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Questions related from Joseph Tham
Your children come home from school and say: “You know what mom? In school today, we had a discussion, and we think that you are a racist”? How would a person answer this accusation if the person...
06 June 2019 5,884 11 View
Many people in the U.S. think so. Is this the end of incrementalism?
06 June 2019 3,940 2 View
I think that in many cases, cultural relationships may be stronger than religious ties.
06 June 2019 3,324 23 View
In the U.S., the cost of doctor burnout is US$4.6 billion per year, and $7,600 per physician per year. NPR June 1, 2019
06 June 2019 1,975 2 View
Your parents and grandparents will never admit that they are racists. Do you continue to talk with them? Do you break off all ties with them. Do you discuss these issues with them in front of your...
06 June 2019 9,044 14 View
To focus the discussion, please abide by the following rule. I humbly request you. Please do not answer with “Follow” or “Following” and other single word responses. No idle speculations and...
06 June 2019 1,984 8 View
For example, some people believe that it is racist to prefer a fairer complexion over a darker complexion. Logically, it seems that if someone prefers a darker (tan?) complexion to a fairer...
06 June 2019 1,977 10 View
What is the difference?
06 June 2019 9,719 3 View
06 June 2019 871 20 View
Medicine is not a pure, fundamental scientific discipline. In the same way that a mechanic (or engineer) applies (or uses) the ideas of physics to solve problems, a medical doctor “solves” the...
06 June 2019 469 9 View
What are the boundaries for the "right to medical care"? What can citizens legitimately demand and legally, the government MUST provide?
06 June 2019 423 19 View
There are many names. Philosopher-King, bureaucrat, central planner, ruler, President, Czar, Prime Minister, Pasha, Amir al-Mu’minin, Amir al-umara, Al-Malik, Shahenshah? The person would be...
06 June 2019 8,856 15 View
How is it possible for someone to be offended when they positively assert that they are NOT offended?
06 June 2019 8,864 4 View
How much do we respect the sovereignty of the country?
06 June 2019 8,941 6 View
An example would be when men open the doors for women.
06 June 2019 5,176 4 View
Scientific research shows that a doctor that shares my culture and language is more effective.
06 June 2019 9,956 8 View
Based on equity considerations and gender equality, should bathrooms provide tampons and pads, in addition to water, toilet paper, hand soap and towels?
06 June 2019 1,782 0 View
We prohibit such glorification by individuals.
06 June 2019 681 3 View
For example, classical Arabic may be a very difficult language to learn. Does this mean that it requires a higher level of intelligence?
06 June 2019 7,617 9 View
Every week, person A watches 10 hours of men’s football and makes sure that she also watches 10 hours of women’s football. Every week, person B only watches 10 hours of women’s football. Which...
06 June 2019 8,770 5 View
This question is about illegal immigration. Illegal means that it is against the law. The question is not about immigration in general. If one believes in the rule of law, it seems that one...
06 June 2019 7,382 2 View
This is NOT a question about religious prohibitions or health considerations. For this issue, what is the fundamental moral principle that would be acceptable to most people from diverse...
06 June 2019 4,823 1 View
In other words, from philosophical and scientific points of view, it is difficult to accept that there is one and only one universal concept of “Emotional Intelligence.”
06 June 2019 5,105 3 View
In a famous exchange, a person was flustered and frustrated when asked to give a definition of pornography. In desperation the person answered: “I know it when I see it!”
06 June 2019 6,944 2 View
According to the Pew Research, the ranking is as follows. % of respondents Drug addiction 70% Affordable health care 67% US political system 52% Inequality 51% Made-up news 50% Violent crime...
06 June 2019 1,099 1 View
Clearly prayer benefits the individual. Are there any rigorous and robust scientific studies that examine the social impacts of prayer at the community and societal levels?
06 June 2019 661 2 View
Should we boycott all goods that are made with child labor or slave labor?
06 June 2019 301 5 View
In the U.S. many politicians keep saying that "socialism is NOT the answer." But what is the question that they are answering? Very unclear.
