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What Is a Hypothetical Question?

Alan Rankin
Alan Rankin

A hypothetical question is one that deals with events that might possibly happen, rather than what has or has not actually happened. To narrow down the number of possible answers, the questioner usually sets up imaginary parameters, such as “What would happen if the sun went out?” This is often described as a hypothetical situation. A person who asks a hypothetical question may be seeking, or claim to be seeking, an impartial answer. The usual objective is to imagine the most likely scenario or scenarios that might occur in a given hypothetical situation.

Hypothetical questions are frequently used in public rhetoric and communications, as well as in everyday conversation. They should not be confused with rhetorical questions, which are questions that have no expected answer. Hypothetical questions are expected to be answered, but the answer has no bearing on actual events, at least in theory. In casual conversation, the person who asks a hypothetical question may actually be trying to figure out the likely outcome for an action that he or she is considering. In public discourse, speakers may likewise have ulterior motives for employing hypothetical questions.

Hypothetical questions posed to witnesses in court proceedings usually result in a legal objection.
Hypothetical questions posed to witnesses in court proceedings usually result in a legal objection.

Scientific studies have shown that certain kinds of hypothetical questions can influence the person who hears them, whether the questioner intends it or not. For example, the question “How likely are you to vote for Candidate X?” tends to subtly cast Candidate X in a positive light, especially when asked by the candidate’s pollsters. A more neutral question might be “Which candidate are you likely to vote for?” The questions in public opinion and scientific surveys, in which accuracy is paramount, are worded to emphasize neutrality. In advertising and public relations, which are intended to sway and persuade the public, questions may be worded deliberately to further these ends.

A person may ask a friend a hypothetical question to help them figure out the likely outcome of an action they are considering.
A person may ask a friend a hypothetical question to help them figure out the likely outcome of an action they are considering.

“Hypothetical question” is also a legal term in the justice systems of the U.S. and other countries. This usually refers to a question posed by an attorney in witness testimony. In general, questions should be confined to the evidence and testimony particular to the case, and hypothetical questions may result in a legal objection. In some instances, however, a hypothetical question may be relevant. An expert witness, for example, can describe the likelihood of a hypothetical situation occurring, as long as it falls entirely within the field of his or her expertise.

Politicians might put out a hypothetical question to make a point.
Politicians might put out a hypothetical question to make a point.

Science, particularly theoretical physics, also depends upon hypothetical questions and situations. These are sometimes called “thought experiments.” Instead of describing situations that have not occurred, they describe situations that science does not yet fully understand. By applying all the known facts and speculating about the results, scientists can actually achieve insights and advance knowledge through these thought experiments. This practice is particularly useful for scientific fields in which observation and experiment are impractical or impossible, such as quantum mechanics or astrophysics.

Discussion Comments

RoyalSpyder

Overall, I feel like hypothetical questions are best reserved for court cases. For the most part, it gives you time to reflect on your actions, whether you're guilty or innocent. For example, if someone has been convicted of murder, the judge could ask them if they would have done anything differently, if they knew the outcome. While it's too late to go back and fix the problem, it's a good way to bring closure to the case.

Viranty

Does it annoy anyone else when you ask a hypothetical question, and yet some people won't acknowledge that, and take it as a real question? However, in some cases, it may be because one party is only asking the hypothetical question because they known they've done something wrong, and they're trying to cover up for it.

For example, let's say a five year old broke a lamp when his father wasn't home. Later on, if the kid were to ask if he'd get punished for breaking a lamp, the father has every right to jump to a conclusion, since it's very obvious that the kid is trying to cover his tracks. Although this isn't always the case, from rhetorical questions to hypothetical ones, they can lead to some very interesting analyses.

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    • Hypothetical questions posed to witnesses in court proceedings usually result in a legal objection.
      By: Junial Enterprises
      Hypothetical questions posed to witnesses in court proceedings usually result in a legal objection.
    • A person may ask a friend a hypothetical question to help them figure out the likely outcome of an action they are considering.
      By: Francesco83
      A person may ask a friend a hypothetical question to help them figure out the likely outcome of an action they are considering.
    • Politicians might put out a hypothetical question to make a point.
      By: Photo_Ma
      Politicians might put out a hypothetical question to make a point.