26 discussion topics to present in class gatherings

Discussing allows us to see different perspectives on specific issues on which there are divergent opinions. It makes it possible for us to exchange points of view and build a more complete vision about reality. It also favors critical thinking, thanks, among other things, to the need to exercise certain mental flexibility and the use of persuasion and different discursive strategies in order to defend the own posture.

That is why gatherings and debates are such a valuable resource in education and training centers, both in schools and in institutes and universities.

But Finding a topic to discuss and talk about can be difficult. For this reason, in this article you can find a series of discussion topics to propose gatherings in class.

• Related article: "The beneficial effects of philosophy on children"

Different topics to discuss in class

Below you will find a selection of topics of interest to discuss in class (trying to reach a conclusion) or to have a chat (basically sharing ideas in an informal way without trying to reach a conclusion).

These topics are designed for people with a maturational level corresponding at least to the secondary level and even to the level university, although many of them can be adjusted to the needs of other vital stages such as childhood, which corresponds to the primary education.

1. The stigmatization of people with mental and neurological disorders

Mental health and the existence of alterations and disorders is a topic that is not usually talked about in society.

Why is it said so little about it, what must someone with a disorder feel, the social stigma that supposed in the past a diagnosis and the way in which even today this prejudice, how it can affect them and how they are viewed by society are some of the topics for discussion that are proposed. This is a topic of debate that includes a clear component ethical.

• Related article: "In defense of people with dementia: fight stigma and prejudice"

2. The death penalty

A topic of debate somewhat more typical than the previous one. The death penalty continues to be applied in many countries around the world. Some people consider it necessary and just, others little more than a crime committed in search of revenge.

Should it remain in force? Is your application ethical? Why do some countries apply it and others don't? What happens if an innocent person is convicted?

3. Illegal immigration

Another typical topic of debate and gathering is that of illegal immigration. In this aspect you can argue and argue about what produces it, what should be done in this regard, how it should be regulated, the different measures that have been taken throughout history in this regard, the risks and advantages that the unregulated entry of people into the country or the social and legal treatment of illegal immigrants may entail, for example.

4. Equality

For decades society has been making progress in the search for tolerance and acceptance of differences interpersonal. Little by little, the integration and equal rights of different groups previously discriminated against (women, ethnic and racial differences or the LGTB community) have been sought and achieved.

But we can ask ourselves: have we reached true equality or is there still a long way to go? Does the same happen in all parts of the world? This topic can be extended to different areas, such as women in the world of work, same-sex marriage or racism.

5. Intimate partner and gender violence

Gender violence is an issue that, unfortunately, continues to be a relatively present element in society. What exactly it is and what does it include, where does it arise, its legal treatment, what role education and society play in its prevention, how to detect it and what to do in case of doing it or how it could be avoided are topics that can allow us to speak at length and share points of view.

• Related article: "The 7 types of gender violence (and characteristics)"

6. Euthanasia

The right to a dignified death and assisted suicide. The fact that a person or someone close to them may decide to die in certain circumstances from which the person is person will not get out, such as irreversible coma or diseases that cause great pain and suffering.

Its use to avoid the suffering of the patient, the ethics and / or legitimacy of said practice, who should make the decision In the event that the patient does not have and cannot express his opinion and the limits that should be imposed on its use are highly controversial aspects even today.

7. Animal experimentation

Medicines, cosmetics and other elements must be tested before they can be marketed in order to check their effects. Traditionally, various animals have been used in the laboratory to verify these effects, and even if today we have Synthetic skins to test elements such as cosmetics, other living beings are still used in experimentation and research.

Is animal experimentation necessary? Is it carried out ethically? What is the use if, after all, they are tested on a type of being that does not share all of our characteristics?

8. The evolution of technology

Technology advances at an incredible speed. What seemed impossible a few centuries ago today can be achieved with a simple click. Wondering where we will get to her, discussing whether this evolution is always positive or hidden a negative part or if we should put some kind of brake or precaution in this regard are issues to to debate.

9. Ethics in everyday life and at a professional level

Ethics and morals. This subject is complex, but despite this it can be adapted to different evolutionary levels. What is and what is not admissible? Should we cause suffering to someone if thanks to it it could be possible to improve their situation or achieve a common good? Should everything be allowed?

Or even more. The end justifies the means? What aspects must be taken into account at a professional level to exercise correctly? What limits should not be crossed? Is ethics itself ethical? These and other aspects allow for in-depth discussions and gatherings in which to highlight values ​​and beliefs.

10. The image in society

We are in a society in which the image is highly valued. The physical appearance and reputation of each You can greatly mark how others see you and even how you see yourself. It can help us get a job or get closer to our dream partner, but it can also cause us great frustrations, insecurity and even generate various disorders.

Discussing its importance and the changes that may have arisen over time regarding what is considered a good image can be interesting.

11. The censorship

The thoughts, beliefs and even the perception of some concrete facts are frequently censored by different people and organisms. In some countries, tendencies and thoughts contrary to the power or the interests of part of the population are openly censored and repressed.

In other places it is applied in a more disguised way, omitting part of reality or even modifying it. And it doesn't have to happen between different people: you can even censor part of your own being or thinking due to social pressure or the existence of beliefs and thoughts opposites. Does it have any kind of sense or utility? Why is it carried out? How to avoid it? Should there be limits to freedom of expression?

