Questioning Questions: Identifying Prior Questions
A technique for breaking down complex questions by identifying and answering simpler prior questions that they presuppose, thereby clarifying the logic of the original question.
THE IDEA
A complex question often depends on answers to other questions. Identify these “prior” questions before trying to settle the main issue. Some clarify terms; others expose assumptions or identify evidence you will need.
To answer the question “What is multiculturalism?” it would be helpful to first settle the question, “What is culture?” And to settle that question, it would be helpful to answer the question, “What are the factors about a person (nationality, religion, ideology, place of birth…) that determine what culture he or she belongs to?”
To construct a list of prior questions, begin by writing down the main question you are focused on. Then formulate as many questions as you can think of that you would have to answer, or it would be helpful to answer, before answering the first. Then take this list and determine what question or questions you would have to answer, or it would be helpful to answer, prior to answering these questions. Continue, following the same procedure for every new set of questions on your list.
As you proceed to construct your list, keep your attention focused on the first question on the list as well as on the last. If you do this well, you should end up with a list of questions that shed light on the logic of the first question.
Main question: What is history?
Prior questions:
- To what extent do all historians share the same goal?
- Is it possible to include all relevant facts of the past in a history book?
- How many of the events during a given time period are left out in a history of that time period?
- Is more left out than is included?
- How does a historian know what to emphasize?
- Can historical value judgements be objective?
- What variables might influence a historian’s viewpoint?
- Is it possible to simply list facts in a history book or does all history writing involve interpretations as well as facts?
- Is it possible to decide what to include and exclude and how to interpret facts without adopting a historical point of view?
- How can we begin to evaluate a historical interpretation?
- How can we begin to evaluate a historical point of view?
When to use it
Decomposing a research question in an academic paper before starting to write.
Clarifying the key issues in a political debate by breaking down overarching claims into underlying assumptions.
Structuring a business problem analysis by first asking what needs to be understood before the main question can be answered.
Improving personal decision-making by questioning the premises behind a difficult choice.
FROM THEORY TO EVERYDAY LIFE
In practice
Analyzing 'What is history?'
Before writing a history of a labor dispute, ask whose records survive, which events to include and what counts as a relevant cause. A company archive and workers’ letters may support different emphases. Answering these prior questions helps explain how the resulting history was constructed.
Analyzing 'What is multiculturalism?'
Main question: What is multiculturalism?
To answer this, first settle: What is culture? Then: What are the factors about a person (nationality, religion, ideology, place of birth…) that determine what culture he or she belongs to?
A MOMENT TO REFLECT
Put it to work.
What prior questions does a complex problem you're currently facing presuppose? Try listing them.
How can identifying prior questions help you avoid getting lost in vague or overly broad issues?
Think of a recent decision you made. What unaddressed prior questions might have improved your thinking?
CONTINUE THE CONVERSATION
Source texts
- The Art of Asking Essential Questions Based on Critical Thinking Concepts and Socratic Principles (Linda Elder, Richard Paul)