06 June 2019 2,033 8 View
Very important issue for public policy.
06 June 2019 3,547 6 View
This unsafe space would be for people with thick-skin, tolerant of diverse viewpoints, insensitive, willingness to understand the perspectives of others through mutual respect and understanding...
06 June 2019 7,445 5 View
Many communities have a "code of silence". Is this immoral and unethical? Why?
06 June 2019 4,882 3 View
I think that this bias in favor of science is unfair and distorts public discussions in favor of scientists and experts, and could be anti-democratic.
05 May 2019 8,680 5 View
This is a very controversial issue.
05 May 2019 844 65 View
The WHO thinks so.
05 May 2019 2,881 8 View
I think it is a disgusting dish. Also, it smells funny and strange.
05 May 2019 2,666 12 View
It is common to encourage people to use opportunity cost as a criterion for public decision making. However, for the unwary, there are hidden dangers in doing so.
05 May 2019 2,680 4 View
In many countries, "nudging" by public authorities is common. What is the proper role of nudging? Who decides on the appropriate nudges?
05 May 2019 9,257 5 View
Does it impose any specific obligations on governments?
05 May 2019 2,018 24 View
How important is this issue from a public policy point of view?
05 May 2019 2,829 15 View
The research states: "This association between a low level of purpose in life and death remained true despite how rich or poor participants were, and regardless of gender, race, or education...
05 May 2019 2,117 39 View
In many cities in the U.S., homelessness is a major social problem.
05 May 2019 9,515 2 View
What are the possible arguments against the "right to sell"? How would you regulate this prohibition? Could I give away the right to privacy for free?
05 May 2019 2,551 3 View
Person A has 10 billion US dollars and gives half of it away with a HUGE public relations campaign. Person B has 10 thousand US dollars and gives half of it to charity and in secret so nobody...
05 May 2019 2,924 17 View
If yes, what is the foundation of this right to genetics? If no, what are the reasons to deny this right?
05 May 2019 4,392 1 View
A positive freedom is a freedom that the government can force people to have. A negative freedom is a freedom "from". It is an old debate. See the writings of Isaiah Berlin.
05 May 2019 5,751 9 View
How strong was the argument in favor of PepsiCo?
05 May 2019 7,303 1 View
CNN reports that "The WHO formally approved the latest version of its influential global compendium, which includes a chapter on traditional medicine for the first time.
05 May 2019 4,238 59 View
For example, if we find conclusive, incontrovertible, scientific, and robust historical evidence that the builder of the Taj Mahal was a racist (or nationalist), then this would be enough grounds...
05 May 2019 3,559 87 View
Social media is global, and it seems to me that the regulation of "hate" opinions, however defined, may be beyond the jurisdiction of any one government.
05 May 2019 9,126 1 View
In my opinion, many of the modern popular songs have very vulgar lyrics and these songs corrupt the young people with bad ideas.
05 May 2019 6,015 5 View
Some research suggests that children in many countries think that "a princess" is white, and probably Western (or American). This image is probably due to the popularity of Disney films.
05 May 2019 2,368 9 View
What are possible arguments for the government to implement policies that discourage obesity in society?
05 May 2019 4,593 24 View
Is the placebo effect real? What are the best scientific theories and explanations for the placebo effect?
05 May 2019 3,237 9 View
We all know the advantages of generic drugs. Are there any disadvantages?
05 May 2019 3,504 5 View
I think that traditional Chinese medicine recommends that we should not drink cold beverages. Is this true? Why? Is there any scientific evidence to support this view?
05 May 2019 8,082 3 View
A recent study found that the following factors were associated with a higher risk of cancer: a low intake of vegetables, fruits, whole grains and dairy products and a high intake of processed...
05 May 2019 1,373 50 View
See NPR, May 31, 2019 Scientists genetically modify fungus to kill mosquitos that spread malaria
05 May 2019 6,429 5 View
Every day we read in the social media about people who die when they are taking selfies.
