Questions vs Answers: Is There an Unequal Balance?

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In summary, our intuition suggests that there should be an equal amount of questions and answers in the entire information field. However, for every answer, there can be multiple possible questions. It is not possible for one question to have multiple answers. This raises the question of whether there are indeed more questions than answers. Some argue that correctly settled questions have one unambiguous answer, while others believe that some questions have an infinite number of answers. Despite this, it can be concluded that the quantity of questions and answers in the information field is equal.
  • #1
Max cohen
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Our intuition says that in the entire informationfield there should be an equal amount of questions and answers. But...for every answer there are multiple possible questions although it is not possible for one question to have multiple answers.

So...then are there indeed more questions than answers?
 
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  • #2
Max cohen said:
Our intuition says that in the entire informationfield there should be an equal amount of questions and answers. But...for every answer there are multiple possible questions although it is not possible for one question to have multiple answers.

So...then are there indeed more questions than answers?
If two questions have the same answer, why would you count them as different questions? Or why would you say every question can have only one answer?
For instance,
Q1: What is today?
Q2: What is the day after yesterday?
Q3: What day of the week begins with "M"?
A1: Monday.
A2: The day before Tuesday.
A3: Today.
How are you counting Qs and As?
 
  • #3
Max cohen said:
Our intuition says that in the entire informationfield there should be an equal amount of questions and answers.

Speak for yourself!
I think that many-many relationships are more natural than 1-1 relationships, because a 1-1 relationship is a subset.

To me, a many-many relationship is the default (intuitive) position, unless evidence suggests otherwise.
 
  • #4
honestrosewater said:
If two questions have the same answer, why would you count them as different questions? Or why would you say every question can have only one answer?
For instance,
Q1: What is today?
Q2: What is the day after yesterday?
Q3: What day of the week begins with "M"?
A1: Monday.
A2: The day before Tuesday.
A3: Today.
How are you counting Qs and As?
The way I see it answers A1, A2 and A3 are really different formulations of the same answer. Namely, that thing that is defined by 'what today is'. There's just multiple ways of expressing it.

On the other hand, this would mean that multiple questions that result in the same answers are really the same question too. So...maybe it might be that there are an equal amount of questions and answers after all :rolleyes:
 
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  • #5
Q1: What is today?
Q2: What is the day after yesterday?
Q3: What day of the week begins with "M"?
A1: Monday.
A2: The day before Tuesday.
A3: Today.
You could say Q1, 2, A3 always refer to the same thing: Today. A1, 2, Q3 also always refer to the same thing: Monday. But when today is Monday, do Q1, 2, 3, A1, 2, 3 all refer to the same thing? Does "Today" refer to "Monday" on Monday, "Tuesday" on Tuesday, etc. Or do "Today" and "Monday" always refer to different things?
Some expressions (questions and answers) always refer to the same thing, and some expressions refer to different things depending on the context. Also, groups of expressions sometimes refer to the same thing, and sometimes don't. And so on. So again, it depends on how you count them. Remind you of constants, variables, equality, etc.? ;)
 
  • #6
Max cohen said:
Our intuition says that in the entire informationfield there should be an equal amount of questions and answers. But...for every answer there are multiple possible questions although it is not possible for one question to have multiple answers.

So...then are there indeed more questions than answers?

A correclty settled question bursts the science cutting-edge. you may ask too many questions, receive lots of answers, but just remain a dusty piece of meat. but just think out of the box - only clear, open-minded person can ask a good question, and find a right answer. the goal of science is to face the problem, solve it and use the solution. on the way there are lots of questions, and if a question is stated correctly it has one and only one unambigous answer.
got it?
 
  • #7
Max cohen said:
although it is not possible for one question to have multiple answers.

Some questions have an infinite number of answers. Where is a place to go? Excuse me, sir, where might I find a molecule? Even if the universe isn't infinitly large, I can narrow any place infinitly small, to provide an infinite number of answers. What is the point in space 2 cm to the left and 14 cm up from that? How about 17 cm. up. and 4 feet 3 inches behind it? etc. etc. proving there is also an infinite number of follow-up questions.

Since there are an infinite number of questions and an infinite number of answers, the quantity of both sets is equal.

Some questions have a lot of answers. Other questions don't have any answers. If you're still not convinced that there are an infinite number of questions/answers go here:
https://www.physicsforums.com/showthread.php?t=68
 
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FAQ: Questions vs Answers: Is There an Unequal Balance?

What is the difference between questions and answers?

The main difference between questions and answers is that questions are inquiries or uncertainties about a topic or subject, while answers are responses or solutions to those inquiries. Questions are used to gather information or seek clarification, while answers provide the information or clarification being sought.

Why is there an unequal balance between questions and answers?

The unequal balance between questions and answers can be attributed to a variety of factors. One possible reason is that people tend to ask more questions than they answer, especially in situations where they are seeking information or clarification. Additionally, the complexity or difficulty of a question may make it harder to find a satisfactory answer, leading to a larger number of unanswered questions.

How does the imbalance between questions and answers affect the pursuit of knowledge?

The unequal balance between questions and answers can have both positive and negative effects on the pursuit of knowledge. On one hand, unanswered questions can drive curiosity and motivate individuals to seek answers and further their understanding of a topic. On the other hand, an excessive number of unanswered questions can hinder progress and limit the acquisition of new knowledge.

Can the unequal balance between questions and answers be addressed?

There are various ways to address the unequal balance between questions and answers. One approach is to encourage more individuals to provide answers to questions, whether through education or incentivization. Another approach is to improve the quality of questions being asked, which can lead to more satisfactory and helpful answers. Additionally, utilizing technology and resources such as search engines can help bridge the gap between questions and answers.

How can we encourage a healthier balance between questions and answers?

To encourage a healthier balance between questions and answers, it is important to promote a culture of curiosity and critical thinking. This can involve fostering an environment where individuals feel comfortable asking questions and providing answers, as well as emphasizing the importance of both in the pursuit of knowledge. Additionally, promoting open communication and collaboration can lead to a more balanced exchange of questions and answers.

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