More Than One Correct Answer?

@worldwise1 (14885)
United States
November 25, 2007 9:34pm CST
I read something today that gave me pause: There is more than one correct answer to most questions? True or false? That's sort of like saying that nothing is all black or all white, isn't it? I think the statement is true only in cases where the person you are trying to convince is receptive to the idea. For other situations I just don't see it being true. I'd be interested in knowing how you feel about the question.
4 people like this
10 responses
@carolbee (16230)
• United States
27 Nov 07
Yes I do believe there is more than one correct answer to any question. Each indididual has their own perception about a question and the answer.
2 people like this
@carolbee (16230)
• United States
27 Nov 07
And you are right, the law rules. Your discussions are so interesting.
@worldwise1 (14885)
• United States
27 Nov 07
I find it hard to disagree with that, carolbee. Each person seems to have their own opinion of what's right and what's wrong, except when it comes to the law.
1 person likes this
• United States
26 Nov 07
There are certain things that are either black or white, you can't play around. A crime, a theft, a murder all of these are definitely black and nobody can argue about that. But there are other issues that can go by nuances such as a white lie. Let's speak about manipulation, some people will think it is bad to manipulate while others will say I had no choice in order to get it done. Have a great day
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@worldwise1 (14885)
• United States
27 Nov 07
If that is the case, assertive, then why are there different degrees of crimes? Does the degree change the answer?
1 person likes this
@sigma77 (5383)
• United States
26 Nov 07
I think it depends completely on the question. For some questions, there may be only one answer at the moment. Then a new discovery is made and a new answer appears. Some question have only one answer and will always have only one. I think most questions have many answers, some which may be true and some not true. And perhaps there are times when we only see our own answers, whether they are right or wrong, it is what is true for us.
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@worldwise1 (14885)
• United States
27 Nov 07
Yes, sigma, and wouldn't it be wonderful if we could always be right?
1 person likes this
• United States
26 Nov 07
I look at it like this. There are three ways to look at things, your way, my way, and the true way.There are somethings that are black or white. Is a woman pregnant or not? Did a murder happen or not? But there are many questions that could have many answers.Most depend on the facts of the story. Like should a child always go to live with their mother after a divorce?Most of the time the answer is yes but what if the mother is unfit? Then the statement isn't black and white.Most of the time there are more than one good or even true answer.
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@worldwise1 (14885)
• United States
27 Nov 07
I agree with you, sarah, because you have to take the facts along with the situation. In some cases there is no doubt, but in some cases a person has to use their best judgment.
2 people like this
@gwendovere (1279)
• United States
26 Nov 07
I think you're right. Most questions aren't completely true or completely false. Which is why some t/f tests are very tricky!
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@worldwise1 (14885)
• United States
27 Nov 07
Very tricky, indeed, gwendovere! I have read quite a few whodunits in my day, and I know for a fact that the evidence does not always bear out the conclusion.
1 person likes this
• Australia
26 Nov 07
I guess it really depends on the question. If it's a math or science question, then there is usually only one correct answer. If, however, the question is a moral or ethical one, then there are many answers that may be given, as each persons answers will be based on their personal experiences and current situation. Because of that, there is no 'right' answer or conclusion that everyone can come to. It can also depend on how a question is written. People often perceive different things from the same text, based on their own background. Of course, each person probably believes that they are right. But that doesn't mean that there is only one correct answer, or solution, for every question. More, there is likely only one correct answer for that person, at that particular moment.
2 people like this
@worldwise1 (14885)
• United States
27 Nov 07
Therefore, kriszelunka, we would have to agree that except for certain situations there is not always a right or wrong answer.
1 person likes this
@hoghoney (3747)
• United States
27 Nov 07
I think that there is, it is like saying true and then they say (but) and then give your answer. It is like a two sided story per say. Hugs!
@anniepa (27955)
• United States
27 Nov 07
I don't think I'd say that applies to most questions but it does to some. As in the controversial issues like politics and religion, many things are subjective and a matter of opinion. Of course, we all think OUR opinion is the correct one...lol! Annie
• United States
26 Nov 07
It depends on what the question is.
2 people like this
• Canada
26 Nov 07
I think it has more to do with the subject of the question itself (and how its phrased) than a person's receptiveness. Is this cup yellow? is a yes or no answer, and since its my tea cup I'm referring to here, yes is the only correct answer. Once you start moving from questions regarding concrete items, or factual information, then definitely, questions can have more than one correct answer. The further you get into the realm of the spiritual, or the warm and fuzzy, the more likely there is no right or wrong answer. This holds true even in science. Science itself is based on the premise that you can never prove anything, only disprove it. Makes for very interesting discussion and debate, and a lot of grey area. Not in the factual results, but in the interpretation of those results.
2 people like this
@worldwise1 (14885)
• United States
27 Nov 07
You are absolutely right, jdfarmerca. Some questions do have a pat answer, but others must be perceived in the eye of the beholder, so to speak.
1 person likes this