Yahoo Answers is shutting down on May 4th, 2021 (Eastern Time) and beginning April 20th, 2021 (Eastern Time) the Yahoo Answers website will be in read-only mode. There will be no changes to other Yahoo properties or services, or your Yahoo account. You can find more information about the Yahoo Answers shutdown and how to download your data on this help page.

?
Lv 6
? asked in Arts & HumanitiesPhilosophy · 7 years ago

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

I have said to many, there is no such thing as for the quest for knowledge is never stupid but I find myself wanting to give answers that would not become me or I it, as the case may-be! Later only to find new answers in relation to my stupidity! How is it with you? Do you have the urge?

7 Answers

Relevance
  • Tropos
    Lv 7
    7 years ago
    Favorite Answer

    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.

  • ?
    Lv 6
    7 years ago

    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

  • Anonymous
    7 years ago

    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!

  • Naguru
    Lv 7
    7 years ago

    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.

    Source(s): compiled.
  • How do you think about the answers? You can sign in to vote the answer.
  • 7 years ago

    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.

  • ?
    Lv 4
    7 years ago

    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.

  • ?
    Lv 6
    7 years ago

    Because of the yahoo answers guidelines.

Still have questions? Get your answers by asking now.