Is it wrong to ask a question you already know an answer to?

Question

I know this is not exactically the right area for this question, but I want to hear from the people here because this is where I ask most of my other questions.
Anyway, someone said it is unethical to ask a question you already know the answer. I sometimes do this, but it is because I like to hear what others have to say about something. Is that OK or do you think that is wrong?
And don't tell me to be so concerned with what others think. I appreciate what you are trying to do, but the reason why I am asking this is because I want to know what others think.
Thanks.

Answer 1

I was the one who said, "I feel that asking questions that you already know what specific answer you want is unethical."

If you are honestly seeking other views, then you would not "know what specific answer you want". You would be honestly questioning. What I feel is unethical is when someone asks people of X-religion how they believe, and then 20 people from X-religion answers. Then the person chooses the one person of their own beliefs (non-X-religion) because they agree with the askers opinion of those people. That, to me, is unethical.

In a true teacher/student relationship, the motive is to impart information to someone who is seeking that information. In this situation, a teacher who asks questions that they know the answer to works well. A teacher doesn't give the impression to their students that they do not already know the answer. Part of the purpose is to facilitate open communication and understanding. But if the underlying motives for the asker aren't honest, then I feel it is unethical. The true motives of the asker determines whether it is ethical or not. To pretend that one does not know the answer is a form of lying---and to me, lying is unethical.

I liked reading all of the answers here and seeing the different views. Thanks for asking this question.

Answer 2

Not only is it unethical, it is incredibly stupid and arrogant.

Why ask a question that you already (think you) know the answer to? You're obviously only trying to elicit responses and flame wars... you're not interested at all in obtaining knowledge, constructive criticism, or an opinion.

I see this coming a lot from ALL sides, not just the Christians, but the atheists too... although I can usually spot these kinds of questions from a mile away. Anything that starts with "Did you know" is that type of question, and should automatically be deleted.

Answer 3

Exactly what ethical principle are you accusing people of violating?

To ask a question that allows for a broad expression of opinion brings a new perspective to the asker and to anyone who reads the answer.

I think the person who commented on this to you has an extremely narrow view of what questions are. The Socratic teaching method involves the teacher asking questions of students that the teacher already knows the answer to. Are such teaching methods unethical? I don't see how.

Answer 4

For others that knew you already know the answer to your own question, it may sound a waste of time. But if your intention is to find a different reply maybe there is nothing wrong about it. More views about a question could even help you find your own perfect knowledge of the thing you wanted to learn.

Answer 5

There is nothing wrong with it. I already know the answer to most of the questions I put on here. I like to see what other people think, plus I see as a way to educate people.

Answer 6

It depends. If you're uncertain of your answer, or if the question is subjective then it's okay. Or if you make it clear that you know the answer and are testing people's knowledge, like a teacher asking a student something.
Otherwise you probably shouldn't. But if, like you say, you're trying to get other people's opinions then you're probably asking the sorts of questions to which there is not one right answer, so there's really no problem.

Answer 7

a lot of times I ask questions and I know some answers and want to hear other people's answers to see if they can tell me something new. For instance my son wasnt gaining weight..I know I need to sneak in calories...give him pediasure..whatever...but I wanted to see if anyone could tell me something clever I didn't think of. So to answer your question..no...I don't think it's wrong..and I think people who call it unethical have way too much time on their hands..they are the ones here of their own doing answering questions....some people take this way too seriously.

Answer 8

I don't see anything wrong with it. But it is particularly annoying when people ask questions to atheists or Christians only to pick the best answer that insults those asked to answer the question

1) Christians, what about this contradiction in your Bible?
Best answer: Those Christians are fools and the Bible is nonesense.

2) Atheists, if evolution is true, where are the transitional fossils?
Best answer: Evolultion is not proven; it is just a theory. There are no transitional fossils. Atheists will believe anything that supports their view.

Answer 9

Usually, as Y! Answers was made so you could learn about something you don't already know (as in genuine need of help). However, I feel it is acceptable to look for people who might be more experienced than you in a matter and have suggestions to avoid mistakes.
I also am "annoyed" by people who ask a question about a group of people just so they can bash them and THAT is against the rules.
"YOU MAY NOT POST CONTENT (or links to content, including photos):
8. to vent your frustrations, rant, make statements, or otherwise violate the question and answer format. "

Answer 10

Of course not.

Questions are used to teach, and are in fact one of the best ways to teach.

We ask our children questions to make them think. We ask each other questions for the same reason sometimes.

And, like you have said, sometimes we want to understand why people disagree with us. Certainly nothing "wrong" with that.