It is seldom the best method for communicating ideas clearly. Much better to articulate one's own perspective, rather than moving to shift the focus onto the asker. That's not much of an answer.
In fact, it's a logical fallacy that would be struck down in formal debate for attacking the messenger, instead of the message.
A little Socratic irony placed sparingly can be humorously effective, but generally, answers that leave a question at the end are unproductive. Do you agree, or perhaps disagree?
2007-05-29 12:07:15 · 26 answers · asked by Anonymous in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
Fish, are you playing "devil's advocate" by committing precisely the same fallacy that I described? OK, I'll use a different word. Largely? Customarily? Overall? Sheeesh.
2007-05-29 12:43:19 · update #1
I think the question marks are going to get a workout.
I agree with you but there are alot of answers that are obviously intended to attack so I am not surprised when I see someone attacking a messenger on this forum. Maybe they don't have anything valid to say and just want a couple of points. Although, I admit there have been times when I have used a question, but I'm sure they deserved it. ;P
2007-05-29 12:13:18 · answer #1 · answered by future dr.t (IM) 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I understand where you are coming from. Though there are times when a question is appropriate. Like if there is more detail needed to properly give an opinion or logical answer.
I do believe that this is a way to talk your way around things a little at times as the politicians often do.... Yet, it does divert some from the questioner.
I suppose if the questioner was more specific it would not be as counter productive as would be w/ more detail; now, would it?
2007-05-29 12:15:23 · answer #2 · answered by Jenblossom 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Why do you ask?
I understand what you are saying... however,occasionally answering with a question is the best answer...as it offers a suggestion without pushing an idea on the questioner or others listening in... and allows the hearers an unintimidating thought to process and decide for themselves.
2007-05-29 12:13:09 · answer #3 · answered by bonsai bobby 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
It helps open the asker and the answerers to other possibilities, don't you think?
Besides this isn't a debate or shouldn't be. It is a form designed for the free flow of ideas and opinions.
2007-05-29 12:12:19 · answer #4 · answered by Fluffy Wisdom 5 · 2⤊ 0⤋
I disagree. If you answer a question with a statement. (especially when it involves religiosity, or spirituality) then the asker feels you are imposing your own views on them. However if a question is answered with another question, then the person who inquired about, said topic, will be steered in the direction of weighing the facts in their own mind to come up with the answer.
2007-05-29 12:19:54 · answer #5 · answered by mishboka 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
What matters is the illocutionary force of the answer, not the literal grammar of it.
For instance, I could have said, "What matters is the illocutionary force, isn't it?" Grammatically, that's a question, but it communicates the same thing as my actual reply (before the example).
2007-05-29 12:12:11 · answer #6 · answered by Minh 6 · 1⤊ 1⤋
It is one of the best ways to teach. It improves reasoning ability; something that I have experienced is sorely lacking today.
2007-05-29 12:26:46 · answer #7 · answered by grnlow 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Yes, and so is generalization. Another fallacy.
2007-05-29 12:10:59 · answer #8 · answered by Fish <>< 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
For Questions unlock the answers.....
2007-05-29 12:10:32 · answer #9 · answered by Fog Bound 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I agree with you and I admit that I'm guilty of it myself.
I'll try to stop.
2007-05-29 12:10:51 · answer #10 · answered by Queenie knows it all. 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