Tim's blog

The title “The invention of the question” may raise the question: “What question do you mean?”.
Well, here in this article I write about the concept of a question (the linguistical concept calls “question” which is in question now – a fun way to say it).
At first, an analogy to it: the number 0 was also an invention. First of all the argument was: “0 is not a number as nothing is expressed with it.” Since many centuries it is known to us humans that the zero is indeed a number. Yes, a special number with special properties but a number. It is the point of view in the course of the invention of this number which was hindering this improved number concept. The zero brought us great advancement in mathematics. This is so without any doubts.
Now, to the concept of a question: this concept is much older and much wider in use. The basic idea is that if a question is asked an answer is expected.
The problem with the concept of a question is a misunderstanding, especially in the western world. The thing is, if something else as a question is asked the misconception is that no answer is expected. Well, the question is technically a more narrow statement which is very explicit about the expected reaction. There is even the “closed question”, which already includes the possible answers.
The problem is nowadays that a statement does not require an answer. Well, in the sense of a reply or reaction this is untrue.
Here an example for better understanding. A person says to another person: “My car was stolen but I need to drive to the hospital to visit my wife.” Undoubtable, a reaction is expected to such a statement. It is a particular “answer” as a reaction to this confrontation which is expected. It may be the offer of help or just the expression of sorrow, but in the end a reaction is expected.
That being said shows the trouble. Many people (especially in the western world) only react to questions in an expected manner and the inability to human social conversation grows. tgo
There are even people existing, which cannot be convinced that a statement may also requires a reply.
People turn into logic machines with a sort of logical syntax in doing conversation. That is the best way to fade-out the high complexity of the real world and deal only with more abstract concepts.
Some people even thing it is a great advancement if the world is being perceived in only “developed abstract” thinking. This way of thinking is not greatness to deal with the real world but a more limited way of thinking. But thinking with mostly abstract models causes more and more to be unable to deal with unforeseen situations. Social competence is understood as just an area of expertise. Social competence is actually basic human skill. And yes, abstract thinking helps us also (but not only) for technological advancement but with an inability for instance to reply to a statement, the ability to deal with a changed environment is smaller.