Reblogged from @ The Chalk Face

This type of question is a popular tool in political discussions, and it totally bends the rules of a logical debate.  It’s designed for a specific purpose – to create a situation where the person being questioned can avoid answering, while also putting the burden of solution on an opponent, knowing that the opponent isn’t responsible for that.  Here are some rudimentary examples to illustrate it more clearly:

1. A member of the Senate Energy Committee says, “You don’t like the fact that gas-powered cars are warming the planet? What do you suggest we drive instead?” It’s not an opponent’s responsibility to provide that answer.  Also, the turning question makes the assumption that we must find something new to drive, rather than working on some other solution. Read the rest…