Want to receive regular updates about Room for Debate discussions? Subscribe to our main RSS feed or follow us on Twitter. Interested in just one topic -- education, for instance, or politics? Subscribe to the feed for that topic by clicking on the link under Discussion Topics and receive alerts just for forums on that subject. Want to follow the twists and turns of one debate? Subscribe on that discussion page.
Science
-
June 11, 2015
Sexism in the Lab
Is a resignation over disparagement of female scientists a sign of progress or persistent bias?
-
May 28, 2015
Scientists Curbing the Use of Science
Can researchers ever control the ethical use of their work?
-
December 1, 2014
The Ethics of Fighting Ebola
How can the development and testing of Ebola drugs and vaccines help fight the outbreak while respecting ethical standards?
-
July 29, 2014
The Power of Climate Change Fiction
Will movies and novels about the effects of climate change make a difference in how people react to global warming?
-
December 10, 2013
Math and Science for More Than Just Geeks
How can science, technology, engineering and math courses be made more interesting and attractive?
-
August 15, 2013
Should Creationism Be Controversial?
Why are some people drawn to origin narratives like in Genesis, and others to the scientific story?
-
August 11, 2013
Deconstructing Lyme Disease
Why is this mysterious affliction so controversial, and what are the next steps to better understanding it?
-
September 30, 2012
Breaking the Bias Against Women in Science
Should there be affirmative action, or something similar, to advance women in science and related subjects?
-
July 5, 2012
Does Captive Breeding Distract From Conservation?
Instead of expensive breeding programs in zoos, should scientists and activists be focused on other goals, like freezing genetic material or preserving …
-
September 29, 2011
An Idea So Crazy It Might Come True
Submarines and iPads appeared in fiction before they were invented. Now there's a real "Tatooine." So why don't we have jetpacks yet?
-
May 19, 2011
The Age of Anthropocene: Should We Worry?
If humanity's geologic effect on the planet has become its own epoch, are we lucky or are we cursed?
-
May 12, 2011
Do We Want to Be Supersize Humans?
If human bodies become taller, bigger and longer-living -- is that progress?
-
January 6, 2011
When Science Goes Psychic
Should scholarly journals publish studies that embrace ESP?
-
May 6, 2010
Invasion of the Superweeds
Michael Pollan and others on what Roundup-resistant weeds mean for American agriculture.
-
April 29, 2010
What the Spill Means for Offshore Drilling
How should the environmental effects of deep sea oil exploration be weighed against its benefits?
-
April 5, 2010
Can ‘Neuro Lit Crit’ Save the Humanities?
Can combining neuroscience and Jane Austen get a literature Ph.D. a job?
-
March 1, 2010
Are We Prepared for an 8.8 Quake?
Which kinds of neighborhoods would be most susceptible if a quake hits the West Coast?
-
February 11, 2010
Global Warming and Weather Psychology
If it's cold, we don't worry about global warming. If it's hot, we do.
-
February 9, 2010
Is Manned Spaceflight Obsolete?
Astronauts vs. robots and the future of NASA.
-
January 18, 2010
Will China Achieve Science Supremacy?
China is leaping forward in the sciences, but academic fraud and limited Web access are hurdles.
-
October 26, 2009
Can Biotech Food Cure World Hunger?
What will drive the next Green Revolution?
-
September 30, 2009
Australia’s Dust Bowl and Global Warming
An arid continent has suffered cycles of drought and dust storms for centuries. What is different now?
-
September 22, 2009
National Academic Standards: The First Test
What are the strengths and weaknesses of a countrywide math and English curriculum?
-
July 29, 2009
Are Deer the Culprit in Lyme Disease?
The complex link between the exurban ecosystem and an elusive virus.
-
July 27, 2009
More Ticks, More Misery
How deer help spread Lyme disease, and how opossums can reduce the problem.
-
April 7, 2009
How Hard Is It to Fire a Rocket?
A look at missile technology and North Korea's failed launch of a long-range rocket.
-
March 6, 2009
The Lure of Rocks From Outer Space
Asteroid 2009 DD45 flew by Earth in a "near miss." What is it about space objects that captures our attention?
About Room for Debate
In Room for Debate, The Times invites knowledgeable outside contributors to discuss news events and other timely issues. Reader comments are moderated Monday through Friday.
Suggest a Forum Idea
Room for Debate welcomes suggestions from readers: What questions should we be asking? Please e-mail us your ideas for debates, as well as experts whose insights you'd like to read.