12. Climate change

Although today it does not seem as much a fashionable topic as it did a few years ago, climate change and its existence have been a frequent topic in debates and discussions.

What is it, how does it affect us, the environment or the rest of the world, what should be done, who has the responsibility or aspects derived from the fight against such as recycling or the use of fossil or natural fuels are aspects that allow us to reflect on the world in which we live.

13. The legalization of prostitution

Prostitution is illegal in many countries, being punishable by law. However, it is a type of activity with a high level of demand. The fact that it is illegal supposes a high level of insecurity for the people who dedicate themselves to it, in addition to the fact that Being a demanded activity facilitates the creation of mafias and sexual exploitation networks that seek to benefit from it.

Whether or not it should be legal or what such legalization would entail for sex professionals, clients and society in general are aspects to comment.

14. Drugs in society

The use of psychoactive substances it is something relatively frequent in today's society. Many of them cause severe addictions and harmful effects both in the short and long term. Some aspects to discuss may be the following: why are they consumed? What effects do they have? How is its consumption seen socially?

15. The fidelity and infidelity in the couple

The couple is another of the great topics to be discussed. And within it, the maintenance of fidelity or its breach is a widely debated topic.

What does it mean to be faithful? Is being unfaithful just having sex with third parties? Why are some people unfaithful and others not? Is the human being unfaithful by nature? Would you forgive an infidelity? Would you commit one if you knew no one was going to find out? What about open couples? How does infidelity affect life as a couple? These and other questions are usually discussed in different gatherings.

• Related article: "Polyamory: what is it and what types of polyamorous relationships are there?"

16. Social stereotypes

Stereotypes are a set of predetermined ideas and beliefs regarding the characteristics of certain subjects or groups.

The stereotypes can lead us to prejudge others and maintain attitudes that involve unequal treatment undeserved, and because of this we sometimes act as if we know someone we do not know based on characteristics that they have not demonstrated. Where they come from, why they are produced and how to combat them are aspects to be discussed.

17. Privacy and the right to privacy

With the presence of elements such as social networks or new technologies we can keep in touch with people from all over the world at any time and place. While this can be positive, on the other hand it also means a loss of privacy by allowing our information to be shared with a large number of people.

Such people can reach judge our life both public and private and to cause us various types of damages, or even obtain benefits through the use of our information.

18. The globalization

We are in a globalized world, which allows communication and expression of feelings and ways of seeing the world. It is something that helps us share and understand each other better. However, it also causes different ethnic groups and peoples to see their cultural identity, traditions and customs eliminated and forgotten, being absorbed into an increasingly standardized society.

19. Employment today

Obtaining a job today can be difficult, as can be seen in the high number of unemployed people. In addition, temporary hiring is abundant, which in practice implies a high level of insecurity regarding future economic possibilities and makes it difficult to establish future plans. The situation of the labor market today is a frequent reason for various gatherings.

20. The abortion

It is a typical topic in different debates and gatherings. The fact of abortion and what it means, decision-making and the possible psychic effects it may have, the legal limitations for abortion, up to what point in the development of the fetus is it possible to do it, ethical aspects discussed in relation to this issue and how the different sectors of society see the fact are aspects to to debate.

21. Religion and spirituality

Spiritual and religious beliefs have been present in the human being since ancient times. Rites, traditions and ways of seeing the world have emerged from them and have been a frequent source of debate. The usefulness of religious beliefs, its use for various purposes, why some people believe and others do not, and the effects they have different religious confessions throughout history can give rise to intense debates.

22. Social pressure

Most people have done something they did not want to do at some point simply because it was expected of them or because of social or group pressure. The opinion of others or what we think others think of us matters to a greater or lesser extent.

Aspects to comment may be: why? What do we do or what can we do if we are subjected to pressure from society or the group? What is expected of us?

23. Superstitions

Open an umbrella under cover, throw salt or wine on the table, break a mirror, look at a one-eyed man or come across a black cat have been for some people a sign of evil augury. Other people have little rituals or even talismans that are supposed to bring good luck.

Do these superstitions make any sense? Where do they come from? Do we have any? These are questions that we can ask ourselves and that is an interesting topic for gathering and debate.

24. The right to housing

In most advanced countries, housing is included in the basic laws of each country as a right of all citizens. However, we all know that this right is not fulfilled.

The existence of homeless people and the high price of housing (both when renting and buying) can be good axes for this discussion. In addition, ideas can be contributed to minimize the impact of this problem and make housing more accessible for everyone.

25. The 'politically correct' and freedom of expression

In a society with different poles of political opinion, defining what is correct and what is objectionable is a really difficult undertaking. Subjectivity, ideological interests and the bias of each person can make these "limits" of freedom of expression be placed at the convenience of what is thought.

Can there be a norm accepted by society that defines which ideas are objectionable? Or should we allow everyone to freely express their ideals? Where do we put the limit?

26. Taxes

To what extent are the taxes we pay necessary? What taxes exist and what is their justification? Are they tall or short? Do nations with low tax pressure, or those with high taxes, perform better?

This debate connects with a broader debate on the economic and socio-political model of each country: liberalism, social democracy, communism ...