Why do people answer questions with a question, does that show intelligence?

Question

Namaste

Peace and Love

Answer 1

there is nothing wrong with that is there?

Answer 2

Sometimes in answering a question, another question comes up, and the answerer is just asking something along the lines of "so have you considered this as well?".... Sometimes the search for an answer is a matter of give and take, bouncing things back and forth, sometimes the answerer needs more information than what the asker provided....

Answer 3

I believe there can be several reasons for answering a question with a question. The person might not know the answer. The person might feel the question is not answerable by the use of our present language capabilities. The person might feel that the questioner already knows the best answer, and is directing the question back in order that questioner can find that best answer.

Answer 4

It's rhetoric that may or may not answer the question, but often does not. I see this mostly when people turn the question around on the asker, i.e. Why do you believe in God? -> Why don't you believe in God? This accomplishes little to nothing.

Edit: Sometimes such an answer is meant to make the other person think (whether to point out a logical flaw or to keep the idea of balancing forces), but I do believe it is more often used to avoid the question.

Answer 5

Answering a question with a question is like taking a Twix break.... gives the illusion of "I have the answer and I've given you a hint to come up with the answer on your own..." of course it could also mean they just thought of something equally important that THEY want answered and feel compelled to jump right in there seeking an answer... oh and why do you ask?

Answer 6

Good to have you back Digilook.

The following two quotes may answer your question.

The Buddha once explained that He responded to Questions in one of Four Ways.

http://www.accesstoinsight.org/tipitaka/an/an04/an04.042.than.html

Also that questions are not always asked out of ignorance. :-)

http://www.accesstoinsight.org/tipitaka/an/an05/an05.165.than.html

Answer 7

It does, if it's meant to make you think. Sometimes a short question in response to a question can help you understand your question better than a long, and windy answer.

Answer 8

It may be a desire to clarify what the asker seeks.

It may be a rhetorical device.

It may be a means to help the questioner realize the errors in logic contained in the question itself.

Answer 9

That's a bit black and white isn't it?

ROFL! That depends on the responder asking the question, what condition they are in in that given moment and what the question was

Take care you wonderful charactor you! LOL! :-)

Jamie

Answer 10

Sometimes the questioner isn't clear enough and to ask for clarification is a good thing.

Answer 11

Hello,

To answer a question with another question, to my understanding indicates Arrogance, Stupidity, or just the Inability to Comprehend what was asked.

BringBaka.