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theBasiks

- 3 years ago

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When a person asks a question, do you think they want to see who agrees or to actually see other opinions?

Do people ask important questions only to people who they believe thinks the same as them, as not to feel uncomfortable in their beliefs? Do I? probably more than I realize.

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I tend not to ask questions, prefering to figure out the answer on my own. This is probably more of a trust issue than anything else. Allowing people to hear or see my raw thoughts and feelings is mostly a no-no in my book. When I do ask a question, though, I try to look for a person who'll understand and give me their real opinion. Do I want people to agree with me? Of course but I'm normally open to other open people's views on a subject.

When I ask a question, I'm looking for honesty. There was a time when that was not the case, though. But for the last fifteen years or so, intellectual honesty has been critical for me.

One of my biggest pet peeves. I can't stand it when I'm asked a question by someone who simply wants to tell me a story or rant about a topic. I'd much rather just be given a flyer or something so I can move on with my life...

Questions are sounding boards for your thoughts... you call out across the cravass to see if there's a reply.

I agree with @goldmoon that it depends on the motivations of the speaker. For me, I'll either ask about something in which I am agnostic or neutral (to gather opinions, see what's out there on the topic) or, more commonly, I'll ask a question for which I already have an answer in mind, looking for a satisfactory contrary response. I'm actively seeking information I didn't have or something that brings down my view in order that I may revise it be more correct. Like Carl Sagan said, scientists often (and philosophers do this too, though more rarely) say "well, that's a good point. My theory is shot" and then they change their minds and you never hear of that old theory again.

It depends on who is asking. Some people seek the answers to their questions. Others seek to know that they are not alone in their beliefs. Other people seek an argument. Personally, I find that I ask questions sometimes because I truly want to hear another's opinion and sometimes I just want to hear that others agree with me.

@theBasiks Fort Worth, Texas

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When a person asks a question, do you think they want to see who agrees or to actually see other opinions?

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When I ask a question, I'm looking for honesty. There was a time when that was not the case, though. But for the last fifteen years or so, intellectual honesty has been critical for me.

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krillinhazuki

Goldmoon

When a person asks a question, do you think they want to see who agrees or to actually see other opinions?

When I ask a question, I'm looking for honesty. There was a time when that was not the case, though. But for the last fifteen years or so, intellectual honesty has been critical for me.

One of my biggest pet peeves. I can't stand it when I'm asked a question by someone who simply wants to tell me a story or rant about a topic. I'd much rather just be given a flyer or something so I can move on with my life...

Questions are sounding boards for your thoughts... you call out across the cravass to see if there's a reply.

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