Why is it OK to ask stupid questions and not OK to answer in the same context?

Well lets replace the colloquial usage of the term "stupid" and its connotations, and replace it with "badly thought out" at least for the time being. Why is a badly thought out question a good thing? Because everyone is badly thought out on many subjects. And the first step in changing that is to ask questions(which will tend to be badly thought out). If I get your question right, you're asking why an answer that is also badly thought out is not OK? I think it's OK to attempt to answer a question in a badly thought out manner in order to provoke discussion, perhaps finding conflicting positions that promote self-correction and more thought out answers in the future. One must do one's utmost to gauge one's accuracy, and how much thought has been put into a subject. To overstate an answer can certainly be harmful, far more likely to be than a badly thought out question.

In the end there is no such a thing as a stupid question Long ago a man asked why is it I cannot fly .What a stupid question you have no wings . Lets say the question was stupid and the answer was clever To-day man can fly so the need for a stupid question to bring into being a great advance is clear . I will ask a stupid question .What if money had no power and could only be used to transfer goods and services . what if banks could not sell credit and pretend it is money Would we have had the finace crash

It isnt, but it doesnt stop it happening. I must admit I frequently answer questions I shouldnt, but sometimes its just too tempting. I know some questions are deliberately provocative and thats fine, or take a counter view, and thats fine too. Even the ones which end up in the wrong section can be quite fun. I love the ones that can be misinterpreted, they are often the best, where you just answer exactly what has been asked, not what was wanted!

It depends on various other factors. The rule says, there is nothing wrong in being cunning to a cunning person. It is called Tit-for-Tat.

When people ask dumb questions in philosophy section like this, I do not feel obligated to give any answers. They may mistake me as if I am sarcastic. They may twist it to their own advantage and squarely put the blame on me.

My mentor has given the following strong instructions to me.

1. Never argue about such issues with a fool. He will drag you to their own bottom level and ditch.

2. Secondly never argue with a drunkard. Then it is difficult to know who is sane and who is drunkard.

3. Thirdly arguing with a woman is just like getting arrested. Everything you say can and will be used against you only. Therefore be careful, alert and vigilant.

Apparently it is okay to answer in the same context. I've seen some of the stupidist answers chosen "best" by the Asker. It makes me wonder if they are in cahoots.

Asking a question already costs you 5 points while answering one earns you two points. From this scoring system, we know where the expectation lies.

Because of the yahoo answers guidelines.