SpielByWeb

[Rebelslayer]

Unless I knew the answer when I wrote it and the question I was really asking was "I think this has probably gone far enough, do others agree?".

Your answer to my stated question answered my unasked question!

Oops ... the thread will now keep going

[cpsof95]

Good answers, Rebelslayer.

I have two more:

1) You said that it's not stupid to ask a question to get information. As you pointed out, all my example questions can give information. But what if the information is completely useless? Like "On what weekday was the 523th oldest person in the 4th largest city in Uganda born?"

2) Circular questions: "Is this question stupid?" Actually I'm asking "Is it stupid to ask if this question is stupid?" Oh wait, I'm asking "Is it stupid to ask if it is stupid to ask if this question is stupid?" Ah, in fact I should ask "Is it stupid to ask if it is stupid to ask if is stupid to ask if this question is stupid?" Err, I could go on and on...

I might suggest that circular questions are stupid, as you never reach the end of the question to get the answer.

[Rebelslayer]

The answer to the first question woul dbe of interest to that person so its not stupid. With the second question, I you are actually asking the question not for the answer but to make a joke ... and trying to get someone to laugh (particularly in this way where noone is the butt of the joke) is definitely not stupid ...

keep trying!

[Rebelslayer]

If anyone wants to stop this post, the easiest way would be if you are in a game with me to take your turn! Otherwise I have to deal with the withdrawl symptoms some way!

[stargate]

wow -- I poke fun at myself and this thread goes ..............

Renee -- Thank You for your reply

[LuvHightide]

I am with you Bob !! I Never imagined that the "Stupid ?" would continue for so long..... Rebelslayer - if I was in a game with you, we would be taking turns not Analyzing the relativity of a ?----It's just an Old Wives Tale.. As is "The only Stupid ? is the One Not asked"

I guess some people have nothing better to do than to keep these threads going....

[Rebelslayer]

Yep ... no turns, and nothing better to do!

[wildscrpio]

My Mama says "Stupid is as Stupid does"...

Let's see if Stupid does as much as stupid is..........

[daveszum]

I prefer to think that the question itself is not inherently "stupid". Rather, it is the motivation behind the question which would render some sort of judgment on the asker (such as stupid). For example:

1) A question asked with the intention of clarification is never stupid.

2) A question asked with the intention of showing one's knowledge or exposing another's ignorance is self-aggrandizing and may be considered arrogant.

3) A question asked with the intention of probing philosophy can risk the gamut of judgments. Some will think it stupid because they don't have a good answer. Some will think it wise because it probes the nature of reasoning. Some will just read and shake their heads in puzzlement and go watch television. Some will nod in understanding and smile in encouragement at the inquisitiveness of youth.

In all case, the judgment of the listener interprets the motive of the asker and, as such, is usually more a reflection of the thoughts and motives of the listener rather than that of the asker. This is why no one will ever be able to answer the question "Is there such a thing as a stupid question". The answer will be different for every person.

[cpsof95]

I'm confused, but I want to share this one:

http://www.stupidquestions.org/courtroom-humor.htm

[daveszum]

OK, that was a good point. Lawyer's questions do qualify as stupid in any rational person's viewpoint. I stand corrected........Example:

Lawyer (questioning expert witness): Doctor, how can you prove that the defendent's husband was dead.

Doctor: Because his brain was in a jar on my desk.

Lawyer: Isn't it possible that he was still alive?

Doctor: I suppose he could be practicing law somewhere.........

[stargate]