Do you remember the first time you solved a complex math problem—the satisfaction of finding the right answer? Or maybe you recall losing yourself in a beautiful painting or a thought-provoking play. Which of these experiences has had a greater impact on shaping the world we live in? Math has given us everything from skyscrapers to smartphones, while the arts have shaped our cultures, our identities, and even our sense of meaning. But when it comes down to it, which field truly holds more value for society?

Welcome to your Dinner Table Debates Daily Deep Dive where we explore real topics from our decks and give you everything you need to debate, in under 10 minutes. Today's topic is “The study of math is more valuable to society than the study of arts” and comes from our Full Size Essentials Collection deck. Let’s dig in.

Math and the arts are often seen as polar opposites—one rooted in logic and numbers, the other in creativity and expression. Yet, both play critical roles in shaping our world. Mathematics is often referred to as the universal language, underpinning advancements in technology, engineering, and medicine. For example, calculus is foundational to everything from designing airplanes to understanding climate change. On the other hand, the arts enrich our lives in profound ways, from fostering empathy through storytelling to preserving cultural heritage. A 2019 study from the National Endowment for the Arts found that students involved in arts education scored higher on standardized tests and had better social-emotional skills. On the other hand, data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics highlights the tangible impact of math-related careers, with jobs in STEM fields growing at nearly double the rate of other professions.

This debate is more than academic; it’s about the values we prioritize as a society. Do we place greater importance on the practical, problem-solving power of math, or the cultural and emotional depth provided by the arts? Your stance on this topic might influence how we allocate funding, shape education, and prepare future generations.

Math drives technological and medical advancements: From life-saving medical equipment to the algorithms powering artificial intelligence, math is the backbone of modern innovation. For instance, during the COVID-19 pandemic, mathematical models were essential for predicting virus spread and informing public health strategies. Economic benefits: Math-related fields contribute significantly to economic growth. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, jobs in STEM fields not only grow faster but also pay significantly higher wages than non-STEM jobs, fueling both individual and societal prosperity. Universality and practicality: Math is a universal language that transcends cultural and linguistic barriers, enabling global collaboration. Whether it’s designing infrastructure or managing finances, mathematical skills are essential for solving real-world problems.

The arts foster empathy and cultural understanding: The arts help us understand ourselves and each other, bridging divides and promoting social cohesion. For example, during times of crisis, music and art have been powerful tools for healing and uniting communities. Mental health and well-being: Studies show that engaging in the arts can significantly improve mental health. A 2020 report by the World Health Organization highlighted how arts participation reduces anxiety, depression, and stress, all of which are critical for a functioning society. Innovation requires creativity: While math might provide the tools, creativity—nurtured through the arts—fuels the innovation behind groundbreaking ideas. Steve Jobs famously said that Apple existed at the intersection of technology and the humanities, illustrating how the arts and math work hand-in-hand.

While STEM fields undeniably boost the economy, the arts also contribute billions annually through industries li...

How do you feel therapy is treated in the US? Do you feel like it’s easy to access and socially accepted? Compare that to living in Norway, where mental health services are seamlessly woven into public healthcare, ensuring every citizen has access regardless of income. Do you feel like therapy is critical for the health and happiness of a population? Should governments take the bold step of making therapy a requirement to address mental health crises on a societal scale?

Welcome to your Dinner Table Debates Daily Deep Dive where we explore real topics from our decks and give you everything you need to debate, in under 10 minutes. Today's topic is “Therapy should be mandated by the government” and comes from our Full Size Essentials Collection deck. Let’s dig in.

Therapy, or mental health counseling, is a critical tool for improving emotional well-being, yet it remains underutilized due to stigma, financial barriers, and lack of access. Some nations and regions have experimented with mandating therapy for specific groups. For example, Germany’s healthcare system includes robust mental health coverage, and South Korea mandates counseling for soldiers to address mental health issues arising from military service. Studies underline therapy’s value. The National Institute of Mental Health reports that cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) is effective for up to 75% of patients with depression or anxiety. Moreover, untreated mental health issues cost the global economy over $1 trillion annually in lost productivity, according to the World Health Organization. Rising rates of suicide, depression, and anxiety paint a troubling picture of mental health in the U.S. Social media pressures, the skyrocketing cost of living, and a worsening sense of societal disconnection contribute to an escalating crisis. Could mandated therapy provide a lifeline, offering structured support to tackle these challenges head-on? Or would such a policy risk infringing on personal freedoms and overwhelm already strained mental health systems?

