robertrosenkranz

The Blog of Robert Rosenkranz

Recommended Reading: Fractured Republic by Yuval Levin

by robertrosenkranz on November 4, 2016

Given the near-constant wave of controversy, name-calling and finger-pointing surrounding the upcoming presidential election, the polarization of the nation’s two primary political parties has perhaps never been more evident. Yuval Levin’s “Fractured Republic: Renewing America’s Social Contract in the Age of Individualism” looks to examine the root causes of the nation’s notable division, and it does so by discussing, at length, one of those root causes he believes is especially significant: nostalgia.

READ REMARKS....

robertrosenkranzRecommended Reading: Fractured Republic by Yuval Levin

Eliminate Corporate Subsidies

by robertrosenkranz on August 24, 2016

Critics of corporate subsidies argue that it’s outrageous to have taxpayer money feeding into the wealth of corporate entities. Others contend that strategic subsidizing is necessary to vitalize innovation and serve those not served by private interests.

Do subsidies fill an important role in the public interest, or is it time to pull the plug on what some have termed corporate welfare?

READ REMARKS....

robertrosenkranzEliminate Corporate Subsidies

Free Speech Is Threatened on Campus

by robertrosenkranz on August 3, 2016

Debate Overview

There are some today who argue that colleges and universities have arrived at a point in time where the directive to create a more inclusive space has actually produced an atmosphere less tolerant of diverse opinion.

Does the removal of offensive language or images amount to suppression of free speech?

READ REMARKS....

robertrosenkranzFree Speech Is Threatened on Campus

Don’t Trust the Promise of Artificial Intelligence

by robertrosenkranz on August 1, 2016

Debate Overview

As an investor, I once financed a group of computer scientists applying machine learning and statistical analysis to outperform the stock market.  It took us four or five years to beat the averages by mere hundredths of a percent. This was not a huge advantage. On the other hand, our small team of six was outperforming teams that would typically employ hundreds of professional analysts and portfolio managers.

READ REMARKS....
robertrosenkranzDon’t Trust the Promise of Artificial Intelligence

Intelligence Squared Debate: Science Refutes God

by robertrosenkranz on July 27, 2016

Debate Overview:

According to a recent Gallup poll, 42 percent of Americans subscribe to creationism—the belief that, approximately 10,000 years ago, God created humans as we are today. In total, half of Americans believe that humans evolved over time, with 31 percent holding the opinion that God guided this evolution, and 19 percent believing that evolution took place without the aid of a higher power. Despite the strength of creationism’s appeal, the portion of the American public that believes in evolution independent of any type of God has doubled since 1999. This seems to have only fueled the debate between science and religion. For many, a belief in God provides the only answer to such existential inquiries as, “How did we get here?” and “What is our purpose?” while others find that modern science contradicts religion’s most basic principles. Intelligence Squared US (IQ2US) took on this highly divisive topic on December 5, 2012, questioning whether science and religion can coexist with a debate on the motion, “Science Refutes God.”

READ REMARKS....
robertrosenkranzIntelligence Squared Debate: Science Refutes God