Final answer:
The phenomenon where people or groups are deeply divided on an issue or position is known as polarization. This situation arises from differing values, beliefs, and attitudes toward policies and actions, and is fundamentally tied to the nature of political and personal liberty debates.
Step-by-step explanation:
A difference of opinion that occurs when people differ in their feelings about an aspect of life is brought into focus when they confront a particular issue. This phenomenon, when people or groups are divided intensely on an issue or position, is known as polarization. It is a common challenge in political and social debates where individuals or groups have starkly opposing views and no middle ground seems attainable. Such scenarios often emerge from deep-seated values and beliefs that shape a person's attitude towards specific policies and actions, leading to a societal dilemma without a clear resolution that satisfies all parties.
Politics and personal liberty issues like abortion, the death penalty, or the legalization of drug use often involve heated debates and lack a consensus across different levels of government and society as a whole. This division and lack of agreement stem from the fundamental nature of politics and the diverse array of human desires and needs.
Value theory is a field within philosophy that examines these types of debates, where evaluative statements about what is good or bad are analyzed. It helps individuals think critically about values that underpin their opinions, and in turn, understand the root causes of conflict within society.