Essay topics

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Adrian asked for 'essay titles' that could be used in a Prize Essay competition, for postgraduate students at the University of Liverpool. The brief was...

  • General enough not to favour any particular academic background.
  • Stimulating and engaging so people will want to respond to it.
  • And I guess with some social relevance to our world (as we might as well get some benefit or insight from their efforts).


Here are the responses.

I wasn't sure whether authors wanted them attributed. To play safe, I've left them anonymous. If you recognise yours and would prefer attrubution here, I'll fix that. 

 When we know as a fact that we live for at most 100 or so years, why is it that we do not live 
 with this perspective fully in mind from day to day? What prevents us from doing so, and how
 might life be different if we did?  

 Is the ability to resolve conflict peacefully fundamental to
 our survival? Can it be argued that there is nothing more important
 that we need to teach our children ?

 Should I (or anyone else) care about global warming?

 Is there any better alternative to democracy? (If yes, what?)

 Why all religions are dangerous to societies' health.

 How could you live sustainably, happily, healthily and fully
 on £80 a week? (You can assume no dependents.)

 Can you really love two people at the same time, in all three
 ways (agape, caritas, eros)? Can they do the same? What about
 three people at the same time?

 What stocks/ shares are going to rise by more than 300% in the 
 next three years? Alternatively: why would you choose not to
 address this question?

 Was the invasion of Iraq by USA and UK forces war - or an illegal act?
 What will happen in the Iraq in the next five years? Will the US invade Iran?

 What is poetry? Is it cost-effective?

 The most significant challenge facing humanity today.

 If you could be given adequate resources, independant of policital
 or intellectual fashions, what research programme would you really
 like to pursue that you think would bring the greatest benefit to
 life on the planet?

 What do you know to be true, but cannot prove.


I'm finding the game of setting essay questions a creative way of being more clear about key issues for myself. So for the areas of our life where we would like more clarity, writing down the 'essay titles' seems a way forward. 

 Not seeking answers. Rather, seeking only to understand the questions.

.

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