Learner profile: Thinkers
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New fighter plane heralds era of robot wars
Should robots be used in war? The US Air Force wants to stage a battle between a robot fighter plane and a piloted one. But many warn that any use of AI in war could lead to disaster.
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The day that Chinese law came to Hong Kong
Should we fear China? Its growing military power and moves to suppress democracy in Hong Kong have alarmed many, but others believe that we should be more accepting of its values.
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Equality: the big idea and the harsh reality
Is equality just a dream? Boris Johnson pledged to “level up” society in a big speech yesterday – like hundreds of politicians before him. But why is such a simple idea so hard to achieve?
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Politicians and advertisers turn on Facebook
Is Facebook bad for democracy? Advertisers are boycotting the social media site over its feeble response to hate speech, and a new parliamentary report is demanding immediate action.
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Cannibal rats swarm in lockdown infestation
Do rats deserve their evil reputation? The news that a hungry army of rodents is closing in on our homes will probably fill you with disgust. But some say we are too hard on the humble rat.
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Virus death toll reaches 500,000 worldwide
Will we prevent a second wave? Britain is on a “knife edge”, warns a government adviser this morning. And US test sites were overwhelmed, yesterday, as global infections passed 10 million.
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Johnson vows to spend Britain back to health
Does the West need a new Roosevelt? As the world comes out of lockdown but heads into economic catastrophe, some say leaders should look to the past to find a solution to the crisis.
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Vote Klopp – the man who knows how to win
Should Jürgen Klopp be prime minister? As Liverpool move within two points of their first league title for 30 years, their manager is being hailed as an international model of leadership.
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Russia accused of training German neo-Nazis
Is Russia a threat to Europe? Germany says that a paramilitary camp near St Petersburg trains neo-Nazis in close combat. And, yesterday, Vladimir Putin held a huge military parade in Moscow.
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Eight rules promise wisdom and happiness
Does life need rules? The School of Life says that you should “know your insanity” and “accept your idiocy”. But countless thinkers have tried and failed to convince us to follow rules before.
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Arctic on fire as temperature records broken
Are we facing the end of the world? Or a new beginning? With a heatwave in Siberia, the climate crisis is more alarming than ever – but many see a moment of opportunity.
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Found! Largest prehistoric structure in UK
Were we happier in the Stone Age? 4,500 years ago, a thriving culture in Neolithic Britain built vast structures with only stone tools. Experts think we have been going downhill ever since.
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Grief and questions over senseless killings
Is lack of mental health care the key problem? A midsummer day in a Reading park was ripped apart by a knifeman. Three victims are dead. Today, a nation in shock must ask why it happened.
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Bombshell books that could be Trump’s doom
Might Trump resign this summer? He has weathered an impeachment trial, a pandemic, and the historic Black Lives Matter protests – but two explosive new books could prove the final straw.
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‘Life has not been the same without football’
Does football do more for society than politics? The Premier League returned last night, a day after Marcus Rashford scored a triumphant victory over the government on free school meals.