05 May 2019 3,002 13 View
Facebook has become very powerful. Maybe it is a monopoly and should be broken up, or regulated very closely.
05 May 2019 3,057 7 View
In some languages, history is a scientific discipline.
05 May 2019 7,256 75 View
What is philosophy? Is it science? I am not so sure.
05 May 2019 3,225 12 View
We all believe that we know the features of a "good" society. However, when we have to provide specific reasons, we are stuck. What protocol or procedure do we use to develop a shared vision (and...
05 May 2019 2,055 4 View
Science is most appropriate for empirical disciplines. It is not clear whether scientific inquiry is relevant for studying reincarnation.
05 May 2019 7,560 30 View
To be a member, a religion may insist that it is impossible join. A person can only be born into it. Or they may insist that only through the mother can one become a member. I suppose every...
05 May 2019 6,789 34 View
In my practical experience, it is VERY difficult to find evidence for the law of one price. However, this is taught in introductory courses in economics. Very strange. Why is this?
05 May 2019 378 9 View
From a conceptual point of view, the rationality of an individual makes sense. Perhaps we can ask a question: is this person rational, and develop some criteria for assessing rationality. At the...
05 May 2019 10,011 8 View
This is a puzzle. The same societies that prohibit gambling also support the stock market. The stock market could be viewed as a HUGE casino!!!
05 May 2019 3,101 4 View
In some countries, it is illegal to destroy currency. Currency is only paper, and if I destroy some currency, then the government can print an equivalent amount. I have never been able to...
05 May 2019 6,469 8 View
Media reports say that one million species are on the verge of extinction.
05 May 2019 896 41 View
I think in some countries, such payments are prohibited.
05 May 2019 1,677 3 View
How reliable are the predictions of astrology?
05 May 2019 1,802 21 View
Maybe it is not in the interest of the U.S.
05 May 2019 408 7 View
There are many schemes to promote self-sufficiency in food for urban residents. Do these schemes make any economic sense?
05 May 2019 2,682 7 View
Many citizens are concerned that all of the new technologies, such as self-driving cars, will lead to less employment.
05 May 2019 2,701 3 View
GMO (Genetically Modified Organisms) How should the government regulate foods made from GMO?
05 May 2019 9,841 1 View
We have not been successful in this war. Why?
05 May 2019 3,540 9 View
In a market economy, we have desires, wants and preferences. How do we balance these abstractions with rights, freedoms, moral obligations and duties?
05 May 2019 2,903 9 View
What is the role of the government with respect to "fake news"?
05 May 2019 4,206 3 View
The first amendment states: "Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech or of the press; or...
05 May 2019 3,594 9 View
It would encourage people to help others without fears of lawsuits.
05 May 2019 9,216 5 View
Today, many people are totally disgusted when they read historical literature that violates the current social norms, and they heavily criticize those writings. This is called presentism. Is it...
05 May 2019 9,488 1 View
For example, we could have the option to choose male, female or other. Also we could select specific accents as well.
05 May 2019 7,931 2 View
In the U.S. , the state of Washington passed a law to allow human composting as an alternative to burial or cremation of human remains.
05 May 2019 2,073 9 View
Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (AOC) has stated that growing cauliflower in community gardens is 'colonial'. Hmm. She would prefer to grow Yucca. When you grow cauliflower, you are taking a "colonial...
05 May 2019 4,412 2 View
Please read the following for a definition of a "wicked" social problem. Rittel and Webber, 1973, Dilemmas in a General Theory of Planning Abstract The search for scientific bases for...
05 May 2019 6,205 2 View
In any society, there are massive market failures. What are the guiding principles for the benevolent central technocrat (planner, bureaucrat, civil servant, or government official) in decision...
05 May 2019 5,605 3 View
In a heterogeneous society, with many conflicting values and preferences, how do we achieve a consensus on the "common good" or the "good society"? Philosophers use a classic trick: the veil of...
05 May 2019 9,553 3 View
In many U.S. cities, homelessness is a huge problem. Some people believe that the government cannot solve the problem because it is a moral and spiritual issue. It is not simply an issue of economics.
