Are obtuse questions a sign of ignorance?

Question

I hear people who are trying to act humble say, "That's because I ask such obtuse questions."

To me all questions have merit. I'd like to believe questions are not a sign of stupidity.

Answer 1

Yes, some questions are stupid.  In some cases it is because of the individual asking the question.  They may not be stupid but may like to ask stupid questions as a way of putting on an attitude.  Smart people also ask stupid questions at times.  I do believe, though, that you need to take the risk of sometimes asking stupid questions or expressing stupid ideas if you ever want to come up with something creative.

Answer 2

Every question makes some kind of statement. Mean and obtuse questions can show aggression or refusal to be socially subordinate. A group leader will not tell you where the party is on Saturday night if you are not a follower.

Answer 3

Wow, that's really difficult to answer!Assuming the definition of ignorant is some one unfamiliar with, or uncertain of the subject at hand,they may not be just trying to "act humble". They may actually be humbled by  the knowledge on the subject by the company at hand.To me this would indicate respect of the surrounding peer(s) and a desire to learn.Questions are one of the primary keys to learning,adjusting and fitting in.Seemingly stupid questions occasionally come from an outside the box thought process.Christopher Columbus asked himself if the world was really flat. In those days he was not only considered ignorant by scholars of the day, but an idiot. So were the Wright brothers who asked can we fly. What today is a stupid question ,may tomorrow be a modern marvel. I agree that all questions have merit,some more than others, but all have merit. We seldom know from what perspective a question is asked, until we can all read minds we seldom will,yet the answer is in the perspective.

Answer 4

A question is no ''dumb question'' if u do not kno the answer.

Answer 5

As I understand, and just read again, the definition of "obtuse", ignorance is a core "value" of "obtuseness", so, yes, obtuse questions are a sign of ignorance, and not stupidity as "John's Secret Identity For . . ." brings into discussion.  I disagree that "all questions have merit".  A lot of "questions" here on Answers ought to prove that.  God Bless you.

Answer 6

I would not go so far as to say all questions have merit, but an obtuse questions is not necessarily a sign of ignorance.

Answer 7

Some questions are stupid though.  There are cliches that are created in elementary schools like "sharing is caring" and "the only stupid question is the one that isn't asked".  Those sayings are designed for young minds.

Answer 8

Ignorance and stupidity are not the same thing.

Ignorance is when you don't know something.

Stupidity is when you fail to apply what you know.