INDUBITABLY: The Debate Podcast

Climate Change: Adjudicating the “Debate”

While the debate in American discourse seems to be centered around questioning established science, Josh and Kelly instead judge the arguments that take place after accepting the reality of climate change.  Who and how should we deal with the human threat to the wellbeing of our planet?  Why have we been unable to galvanize action thus far?

The Trolley Problem: Whose Life Will You Save?

In this episode we tackle one of the most famous thought experiments ever.  Should Utilitarian or Deontological ethics inform our decision on how to act when deciding who deserves to live or die?  We also spend some time discussing a different thought experiment: The Prisoner’s Dilemma.  Josh and Kelly match wits to see who emerges victorious and who loses everything!

Cultural Appropriation? Or Appreciation?

What should we call it when one group of people consumes the culture of another?  Is it offensive or harmful to dress as, eat like, or create art in a fashion that originates from different ethnicities or nationalities?  Or, is this the natural manner in which culture and society progresses, and something to be celebrated rather than lamented?

Trump vs the World: 2022 US Midterm Election Analysis

With the 2022 Midterm results in (mostly), we look at the election as a whole and the implications it holds for our government.  What does this mean for Biden’s ability to push his agenda in the next two years?  Does it bode well for Trump 2024?  Were some of the propositions on abortion, drug legalization and slavery (?!) potentially trend setting?

Twitter vs Elon Musk: From the Archive

Back in July, Twitter’s future was uncertain at best as Elon Musk was taken to court by the company as it attempted to force him to follow through with his original plans to buy the platform.  Now, that takeover is complete, but the company’s future is just as uncertain as ever.  With Musk and Twitter once again dominating as front page news, we are throwing back a few months for listeners who might not have heard this episode previously.

Wakanda Forever: A Roadmap for African Development?

The Black Panther movies use Wakanda to present a vision of black prosperity, presenting audiences an optimistic narrative of Africa’s potential.  How realistic is a future Africa that resembles the hopeful promise Marvel’s writers have laid out for us?  How do nations navigate the difficult decisions necessary to realize the path to development that has thus far been so elusive?

Does Evil Exist? A Harrowing Halloween Episode!

On this Halloween we use some classic Halloween monsters and villains to answer the question of whether or not Evil exists.  Do motivations matter, or are actions what define something as good or bad?  Why are clowns so horrifying?  And of course, who is the scariest Halloween villain of all??

Our Anniversary Episode! 1 Year of Indubitably, 100 Years of Debate!

On Indubitably’s 1 year anniversary we get introspective (for just a bit) and look back on our first 52 episodes as well as forward to our next 52.  We also break out “The Debater’s Treasury,” a book that was printed over 100 years ago with 200 topics that were debated at the time.  How many of them are still relevant today?  We answer this question as well as thank all of you for sticking with us for this year!

From the Archive: Exploring Indigenous Identity

Where does an authentic Indigenous identity come from?  Is bloodline or community a more important foundation for acceptance?  What are the appropriate ways to serve as an ally to various minority communities without overstepping boundaries?  We are reaching into the vault for this episode as Josh bails on Kelly to travel Italy for a couple of weeks.  We'll be back soon!

Do Journalists Have an Obligation to Act as Good Samaritans?

News reporters often cover subjects who are in distress.  Do they have a moral obligation to help the victims of the various circumstances that they are reporting on?  Do their professional efforts cover their responsibilities to their fellow humans or are they ethically bound to go above and beyond when they are in a position to be of service?

The NFL: A Championship Caliber League or First Round Flop?

In 2021 the National Football League made over $17 Billion.  As each of us attends games, buys jerseys and supports our teams, what kind of organization are we handing our money over to?  How does the NFL treat its players when it comes to injuries or equity?  Does it turn away from the criminal and oftentimes abusive activities of some of its players?  And what should we, as fans, do about it?

China’s Social Credit System: What Score Would You Recieve?

If you worry about your credit score… imagine being assigned a score as a human being.  In China, people are granted or lose points for every day activities like picking up after their dog or playing video games.  Depending on their ratings, they could be denied access to schools, have their internet speeds throttled, or get boosted on a dating site.  Could this, or systems like it be implemented elsewhere around the world?

What would YOU do to Jeff Bezos? Union or Revolution?

In our Labor Day special we examine the plight of underpaid underappreciated workers and ask the question of what they should do about it? Are unions a good or bad option for both workers or society at large?  Is violent revolution our best course of action against oppressive capitalist structures and the uber rich?

Does God Exist?

Josh and Kelly risk eternal damnation as they adjudicate the debate over the existence of an almighty creator.  From the beginnings of the universe, to consciousness, to the experiential evidence claimed by millions of people around the world, in this episode we evaluate the arguments of both church and science as we try to answer some of  humanity’s greatest questions.

Nuclear Annihilation! Where is the Danger Greatest?

It can be incredibly difficult to decipher the mixed messages that come from international leaders in regards to nuclear weaponry.  To complicate things further, the dangers from weaponizing nuclear power can come in many forms.  In this episode, we attempt to cut through the rhetoric, analyzing current geo-political realities and letting you know which countries are most at risk of a nuclear attack.

International Imprisonment & Extradition: Can You Avoid A Foreign Jail Cell?

American WNBA player Brittney Griner was just sentenced to 9 years of jail time by a Russian court.  Is it fair for her, or anybody, to be jailed for the crimes of a country they are visiting, especially when those same actions are not illegal in their home nation?  Alternatively, if you commit a crime in your home country, should other countries, who might not agree with that particular policy, offer you sanctuary?  Or extradite you back to face punishment?