Just asking questions
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About
"Just asking questions" (JAQ) is a rhetorical deception aimed at making an argument seem weaker than it actually is. The technique involves asking questions that are either irrelevant or are easily answered. This makes the questions feel, to an uninformed observer, like serious objections. The JAQ-er may additionally argue that the lack of answers shows a weakness in the position against which it is being used.
This works particularly well when there is no platform for response, though it can also be effective even when there is one.
It is also known as "JAQing off".
Related
Similar but different concepts include:
- Sealioning, which is more about continual questioning (often just "why?") of the premises behind any position
- The Gish gallop