05 May 2019 7,986 2 View
The second amendment states: "A well regulated militia, being necessary to the security of a free state, the right of the people to keep and bear arms, shall not be infringed."
05 May 2019 5,528 1 View
Many people use their electronic devices while walking and crossing the road. New York City (NYC) is thinking of making it illegal.
05 May 2019 8,461 3 View
Many citizens do not trust the price mechanisms for allocating resources even when it is effective. What are possible strategies for mitigating the mistrust?
05 May 2019 7,251 2 View
Citizens have "nosy preferences". In public policy, how do we take into account the nosy preferences?
05 May 2019 1,344 7 View
In my experience, policy makers are reluctant to use the price mechanism to allocate resources even when they know that the price mechanism can achieve the desired policy objectives. It is a puzzle.
05 May 2019 9,328 12 View
Or they could pool their resources and hire a private security company.
05 May 2019 1,135 2 View
In many countries, it is legal to offer foot massage.
05 May 2019 4,635 3 View
Which is the most accurate method?
05 May 2019 9,637 2 View
Or should we prohibit such trades and transactions even if they are Pareto-improvements? Do they need approval from any supreme global body?
05 May 2019 3,179 1 View
How do we distinguish real democracy from fake democracy? Pretty difficult to tell.
05 May 2019 9,298 4 View
G.B. Shaw said it best: When humans kill an animal, it is sport. When an animal kills a human, it is murder.
05 May 2019 4,409 5 View
From practical experience, we often observe that the waiting times for using the toilets (or bathrooms) is much longer for women than for men. Often we see long lines outside the women's toilets....
05 May 2019 6,810 9 View
U.S. has not signed this convention.
05 May 2019 782 10 View
Drone technology is coming. What are the strengths and weaknesses of using drones for delivering public services?
05 May 2019 8,736 4 View
What are good approaches for understanding the evolution and origins of religions?
05 May 2019 1,249 16 View
Some recent evidence suggests that ride-hailing cars are increasing the degree of congestion in many cities.
05 May 2019 7,972 2 View
Does this make any sense?
05 May 2019 9,120 1 View
Please see the following link for further explanations on Rossi's metallic laws of evaluation. https://www.gwern.net/docs/sociology/1987-rossi https://www.cgdev.org/blog/rossis-rules The...
05 May 2019 2,395 0 View
It seems to me that if we had some minimum qualifications to become a politician, it could help in improving the process of policy making. We have professional licenses for becoming an interior...
05 May 2019 1,634 8 View
In the U.S. this is a very controversial policy. Some cities, such as San Francisco, have banned government agencies from using such technologies.
05 May 2019 3,806 1 View
Companies will shift their factories from China to other countries in the region.
05 May 2019 6,769 1 View
In the popular media, there seems to be confusion about the winners and losers when the U.S. imposed the tariffs on Chinese goods.
05 May 2019 9,789 1 View
In many companies, the employees work from 9 am to 9 pm, six days a week. Should the government issue regulations to prohibit such practices? Does it affect the freedom of workers to work?
05 May 2019 2,091 8 View
Is it reasonable to expect that international companies should follow American norms and values when they do business in the U.S.?
05 May 2019 6,667 5 View
Nordic-style democratic dialogue is often offered as a possible strategy for overcoming conflict.
05 May 2019 7,710 6 View
Citizens do not have the discipline to save for retirement. They are myopic.
05 May 2019 1,456 3 View
In the southern border of the U.S. some private citizens are doing it on their private properties.
05 May 2019 5,076 3 View
In the U.S., lobbying is perfectly legal. Does it increase corruption?
05 May 2019 2,811 3 View
According to the Harvard Business School (HBS), 30% to 40% of startups fail; the number is as high as 80% if you measure whether the startup reached its projected return on investment.
05 May 2019 3,070 19 View
Academics persist in pushing the ideas of cash flow in perpetuity.
04 April 2019 461 1 View
