Can a Question Truly Answer Another Question?

When it comes to answering questions, particularly in contexts like dialogue or inquiry, questions can indeed answer another question. This phenomenon is more prevalent than often thought, and it can serve various purposes, from deflecting inquiries to inciting deeper thought. Let's explore how and why a question can answer another question, and the implications and nuances of such practices.

Forms of Question-Answering Questions

There are several ways a question can answer another question. One common form is the rhetorical question, which often implies a negative answer or suggests an obvious truth. For instance:

Q: Are you Mr. X?
A: Why are you asking?

This response indicates that the person is not Mr. X without explicitly stating it. Another form involves providing information or prompting the questioner to think more critically:

Q: Why are you like this or like that?
A: Why not?

This answer encourages the questioner to consider their assumptions. In another example:

Q: Do you believe X or Y?
A: How about you?

This questions the questioner's stance, prompting them to consider their own beliefs.

Using Questions as Answers: A Strategic Tool

A question can also serve as an answer when the asker does not wish to provide a direct response. For instance, in political debates, politicians often use questions to deflect or avoid giving away sensitive information:

Q: How did Washington help cure polio?
A: Why are there only two shift keys? I mean really.

This counter question shifts the focus away from the original question, guiding the conversation to a different and more meaningful topic.

The Debate on Answering with Questions

While some platforms such as Quora frown upon answering questions with additional questions, they can be an effective communication tool. As Pearl Chen points out, answering with a question can:

Imply a negative answer or suggest an obvious truth.

Prompt the questioner to think more critically about their own beliefs or assumptions.

Redirect the conversation to a more meaningful topic, thus making the original question irrelevant.

Furthermore, if done thoughtfully, these question-based answers can be:

Helpful to the questioner by encouraging them to think critically. Useful in redirecting a conversation to a more relevant and meaningful direction.

Real-life Examples:

Frank: Are you Mr. X?
Questioner: Why are you asking?

This is a direct example of deflecting an inquiry without providing an answer. Another scenario is:

Frank: Why are there only two shift keys Isnt one enough?
Roger: I swear Frank…

This counter question shifts the focus away from the original question, indicating that the initial inquiry is not valid or relevant.

Conclusion

In conclusion, a question can answer another question, serving as a strategic tool for deflecting, prompting deeper thought, or redirecting a conversation. The effectiveness of this technique often depends on the context and the skill with which it is applied. Whether in everyday conversation or in more formal settings, understanding the nuances of question-based answers can greatly enhance communication skills.