Apr 4 • ❓ Ask & Apply
Complex Questions: A Complete Guide
1. What is a Complex Question?
A complex question (also called a loaded question or fallacious question) is a deceptive inquiry that:
- Presumes unproven assumptions
- Combines multiple issues into one
- Forces the respondent to accept hidden premises
Key Feature: It cannot be answered simply without agreeing to its built-in assumptions.
2. Types of Complex Questions
Refer to the image attached.
3. How to Recognize a Complex Question
Ask yourself: Does this question contain hidden claims?
- "Why are you so lazy?" → Assumes laziness exists.
- Does it force me to accept a false premise?
- "How often do you lie to your boss?" → Assumes you lie.
- Is it impossible to answer simply without self-incrimination?
- "Are you still abusing drugs?" → Any answer ("yes" or "no") implies past abuse.
4. How to Respond to a Complex Question
Strategy 1: Identify and Reject the Hidden Assumption
- Question: "Have you stopped stealing office supplies?"
- Response: "I have never stolen office supplies, so the question is invalid."
Strategy 2: Break It into Parts
- Question: "Why do you oppose justice and support criminals?"
- Response: "First, I don’t oppose justice. Second, my stance on criminal reform is..."
Strategy 3: Reverse the Burden
- Question: "When did you stop being racist?"
- Response: "What evidence do you have that I was ever racist?"
Strategy 4: Reframe the Question
- Question: "Isn’t your policy just a way to control people?"
- Response: "My policy is about [X]. The word 'control' misrepresents it."
Strategy 5: Decline to Answer
- Question: "How many times have you lied under oath?"
- Response: "That question is based on a false premise, so I won’t entertain it."
5. Dangers of Answering Complex Questions
Refer to other attached image.
Key Takeaways
✔ Complex questions are manipulative – don’t fall into the trap.
✔ Never accept hidden assumptions – expose them first.
✔ Break down, reframe, or reject deceptive questions.
✔ Stay calm – emotional reactions play into the questioner’s hands.
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Complex Questions: A Complete Guide
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