The Rhetorical Question and Aporia: When Silence is the Best Answer

Sometimes, questions are designed not to be answered but to challenge our perceptions or provoke thought. These are questions that fall into the realm of the rhetorical or the concept of aporia. Let's explore the intricacies of such questions, including examples of rhetorical queries and the broader concept of aporia.

When Is a Question Not to Be Answered?

There are instances when a question, such as 'Are you crazy?', does not require an answer. This type of question, known as a rhetorical question, is intentionally unanswerable. The question "Are you crazy?" might be asked in a confrontational or humorous manner, and the response is not meant to be 'yes' or 'no'. Instead, the question itself serves to emphasize a point or create a moment of introspection.

The Paradoxical Question

Another type of unanswerable question is the paradoxical question. For example, consider the statement, 'I am a liar, everything I say is a lie.' This statement is inherently contradictory and thus unanswerable. Similar paradoxical questions include:

True or False?
Am I always right?

Rhetorical Question?
Do you really believe that?

Puzzle?
If all bachelors are unmarried, is a married man a bachelor?

Rhetorical Questions: Examples

Here are some real-life examples of questions that may be rhetorical, designed to make a point rather than elicit a response:

Your Girlfriend or Wife Asks:

Answer: Smile and kiss her, but do not answer. This avoids giving a definitive answer that might cause a rift in the relationship.

You're Pulled Over by a Cop:

Answer: Nod as if you're clueless, but do not answer. This keeps the situation from escalating and avoids providing any incriminating information.

Meeting a Friend at an Office Party:

Answer: Say you haven’t kept track of things of late, but do not state your political views. This maintains neutrality and avoids any potential conflict.

Aporia: The Philosopher’s Paradox

The concept of aporia is closely related to rhetorical questions and paradoxical statements. In philosophy, aporia refers to a state of puzzlement or a challenging question that has no clear resolution. This concept is also used in rhetoric to express doubt or create a sense of uncertainty.

A copypasta from Wikipedia defines aporia as:

Aporia (Ancient Greek: πορθ?σι?, aporíā)
Translit.: aporíā
Lit.: impasse, difficulty in passage, lack of resources, puzzlement
denotes in philosophy a philosophical puzzle or state of puzzlement and in rhetoric a rhetorically useful expression of doubt.

Aporia can be used to challenge viewers to think deeply about a topic or concept. By presenting a question or paradox that has no clear resolution, the speaker encourages the audience to reflect on their own beliefs and thoughts.

Conclusion

Questions that cannot be answered, whether through rhetorical means or paradoxical logic, serve an important purpose in both philosophical and rhetorical contexts. Whether you use them to avoid confrontation, challenge your audience, or express doubt, unanswerable questions can be powerful tools. Understanding the concept of aporia and how it is used in rhetoric and philosophy can enhance your ability to craft meaningful and impactful conversations.