Are "it depends" type Answers to Questions on specific issues helpful in philosophy? ?

Question

Personally, and this is not an A to my own Q, I find that the "it depends" type A's usually dodge the focus of the philosophy Question. But hey, that's my opinion, what's yours--I mean answer- that is?

Answer 1

Well, it depends.

If I answer in such a manor it is because the question has assumed something that I am unwilling to assume and unless the questioner clears up the point I answer first with it depends where I demonstrate the consequences of an assuming question that ignores pertinent considerations.

Then I address the question from the assuming point of view.

Lets take this question for instance.

It seems to assume that "it depends" is not a valid way to respond to a given question.

But is this assumption valid?

Answer 2

it depends on the question being asked.

Answer 3

'It depends' is perhaps the one of the weakest explanations regarding any philosophical query. It depends - 'but on what', how does that impact the question. The question is still in a limbo. Which in turn has just killed the essence of philosophy.

Ultimate goal is to find underlying causes, effects, explanations, to make sense of the world around us. Break a question and analyze through many different approaches. Shed light on the mysteries of life. 'It depends' simply means we are still stuck on the one side of the river bank, magically hoping to land on the other side.

"What is your aim in philosophy? To show the fly the way out of the fly-bottle."

~ Ludwig Wittgenstein

Answer 4

...no, the answerer only confuses the issue with their indecision...

Answer 5

... well, it depends. hahaha. Sometimes people use it as a cop out from having to take a position. But it could also be the result of not wanting to generalize, etc. There is absolute truth in specific circumstances, but do you beleive there is absolute truth altogether? If so, then there should be no problem with governments/laws that enforce sexual morality, religion, etc. If you don't like your question questioned, then perhaps philosophy is not for you...

Answer 6

Well, of course, it all depends...doesn't it?

Answer 7

Well, "it depends" recognizes the necessity of context. Is killing wrong? How egregious it would be to create a blanket principle to a question like this. "It depends" is a perfectly justified response because knowing specifics is important. I might answer a question one way, but change that answer if I found out more information about the situation. So, are "it depends" answers to questions on specific issues helpful in Philosophy? It depends.

Answer 8

G It does depend, but the alternatives being implicitly considered must be clearly described. Conflicting interests or motivations that can determine perspective and outcome must be understandable.