Mental health impacts every facet of society, from personal relationships to workplace productivity. Debating whether therapy should be mandated by the government touches on questions of public health, personal freedom, and societal responsibility.

Now, let’s debate.

Agree - Therapy should be mandated by the government: Mandating therapy could tackle the escalating mental health crisis in the U.S., where suicide rates have surged nearly 30% over the past two decades. Denmark, which provides free mental health services to all citizens, offers a blueprint, showing how prioritizing mental well-being can lead to significant reductions in mental health issues nationwide. Addressing mental health proactively could save billions in healthcare costs and lost productivity. According to the WHO, every $1 invested in mental health treatments yields a $4 return in improved health and productivity. A government mandate could normalize therapy, reducing stigma and encouraging more people to seek help willingly. South Korea’s mandated military counseling shows how normalizing mental health care can break cultural taboos.

Disagree - Therapy should not be mandated by the government: Mandating therapy infringes on personal freedom. Individuals should have the right to choose whether or not to engage in mental health services. No one should be forced to go to therapy. Many regions lack the infrastructure and professionals to support a mandate. For example, in rural areas of the U.S., there are significant shortages of mental health providers, making widespread implementation unrealistic. Therapy is most effective when sought voluntarily. Mandating participation could lead to resistance, undermining its benefits.

Now for some rebuttals: While therapy has proven benefits, mandates risk prioritizing quantity over quality, potentially overwhelming existing systems and diminishing the care provided. Go...

In the British Museum, visitors marvel at the Rosetta Stone, a priceless artifact that unlocked the secrets of ancient Egyptian hieroglyphs. Yet, its journey to London is steeped in controversy—taken by British forces after defeating Napoleon in Egypt. How do artifacts like this end up in far-off museums? Should cultural treasures remain in global institutions or be returned to the communities they originated from?

Welcome to your Dinner Table Debates Daily Deep Dive, where we explore real topics from our decks and give you everything you need to debate, in under 10 minutes. Today's topic is “Cultural treasures should be returned to their areas of origin” and comes from our Full Size Essentials Collection deck. Let’s dig in.

Cultural treasures include artifacts, artworks, and relics that hold historical, spiritual, or artistic value for a particular culture. Throughout history, many of these treasures have been removed—often during colonization, war, or illicit trade—and placed in foreign museums and private collections. Greece has long sought the return of the Parthenon Marbles from the United Kingdom. International laws like the 1970 UNESCO Convention aim to curb the illicit trade of cultural property and encourage restitution. Despite this, the debate continues. Some argue that these artifacts should be returned to their homelands, where they have deeper cultural and historical significance. Others believe that global museums make such treasures accessible to a wider audience and protect them from potential neglect or conflict. A real-life example is the ongoing dispute between Ethiopia and the United Kingdom over the return of treasures looted during the 1868 British expedition to Maqdala, including sacred manuscripts and crowns. These cases illustrate the complexities surrounding ownership and cultural property.

This debate strikes at the heart of identity, history, and justice. Cultural treasures are not just objects; they are symbols of heritage and pride for nations and communities. Deciding where they belong impacts international relationships, tourism, education, and even how we view history itself.

Now, let’s debate.

Supporters of returning cultural treasures argue that it helps communities reclaim their history and cultural pride. For example, Greece’s request for the Parthenon Marbles isn’t just about art—it’s about restoring a piece of their national identity. Many treasures were taken under unethical circumstances, such as looting during war or colonization. Returning them is an act of reparative justice. Ethiopia’s claim for Maqdala treasures highlights this, as these items were seized violently. Additionally, artifacts are best understood and appreciated in their original cultural and geographical context. For example, Native American ceremonial items often lose their spiritual significance when displayed in museums rather than in their communities.

On the other hand, opponents argue that museums in major cities make cultural treasures accessible to a wider audience, fostering global understanding and appreciation. The British Museum, for instance, attracts millions of visitors annually who learn about cultures worldwide. Some also highlight preservation concerns. Returning artifacts to regions experiencing political instability or inadequate preservation facilities risks their safety. The Bamiyan Buddhas in Afghanistan, destroyed in 2001, illustrate what can happen when cultural heritage isn’t adequately protected. Others point to complex ownership histories. Many artifacts have passed through multiple hands over centuries, making rightful ownership difficult to determine. For instance, the Rosetta Stone was discovered by French soldiers, then taken by the British. Who, then, is its rightful owner?

Rebuttals add further complexity to the discussion. While returning treasures may seem just, it risks oversimplifying complex historical relationships. Many artifacts w...