Sneak Peek: Fetal Heartbeat, Gay Marriage, LGBT in School, and Praise for SSE

This is our final batch of Spectrum Street Epistemology (SSE) videos from Hungary and Romania—and this week, we are releasing an extra on Friday. We hope you’ve enjoyed this series of conversations on controversial topics from Eastern Europe. Here is a preview for our Substack subscribers: 

Tuesday 

Before having an abortion, women in Hungary are required to listen to the heartbeat of their fetus. The Hungarian government passed this resolution in 2022. In this discussion, six people in Pécs, Hungary consider the merits of the new law. The participants offer diverse viewpoints on the ethics of abortion, including a mention of the “baby Hitler” dilemma. The emotional impact of hearing the fetal heartbeat is used as an argument on both sides of the claim. 

Wednesday

Gay marriage is legally unrecognized in Romania. In this discussion, three Transylvanians consider if the law should change. The players consider homosexuality in history, the influence of religion on marriage, and marriage as a human right. One participant claims that homosexuality is not natural, arguing that life and society depend on a Tao-like balance between masculine and feminine energies.

Thursday

Six people in Pécs, Hungary discussed the claim, “LGBT issues should not be allowed to be discussed in schools.” The players spread across the spectrum with responses ranging from “Strongly Agree” to “Strongly Disagree.” Debate arose about age-appropriate sex education and the role of school vs. family in transmitting moral values. We hear what it would take to change many of their minds.

Friday

After several rounds of SSE conversations, Peter Boghossian asked a group of participants for their feedback. The group offered resounding approval for the technique as a tool to avoid conflict when discussing controversial topics. One gentleman from India was particularly impressed, saying he had never felt comfortable sharing his opinion before. If you’ve been thinking about trying SSE, the comments here should convince you to jump in!

Since these are our final videos in the series, let us know which conversation(s) you found most interesting. Have you adjusted your thinking on any of the topics explored in Eastern Europe?