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Discussion » Statements » Rosie's Corner » What, if anything, is the value of rhetorical questions? Why do you think so?
RosieG

What, if anything, is the value of rhetorical questions? Why do you think so?

Posted - December 21, 2017
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Responses


  • 216
    They are only good for stating the obvious. Most times a rhetorical question doesn't merit an answer because it's not actually a legitimate question.  
      December 21, 2017 6:35 AM MST
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  • 3191
    Many aren't even legitimate statements. 
      December 21, 2017 6:42 AM MST
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  • 216
    That is true. I guess they could just be considered fillers, or something along that line. 
      December 21, 2017 6:44 AM MST
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  • 3191
    Often they are simply opinions wearing the mask of a question mark. 
      December 21, 2017 6:58 AM MST
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  • 113301
    Who decides whether or not it is legitimate? By what right does such person presume to  know better than others who think it is legit? Thank you for your reply and Happy Thursday to thee LC.
      December 21, 2017 7:05 AM MST
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  • 216
    By the very nature of the word rhetorical:  of a question) asked in order to produce an effect or to make a statement rather than to elicit information.
      December 21, 2017 7:10 AM MST
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  • 5354
     
    - A question may be asked to make the person asked think. Zen Buddhism particularly use this as a method of teaching.

    - A question may be asked to impress your own dogmatic opinions on others. Indoctrination rather than teaching. Check out O-uknow's questions for samples. He seems to do this a lot.

    - A question may be asked to generate feelings of togetherness in the audience, "we all know the right answer to this, we are great!", usually used in political speeches.

    There are probably more :-))
      December 21, 2017 6:54 AM MST
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  • 113301
    Nice JakobA! My Philosophy teacher in Junior College did that a lot. That was my favorite class because it consisted mostly of the back-and-forth of the students with occasional priming by the teacher. I never much liked the classes where you sat silently and then the last 5 or 10 minutes were allotted to ask questions. A question is pertinent in the now..not the later. At least for me. Thank you for your reply!  :)
      December 21, 2017 7:04 AM MST
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