1. Fundamental rules, beliefs, or ideas that are subjects of heated debate, disagreement, or public dispute
The new environmental policy was based on controversial principles that divided the scientific community.
A nova política ambiental foi baseada em princípios controversos que dividiram a comunidade científica.
2. Foundational concepts that generate strong opposing opinions or social conflict
The organization's controversial principles regarding free speech sparked widespread debate.
Os princípios controversos da organização sobre liberdade de expressão geraram um debate generalizado.