Asking One System, No System, and Conflicting System Questions
This framework categorizes questions into three types based on the reasoning required: one system (established procedure), no system (subjective preference), and conflicting system (multiple viewpoints with better or worse answers).
THE IDEA
Asking One System, No System, and Conflicting System Questions
There are a number of essential ways to categorize questions for the purpose of analysis. One such way is to focus on the type of reasoning required by the question. With one system questions, there is an established procedure or method for finding the answer. With no system questions, the question is properly answered in accordance with one’s subjective preference; there is no “correct” answer. With conflicting system questions, there are multiple competing viewpoints from which, and within which, one might reasonably pursue an answer to the question. There are better and worse answers, but no verifiable “correct” ones, since these are matters about which even experts disagree (hence the “conflict” from system to system).
Questions of Procedure (established- or one system) – These include questions with an established procedure or method for finding the answer. These questions are settled by facts, by definition, or both. They are prominent in mathematics, as well as the physical and biological sciences. Examples:
- What is the boiling point of lead?
- What is the size of this room?
- What is the differential of this equation?
- How does the hard drive on a computer operate?
- What is the sum of 659 and 979?
- How is potato soup prepared, according to established Polish tradition?
Questions of Preference (no system) – Questions with as many answers as there are different human preferences (a category in which subjective taste rules). Examples:
- Which would you prefer, a vacation in the mountains or one at the seashore?
- How do you like to wear your hair?
- Do you like to go to the opera? Which is your favorite?
- What color scheme do you prefer in your house?
Questions of Judgment (conflicting systems) – Questions requiring reasoning, but with more than one arguable answer. These are questions that make sense to debate, questions with better-or-worse answers (well-supported and reasoned or poorly-supported and/or poorly-reasoned). Here we are seeking the best answer within a range of possibilities. We evaluate answers to these questions using universal intellectual standards such as clarity, accuracy, relevance, etc. These questions are predominant in the human disciplines (history, philosophy, economics, sociology, art…) Examples:
- How can we best address the most basic and significant economic problems of the nation today?
- What can be done to significantly reduce the number of people who become addicted to illegal drugs?
- How can we balance business interest and environmental preservation?
- Is abortion justifiable?
- How progressive should the tax system be?
- Should capital punishment be abolished?
- What is the best economic system?
When to use it
In a business meeting, use this framework to classify the types of questions being asked to avoid debates on subjective preferences when a factual answer is needed.
In education, design assessments that include all three types to evaluate different cognitive skills.
In personal decision-making, recognize when you are dealing with a no system question (preference) vs a conflicting system question (needs reasoning) to choose the appropriate decision process.
In journalism, identify whether an issue is a matter of fact (one system) or judgment (conflicting systems) to frame reporting accurately.
FROM THEORY TO EVERYDAY LIFE
In practice
One System Question Example
What is the boiling point of lead? (factual) or How is potato soup prepared according to established Polish tradition? (established procedure)
No System Question Example
Which would you prefer, a vacation in the mountains or one at the seashore? (subjective preference)
Conflicting System Question Example
How can we balance business interest and environmental preservation? (multiple viewpoints, better or worse answers)
A MOMENT TO REFLECT
Put it to work.
Think of a current problem you are facing. Categorize the questions you are asking into one system, no system, or conflicting system. How does this categorization affect your approach?
When teaching, how can you design questions that move students from one system to conflicting system questions to promote deeper thinking?
Identify a controversial issue and list the conflicting system questions that experts debate. How do they differ from one system questions?
CONTINUE THE CONVERSATION
Source texts
- The Art of Asking Essential Questions Based on Critical Thinking Concepts and Socratic Principles (Linda Elder, Richard Paul)