(Opinion) Bear Flat Dispatch: Why rhetorical questions?
Regular contributor Ken Boon lets his mind wander to some rhetorical questions in this latest column.
BEAR FLAT, B.C. — Occasionally my mind will wander somewhat as I wonder about things. This may prompt me to voice my curiosity or reflection with a somewhat rhetorical question such as: “With all of this snow, I wonder what the spring melt and run-off will be like?”
Ah yes, rhetorical questions, where there may not be an actual answer required.
AI gave me this definition: “A rhetorical question is a question asked to make a point rather than to receive an answer. It is often used to emphasize an idea or provoke thought without expecting a response.”
Growing up, I wish my teachers had asked more rhetorical questions instead of the other type that required a correct answer!
Out of curiosity, I asked ‘search assist’ if AI would recognize a rhetorical question for what it is: “AI can be trained to identify rhetorical questions, but its effectiveness may vary.
“Some models can recognize patterns and context that indicate a rhetorical question, while others may struggle with more nuanced or vague examples.”
That sounds about right, although I think some humans have the same problem.
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Finally, just for kicks and giggles, I asked if AI could answer a rhetorical question.
“AI can generate responses to rhetorical questions, but it may not fully grasp the implied meaning or emotional nuance behind them. It can provide answers that mimic human-like responses, but the effectiveness may vary.”
Ok, not surprising. Here are a few questions floating through my mind today:
- I wonder how the deer are going to come through this winter?
- Why does anyone like rap music?
- How did Trump get re-elected, and what possessed him to start this war with Iran?
- I wonder what name will be given to the Site C dam and reservoir, and who cares?
- What was wrong with Windows 10?
I occasionally bounce these sort of things off Arlene, but I must be careful.
Sometimes she responds by simply rolling her eyes or replying with her own rhetorical, “who cares?”, so I try not to overdo it.
After seeing the odd clip of Tucker Carlson at work, I appreciate how the misuse or over-use of rhetorical questions can be annoying.
So, with that, I will sign off with one final question. Why not use a rhetorical question to make your point?
Read previous Bear Flat Dispatch columns from Ken Boon, here.
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