Category: Outlines

To what extent do law and punishment work in the interests of everyone?

  • the law applies to all regardless of background
  • courts have a variety of punishments available to them depending on the particular factors of each individual case
  • many are uncertain that punishment works
  • prisoners and prisons are divided into categories to protect society and those being punished
  • freedoms cannot be guaranteed, despite the law
  • government and government institutions sometimes operate beyond the law and degrade and torture those whom they believe to be a threat
  • the law is enforced by people and they can be fallible, prejudiced and dishonest
  • income can determine the outcome of a trial with better legal advice available for the more wealthy.

What is now regarded as alternative medicine has been used in some cultures for centuries. Evaluate its relevance in the modern world.

• Serious research into the effectiveness of ginseng in improving lung function
• Science and experimental evidence and the attack on chiropractic practices
• Nothing scientific about homoeopathy, iridology, kinesiology, acupuncture, reflexology etc.?
• The example of St John’s Wort in the treatment of mild to moderate depression – a herbal medicine but it has been shown over many years to work
• Both camps can complement one another
• Evidence from personal experience of alternatives cannot be simply dismissed
• The holistic approach – diet, lifestyle etc.
• Working with the intrinsic energy system of the body
• Clinical jealousies, the preservation of medical power
• Corporate power of big Pharma
• The scientific paradigm versus subjective narratives and growing understanding of the human body’s complex adaptive system
• Risks around safety, efficiency, and coordination of care
• The needs of an ageing population and the rise of chronic illnesses

How far is it possible for us to maintain a sense of identity in the face of increasing globalisation?

  • towns and cities across the world have identical shops with identical content
  • trans-national corporations have the financial power to influence governments and ensure they penetrate local markets
  • the power of the strongest economies makes it difficult for smaller countries to compete on their own
  • national identity is preserved through culture, sport and language
  • it is difficult to evade international legal requirements
  • individuals choices reflect their own styles and tastes.
  • this is an age of multiple identities

How far do you agree that we must have rules and regulations in order to maintain a civilised society?

  • rules are necessary for social and political control
  • rules are in place to control experimenters because of previous failures to recognise subjects’ rights
  • rules and regulations are needed to protect the vulnerable
  • history shows us that exploitation and abuse occur when rules and regulations are not in place
  • we need rules and regulations so that companies do not ignore the well-being of others in the pursuit of profits
  • when rules and regulations are not in place, TNCs are free to adopt different standards from when operating within defined boundaries
  • rules and regulations allow transgressions to be clearly identified and penalties to be imposed.

To what extent do modern communications isolate us, rather than connect us, to others?

For and against arguments for modern communications isolate us

Keywords: ‘communications’ and ‘isolate’

• May not need to leave the house to communicate
• Lack of physical/human contact
• Can make contact with others in different countries across the world
• Can use social network sites for arranging meetings or events
• Real conversation is replaced by the virtual
• The nature of friendship is trivialised
• Re-defines the nature of loneliness

Consider the value of films and/or books which contain material intended to provoke or disturb.

Keywords: ‘consider’, ‘value’, ‘films’, ‘and/or’, ’books’, ‘provoke or disturb’

  • The film or book can be valuable if it is thought-provoking .
  • The value of a movie can be enhanced if it is done with the intention to educate and not to sensationalise.
  • It is important to define ‘disturbing’. Does disturbing equate to sexual, violent, language and horror images?
  • Is the film or book challenging ideologies to encourage discussion or change?
  • What about ‘based on true events.’ Such events could be horrific, disturbing or offensive but need to be shown so that the audience understands the issues.
  • How should content about holocaust, war or some kind of disaster be portrayed without disturbing content?
  • What about ‘disturbing’ for entertainment and shock value?
  • Value could disintegrate if done for sensationalism without attention to character/plot and skilful direction.
  • Some films can have unnecessary language. Language can be gratuitous but can be justified if that is part of the character’s world or environment.

‘It is not the singer but the song that counts.’ How far do you agree?

Keywords: ‘singer’ and ‘song’ and ‘How far’ and ‘agree’.

Musicals – songs linked with the plot e.g. Evita and Les Miserables show that the performance is more important than the song.
Classic songs covered by many but original singer captivates audiences, eg Elvis
Song-writing requires talent and creativity. Singing can be practiced and improved. Songs can be personal/emotional/universal in theme – people identify with them
The popularity of karaoke – singer entertains despite variable quality
Recognition of the need for a ‘good voice’ – ability to capture the emotions of words through pitch and tone. Hitting the right note is important for legedary songs, eg John Lenon’s Imagine
A singer could ruin the song
Melody or rhythm can be more important than the song

Today, with modern technology, not just journalists but everyone can create news. Discuss the effects of these developments.

Keywords: ‘modern technology’ and ‘everyone’ and ‘create’ and ‘journalists’ and ‘effects’.

Majority possess smartphones with integrated cameras – always accessible at any time
Instant access to the internet – share with the wider community
News as it happens (e.g. Arab Spring/London riots)
Increasing use by news channels/newspapers
Difficult to censor/control by political regimes
Spontaneous/honest/authentic
Often unverifiable/location can be unclear
Lacks professional commentary
Invaluable but needs analysis and editing, so a journalist view is necessary
People can communicate without the need for news channels
The voice of ordinary people can be heard
Fake news

How important is it for a government to respect popular opinion?

Keywords: ‘How important’ and ‘government’ and ‘respect popular opinion’.

• Define popular
• Popular uprising – people power can be effective (e.g. Arab Spring)
• Minority governs the majority
• Respect basic human rights
• Communication through technology – quick to organise protests
• Media – greater awareness of global events
• Is it popular or just the powerful influence of minority groups (e.g. fundamentalism)
• Can respect popular opinion but still a need to adopt unpopular measures (e.g. austerity measures)
• The mandate to govern in a democracy/must be seen as transparent
• Repression – lack of respect – violent outcome (e.g. war in Syria)

To what extent is ‘people power’ the key to achieving a democratic society?

For and against points for ‘people power’ the key to achieving a democratic society

  • Keywords: ‘To what extent’ and ‘people power’ and ‘key’ and ‘democratic society’.
  • Democracy is supposed to bring Equality and Accountability
  • Can remove repression/dictatorship (e.g. Arab Spring)
  • There is little alternative if the country is undemocratic (e.g. Libya)
  • Violence – innocent victims (e.g. Syria and Yemen)
  • Power vacuum
  • Opportunity for the military/fundamentalism to take over (e.g. Egypt)
  • Can fail (e.g. Bahrain/Zimbabwe)
  • Democratic elections do not always give power to the people
  • Electoral colleges give as much weight to the few as the many