This page includes a list of discussion topics in various fields. The purpose of the discussions is to seek the truth and determine the best course of action to realize the vision based on the system of values. Another aim is to demonstrate how the discussion itself can be conducted in accordance with the principles of Wellism, such as respectful discussion and rational discussion. The following list can be further expanded.
Structure and Role of Government
- What structures and laws can ensure that the government and its departments serve the interests of the general public rather than the interests of politicians, their friends, and wealthy lobbyists?
- What structures and laws can ensure that citizens can effectively influence governance?
- What structures and laws can ensure the decentralization of governmental power among the government, parliament, supreme court, state comptroller, attorney general, state prosecutor, etc.? What powers should be held by each?
- What should be written in the constitution?
- What oversight and audit mechanisms should be used?
- Which government ministries are beneficial and which should be reduced or shut down?
- How should officials be elected or appointed?
- How should elections be conducted?
- How should judges be appointed, and supreme court judges in particular?
- Should there be term limits for elected or appointed officials? If so, what limits?
- How can transparency be ensured and implemented in all government-related activities?
Public Policy
What public policies best support wellbeing?
Economy and Employment
- Setting a minimum wage – pros and cons
- Price controls – pros and cons (separate discussions for different types of products and services)
- Tariffs – pros and cons (separate discussions for different types of products)
- Income tax model vs. a wealth tax model – pros and cons
- Universal basic income provided by the state – pros and cons
- In which cases should the state provide payments to citizens (discussion on issues such as: welfare and disability cases, unemployment benefits, parents of children, rehabilitation of soldiers, etc.)
- Should the state intervene in employment contracts of independent contractors (e.g., delivery workers) to safeguard their social benefits?
- What is the role of workers unions in a modern economy? Should union membership be encouraged or limited?
Health and Medicine
- Should the healthcare system be fully public, mixed, or privatized?
- How should mental health be funded and integrated into public health services?
- Should vaccination be mandatory or only recommended, in particular: in childhood, and during a pandemic?
- Should non-violent drug offenses be decriminalized or legalized?
- What are ethical boundaries for genetic engineering and reproductive technologies?
Education and Culture
- Should parents have the freedom of choice regarding which school to send their children to? (See this funny clip from the excellent TV series “Yes, Minister”) See also: school vouchers.
- What is the appropriate balance between freedom of pedagogical approach and core curriculum to guarantee an informed and skilled citizenry?
- How should the education system address controversial historical events?
- Should higher education be free or subsidized for all citizens?
- Should the state fund public broadcasting channels? (Examples: CPB, BBC, RTF, ZDF, IPBC)
- Should the state fund culture?
- Should statues or names of controversial historical figures be removed or contextualized?
Ethical Issues
- Should abortion be legal? If there is a state health insurance, should it cover the cost?
- Should euthanasia be legal and under what circumstances? (See also: the right to die)
- Should gun ownership be permitted for civilians (not working in security forces)? If so, what mechanisms should guarantee public safety?
- What are the limits to freedom of speech? E.g. what is considered “incitement to violence” and should it be made illegal? How should the state and corporations regulate social media to balance freedom of speech with harm prevention?
- What limits should be placed on surveillance technology used by the government and private entities?
Religion and State Relations
This section is relevant for countries where there is no clear separation between religion and the state mechanisms, and religion plays a dominant role in the constitution and government (e.g. Muslim countries).
For example, in Israel:
- Should the state allow civil marriage? (It does recognize such marriage but only if it is done abroad)
- Should the state restrict what which businesses can operate on Shabbat?
- Should the state prohibit paid public transportation on Shabbat?
- Should the Chief Rabbinate be the sole body that is allowed to issue kosher certifications?
- Should there be a law that prohibits bringing chametz (leavened products) into public institutions during Passover (e.g., hospitals, the IDF)