elderly indicate societal values and civility.
Example 1: In 2021, Japan’s respect for the elderly is evident in its national holiday, Respect for the Aged Day.
Example 2: In 2020, Norway’s comprehensive elder care system showed societal commitment to its elderly.
Example 3: In 2019, Singapore’s Pioneer Generation Package provided extensive support to its elderly population.
Analysis: These examples show that societies which respect and care for their elderly reflect strong moral values.

III. Supporting View 2: Elderly Welfare Programs

Topic Sentence: Effective elderly welfare programs demonstrate a society’s commitment to its members.
Example 1: In 2019, Sweden’s extensive elder care services showcased a robust welfare state.
Example 2: In 2020, Germany’s high-quality nursing homes highlighted its commitment to elderly welfare.
Example 3: In 2018, the Netherlands’ innovative elder care villages promoted dignity and quality of life.
Analysis: These instances illustrate that strong elderly welfare programs are markers of a civilised society.

IV. Supporting View 3: Legal Protections for the Elderly

Topic Sentence: Legal protections for the elderly signify a society’s commitment to justice and human rights.
Example 1: In 2021, South Korea implemented laws against elder abuse, ensuring protection for its elderly.
Example 2: In 2019, the UK strengthened legal frameworks to safeguard elderly rights and welfare.
Example 3: In 2020, Australia introduced elder abuse prevention programs, enhancing legal protections.
Analysis: These examples highlight how legal protections for the elderly reflect a society’s commitment to justice and human rights.

V. Opposing View 1: Economic Development as a Marker

Topic Sentence: Economic development is also a key marker of a civilised society.
Example 1: In 2019, China’s rapid economic growth lifted millions out of poverty.
Example 2: In 2020, India’s technological advancements contributed to national progress.
Example 3: In 2021, Brazil’s infrastructure development improved quality of life.
Analysis: These instances show that economic development significantly contributes to a civilised society.

VI. Opposing View 2: Education and Literacy Rates

Topic Sentence: High education and literacy rates define a civilised society.
Example 1: In 2020, Finland’s top-ranking education system demonstrated societal advancement.
Example 2: In 2019, South Korea’s high literacy rates reflected societal progress.
Example 3: In 2021, Singapore’s focus on education produced a highly skilled workforce.
Analysis: These examples illustrate that education and literacy are crucial indicators of a civilised society.

VII. Opposing View 3: Justice and Legal Systems

Topic Sentence: A fair and effective justice system is a crucial aspect of a civilised society.
Example 1: In 2019, New Zealand’s justice reforms improved fairness and accessibility.
Example 2: In 2020, Denmark’s efficient legal system ensured justice and order.
Example 3: In 2021, Switzerland’s strong legal framework upheld human rights and justice.
Analysis: These instances highlight that justice and legal systems are essential components of a civilised society.

VIII. Conclusion

Restate Thesis: A society’s treatment of its elderly reflects its values and civility. However, economic development, education, and justice also define a civilised society.
Summary of Key Points: Recap the main supporting and opposing views.
Final Thought: A civilised society balances respect for its elderly with overall progress in various domains.

The only way to deal with a criminal is to remove him from society. Discuss.

While removing criminals from society can protect the public and deter crime, rehabilitation and restorative justice offer alternative solutions that address underlying issues and promote reintegration.

I. Introduction

Hook: Crime remains a significant challenge for societies worldwide.
Background: Overview of traditional and alternative approaches to dealing with criminals.
Thesis Statement: While removing criminals from society can protect the public and deter crime, rehabilitation and restorative justice offer alternative solutions that address underlying issues and promote reintegration.

II. Supporting View 1: Public Safety

Topic Sentence: Removing criminals ensures public safety by preventing further harm.
Example 1: In 2020, the UK increased sentences for serious offenders to protect citizens.
Example 2: In 2019, Italy’s anti-mafia operations removed dangerous criminals from society.
Example 3: In 2021, Australia implemented strict measures to detain violent offenders.
Analysis: These examples demonstrate how removing criminals enhances public safety.

III. Supporting View 2: Deterrence

Topic Sentence: Harsh penalties serve as a deterrent to potential criminals.
Example 1: In 2018, Singapore’s strict drug laws deterred drug trafficking.
Example 2: In 2019, Saudi Arabia’s severe penalties for theft reduced crime rates.
Example 3: In 2020, Japan’s tough stance on organised crime deterred criminal activities.
Analysis: These instances show that strict penalties can deter criminal behaviour.

IV. Supporting View 3: Retribution

Topic Sentence: Removing criminals serves as retribution, providing justice for victims.
Example 1: In 2019, India imposed death penalties for heinous crimes, providing closure to victims’ families.
Example 2: In 2020, South Africa’s long prison sentences for violent crimes satisfied public demand for justice.
Example 3: In 2021, France’s life sentences for terrorists offered retribution to affected communities.
Analysis: These examples illustrate how removing criminals satisfies the need for justice and retribution.

V. Opposing View 1: Rehabilitation

Topic Sentence: Rehabilitation offers a chance for criminals to reform and reintegrate.
Example 1: In 2020, Norway’s rehabilitation programmes significantly reduced reoffending rates.
Example 2: In 2019, Sweden’s focus on rehabilitation over punishment led to successful reintegration of offenders.
Example 3: In 2021, Finland’s humane prison system prioritised rehabilitation, showing positive outcomes.
Analysis: These cases demonstrate the effectiveness of rehabilitation in reducing reoffending and promoting reintegration.

VI. Opposing View 2: Restorative Justice

Topic Sentence: Restorative justice addresses the harm caused and promotes healing.
Example 1: In 2018, New Zealand’s restorative justice practices helped victims and offenders reconcile.
Example 2: In 2019, South Africa’s community justice programmes resolved conflicts and healed communities.
Example 3: In 2020, Canada’s restorative justice initiatives reduced recidivism and repaired harm.
Analysis: These instances show how restorative justice can effectively address crime’s impact and promote healing.

VII. Opposing View 3: Social and Economic Costs

Topic Sentence: Removing criminals from society incurs high social and economic costs.
Example 1: In 2020, the UK faced criticism for the high costs of long-term imprisonment.
Example 2: In 2019, Italy struggled with overcrowded prisons and the associated costs.
Example 3: In 2021, Australia debated the financial burden of extensive incarceration policies.
Analysis: These examples highlight the significant social and economic costs of removing criminals from society.

VIII. Conclusion

Restate Thesis: While removing criminals can protect the public and deter crime, rehabilitation and restorative justice offer viable alternatives that address underlying issues and promote reintegration.
Summary of Key Points: Recap the main supporting and opposing views.
Final Thought: A balanced approach combining removal, rehabilitation, and restorative justice can effectively address crime and promote societal well-being.