English Language & Usage Asked on January 17, 2021
For example, if someone asked "Why is the sky green?", you would not even be able to answer it because the question itself is wrong (edit: assuming that the sky was in fact blue). Is there a formal name for this kind of phrase/question?
Let us assume for the purpose of argument that the sky cannot be green (although as commented, it may be green in some circumstances).
The question is then based on a
false premise = an incorrect proposition that forms the basis of an argument or syllogism. Since the premise (proposition, or assumption) is not correct, the conclusion drawn may be in error. However, the logical validity of an argument is a function of its internal consistency, not the truth value of its premises.
Contemporary examples might be "Why is the world flat?" or the current American president's saying "Why did I win the election?". With careful bias and factual cherry picking, both might be pursued logically for a while but eventually run up against reality and lose validity.
Such questions might therefore be described as false premise questions; I only offer this phrase; I cannot think of a single word that expresses this concept.
Correct answer by Anton on January 17, 2021
I believe I found the term you are looking for: suggestive question.
According to the Wikipedia article (emphasis mine),
A suggestive question is one that implies that a certain answer should be given in response, or falsely presents a presupposition in the question as accepted fact.
Answered by hb20007 on January 17, 2021
It can be referred to as a false premise, as it is premised on the idea that the sky is green. It can also be called a loaded question:
A loaded question or complex question is a question that contains a controversial assumption (e.g., a presumption of guilt).[1]
The question contains the assumption that the sky is green.
Answered by Acccumulation on January 17, 2021
These are sometimes call Mu questions.
The term derives from Japanese, and is rooted in Zen Buddhism traditions of illogical and rhetorically-impossible word/mind puzzles.
Answered by New Alexandria on January 17, 2021
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