Debating Matters S.
9 total works
Art seems to be more popular and fashionable today than ever before. At the same time, art is changing, and much contemporary work does not fit into the categories of the past. Is "conceptual" work art at all? Should artists learn a traditional craft before their work is considered valuable? Can we learn to love art or must we take it or leave it? These questions and more are discussed in six essays from people on different sides of the debate. In this text, contrasting approaches to this topical and contentious question are presented by various specialists on the subject. The Institute of Idea's mission is to expand the boundaries of public debate through organizing conferences, discussions and salons, and publishing written conversations and exchanges in a hope to play a part in shaking up a culture that seems to shy away more and more from confrontation and the clash of ideas. This series aims to present thought-provoking arguments.
Under New Labour, sex education is a big priority. New policies in this area are guaranteed to generate a furious debate. "Pro-family" groups contend that young people are not given a clear message about right and wrong. Others argue there is still too little sex education. And some worry that all too often sex education stigmatizes sex. So what should schools teach about sex? In this text, contrasting approaches to this topical and contentious question are presented by various specialists on the subject. The Institute of Idea's mission is to expand the boundaries of public debate through organizing conferences, discussions and salons, and publishing written conversations and exchanges in a hope to play a part in shaking up a culture that seems to shy away more and more from confrontation and the clash of ideas.
Reality TV has established itself as a major television genre. This is TV about real people, and for real people. But how valid is the claim that these programmes tell us the truth about our lives? Is it better simply to point the camera and let people tell their own stories, or does this approach miss something important? Some argue that it is arrogant for programme makers to impose an interpretation. Others insist that they have a responsibility to bring intelligence and insight to their subject matter. This issue is discussed by contributors from both sides of the debate. The Institute of Idea's mission is to expand the boundaries of public debate through organizing conferences, discussions and salons, and publishing written conversations and exchanges in a hope to play a part in shaking up a culture that seems to shy away more and more from confrontation and the clash of ideas.
Controversies surrounding a plethora of issues, from the MMR vaccine to mobile phones, from BSE to genetically-modified foods, have led many to ask how the public's faith in government advice can be restored. At the heart of the matter is the role of the expert and the question of whose opinion to trust. In this book, prominent participants in the debate tell us their views.
The number of abortions carried out in England and Wales stands at around 185,000 per year. The abortion rate shows no signs of decreasing - to the contrary, quarterly figures demonstrate a systematic increase in the number of women terminating pregnancies. It is arguably the case that abortion is now a fact of life in British society. Is it right to think of abortion as "just like any other operation" that can be guided by the principle of patient autonomy? Or are there specific issues to consider - given the matter at hand is whether a new life should be born? This controversial issue is discussed by contributors from both sides of the debate. The Institute of Idea's mission is to expand the boundaries of public debate through organizing conferences, discussions and salons, and publishing written conversations and exchanges in a hope to play a part in shaking up a culture that seems to shy away more and more from confrontation and the clash of ideas.
Ethical and responsible travel is promoted and advocated by campaigns, NGOs and many "alternative" travel companies. But this message is mixed - few can agree on precisely what does and what does not constitute ethical or responsible tourism, but most agree that there is a need to curb the excesses of the industry and of holiday makers themselves. The contributors cover a range of differing perspectives on ethical tourism. The Institute of Idea's mission is to expand the boundaries of public debate through organizing conferences, discussions and salons, and publishing written conversations and exchanges in a hope to play a part in shaking up a culture that seems to shy away more and more from confrontation and the clash of ideas.
Politicians and the media rarely miss the opportunity that hurricanes or extensive flooding provide to warn us of the potential dangers of global warming. This is nature's "wake-up-call" we are told and we must adjust our lifestyles. This text brings together scientific experts and social commentators to debate whether we really are seeing "nature's revenge". In this text, contrasting approaches to this topical and contentious question are presented by various specialists on the subject. The Institute of Idea's mission is to expand the boundaries of public debate through organizing conferences, discussions and salons, and publishing written conversations and exchanges in a hope to play a part in shaking up a culture that seems to shy away more and more from confrontation and the clash of ideas. This series aims to present thought-provoking arguments.
Do scientists exaggarate potential benefit from their work? Do animal advocates exaggerate the suffering of animals? What, if any, regulations should society impose upon animal work? Is a compromise between animal advocates and researchers possible or desirable? Four essayists with contrasting views and perspectives reflect on the issues and dilemmas.
Over the last decade, the Internet has become part of everyday life. Along with the benefits, however, come fears of unbridled hate speech and pornography. More profoundly perhaps, there is a worry that virtual relationships will replace the real thing, creating a sterile, soulless society. How much is the Internet changing the world? Contrasting answers to these questions are presented from four different sides of the debate. In this text, contrasting approaches to this topical and contentious question are presented by various specialists on the subject. The Institute of Idea's mission is to expand the boundaries of public debate through organizing conferences, discussions and salons, and publishing written conversations and exchanges in a hope to play a part in shaking up a culture that seems to shy away more and more from confrontation and the clash of ideas. This series aims to present thought-provoking arguments.