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Revision as of 05:03, 25 December 2007 by 24.145.222.83 (talk)(diff) ← Previous revision | Latest revision (diff) | Newer revision → (diff)A hypothetical question is one that is answered only in terms of validity, not soundness. Thus the question is designed to make a number of assumptions, and be answered as if those assumptions are true.
For example, a person may ask: Would you eat the moon if it was made of barbecue spare ribs? This question presupposes that the moon could be made of barbecue spare ribs, and asks only whether or not you would eat it. An objection based upon the composition of the moon is not an appropriate answer for the question, as that is given to be decided. Only answers such as yes, no or depends on what kind of sauce is available would be valid answers for this hypothetical question.
However, a hypothetical question need not be patently absurd. One of the most famous hypothetical questions is the one asked of Michael Dukakis in a 1988 presidential debate: "Governor, if Kitty Dukakis were raped and murdered, would you favor an irrevocable death penalty for the killer?"
More Examples
- What if there were no such thing as a hypothetical question?
- How much wood would a woodchuck chuck if a woodchuck could chuck wood?
- What if someone had a knife to cut us out of this hypothetical situation?
- Which would you rather fight, one queen-size mattress or two single-size mattresses?
- If you were a bear with chainsaw arms, what would be your stance on deforestation?
- What would you do if I cheated on you?
- What would you do if I slapped you?
- If trees screamed, would we be so cavalier about cutting them down?
- What if they screamed all the time, for no good reason?
- Would you rather have another sibling, or a toaster oven?