Culture Wars Debate Guide
From PhiloWiki
"Culture wars" refers to the clash between modern secular values and traditional religious values.
On one side of the debate are those who believe that politics and morality should be informed by knowledge and experience. Ideas about right and wrong must be allowed to change over time to adapt to the prevailing social, technological, and economic conditions. These ideas can be safely decided by a majority of people living in democratic political systems.
On the other side of the debate are those who insist on maintaining the traditional religious values that have safely guided the growth of civilization for thousands of years. They believe that traditional family values are the glue that holds civilizations together. The loosening of these morals, along with the loss of faith in religion, is leading to the breakdown of society.
Complicating this debate is the "clash of civilizations" caused by differences in the religious beliefs and moral systems of different civilizations around the world.
Culture wars
- Is modern culture headed in an upward or downward direction?
- What are the driving forces of American culture?
- How do older people and younger people differ on their views on American culture - and why?
- Rate the public education system regarding our culture.
- Where is the family headed? What IS a family?
- Should homosexuals be accorded the rights of married people? Should they be allowed to adopt children?
- How does pop music affect American culture?
- How has the feminist movement affected American culture?
- What is the role of boys and men in today's culture?
- How has Hollywood and television affected American culture?
- What rights should parents have?
- Is diversity, for its own sake, a worthwhile tactic?
- Should affirmative action be continued or eliminated?
- What role does race or ethnicity play in American culture?
- What role does religion play in our cultural life?
- Can a truly diverse culture survive? How would this be affected?
