What Is a Leading Question and How Are They Used?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the concept of leading questions and their implications in conversation and argumentation. Participants explore definitions, examples, and related terms, including the use of vague sources in arguments.

Discussion Character

  • Debate/contested
  • Conceptual clarification

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants define leading questions as those designed to guide answers or create subtext that may not address the underlying issue.
  • Another participant suggests that a leading question might also be referred to as a complex or loaded question.
  • There is a proposal that the use of vague sources in arguments could be termed an appeal to popularity or a dubious question.
  • One participant introduces the term 'directing question' as synonymous with leading questions and suggests that the concept may relate to legal contexts.
  • Several posts include humorous remarks and anecdotes, which may not directly contribute to the main topic but reflect the participants' engagement.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the definitions and implications of leading questions and related concepts. There is no clear consensus on the terminology or the categorization of these questions.

Contextual Notes

Some definitions and terms are presented without full agreement on their meanings or implications, indicating a need for further clarification and discussion.

Who May Find This Useful

Individuals interested in debate, argumentation, and the nuances of questioning techniques may find this discussion relevant.

billy_boy_999
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what do you call a question that is meant to guide the answer, or a question that is designed to create a subtext that the answer won't cure...

eg.

1. How can you justify wasting valuable money on such frivoloties?
2. Are you planning to let this problem ride itself out?
3. What plans does the administration have in place to address the impending crisis in Haiti?

and what is the word for a reference to a vague 'source' in making a detached accusation or assertion?

eg.

1. Some critics would argue that...
2. What do you say to those who suggest...?
 
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1. Complex question (loaded question).

2. This might not really be a fallacy (or a weak argument, as has been suggested that fallacies really add up to) since it doesn't really matter who raised the given objection to your thesis; the question is whether a given objection can be reasonably defended against. However, we might call it an appeal to popularity, since a given appeal to vague authority might reference a popular objection.
 
A 'directing' question is A leading question...'vague source' is a dubious/questionable question, as for creating a subtext that the answer will not cure, probably a mis-leading question...but this is approaching, or is, law...
 
thx guys

(The message you have entered is too short. Please lengthen your message to at least 10 characters.)

Phbbt! :-p
 
billy boy 999 said:
(SNIP)[/color]designed to create a subtext that the answer won't cure...
(SNoP)[/color]
A dodge...!
 
Sounds like connotation :wink:
 
Question: How do you know when a lawyer is telling a lie?

Answer: When he opens his mouth.
 
You know how copper wire was invented?

A couple lawers were fighting over a penny.
 
Hello everyone.This is my first post on a forum like this and I'm sure glad that I found it.I enjoy debating subjective ideas because none of us can be wrong.
The right and wrong atmosphere of my day job gets old.Discussing ideas and opinions is what I enjoy.Hope to learn from y'all and I will post my .02 cents occaisionally.
 
  • #10
WELCOME humbucker!
 

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