Debate - Is the astronomical price paid for some paintings by private collectors justified?    In May 2010, 'Nude, Green Leaves and Bust' a painting by Picasso was sold at $ 106 million to an unknown bidder (most probably to a private collector) by an auction house in New York. Is the astronomical price paid for some paintings by private collectors justified? Is it just an investment which will fetch good returns when sold at a later day, or do the collectors truly love the work so much that they pay such large amounts to bring them to their home so that they can enjoy the painting each day?

Debate - Is increased government spending the only way out of recession?    When the economy goes into recession, thousands of people lose their jobs and also corporate profits decline. This reduces both the income tax and corporation tax flow to the government. Because of high unemployment, there is increased use of government programs such as social security benefits. In this given situation, is it prudent for governments to increase their spending causing the deficit to spiral, thereby affecting the sovereign debt rating, and in turn causing further damage to the economy? Should not monetary policy actions such as quantitative easing, increased business lending, and reducing the interest rates be enough to stimulate the economy? Or is increased government spending the only way out of a recession?

Debate - Should modern buildings be allowed to be built near buildings of historical architectural heritage?    With the ever increasing population and need for more and more office space, we are building into the sky with modern skyscrapers being built all over the world. To preserve the architectural heritage of some of our existing buildings, should we stop building modern skyscrapers near historical monuments and buildings? Or will this create an artificial shortage of houses and office spaces and push the prices out of affordability? Is it an viable option to construct all new building only in sub-urban areas and build sustainable communities around them? Many of the city office workers commute from sub-urban areas already.