Pros and cons: a debater's handbook

"Pros and Cons: A Debater's Handbook offers a unique guide to current controversies, providing material for debate on a wide range of topics." "Arguments for and against each subject appear in adjacent columns for easy comparison, and related topics and suggestions for possible motions are listed at the end of each entry. This eighteenth edition includes new issues such as censorship of the Internet, genetic engineering and the legalisation of prostitution." "The introductory essay describes debating technique, covering the rules, structure and types of debate, and offering tips on how to become a successful speaker."--Jacket.

Includes index.

Philosophical/political theory -- Anarchism -- Capitalism v. socialism -- Censorship by the state -- Civil disobedience -- Democracy -- Ends v. means -- Ideology v. pragmatism -- Legislation v. individual freedom -- Marxism -- Pacifism -- Privatisation -- Tradition v. innovation -- Welfare state -- Constitutional/governance -- Bill of Rights -- Churches in politics -- Coalition government v. party government -- Devolution of Scotland and Wales -- Disestablishment of the Church of England -- Eighteen-year-old MPs -- House of Lords, abolition of -- Monarchy v. presidency -- Party funding by the state -- Politicians' outside interests, banning of -- Proportional representation -- Referenda, increased use of -- Regional government -- Term limits for MPs -- Voting, compulsory -- Voting age, reduction of -- Written constitution -- Politics and economics: national -- Affirmative action -- Broadcasting, ending public control of -- Calendar reform -- Immigration, relaxation of laws against -- National Health Service, privatisation of -- National identity cards -- National lottery, abolition of -- National Service, (re- ) introduction of -- Pensions, ending state provision of -- Salary capp…