La questiologie ou l'art de poser les bonnes questions: Frederic Falisse at TEDxPantheonSorbonne

Summary

In this thought-provoking discussion, the speaker emphasizes the power of asking questions as a tool for expanding our understanding and challenging our assumptions. Drawing inspiration from Socrates and Einstein, the speaker introduces the concept of 'questiology,' the art and science of asking diverse and reflective questions. By changing the stance and mental actions behind our questions, we can multiply possibilities and unlock new paths for growth in both personal and professional lives. The speaker stresses the importance of asking better questions to address the complex challenges of the 21st century, urging individuals to foster greater curiosity and reflection.

Takeaways

• 😀 Asking questions is a daily act, but we often limit ourselves to just 15% of possible questions, primarily seeking information that confirms our worldview.
• 😀 'Questiology' is the art and science of asking varied and reflective questions that expand our understanding and perspective.
• 😀 Socrates was one of the first to emphasize the importance of asking questions that provoke reflection rather than just seeking answers.
• 😀 Modern education often focuses on interrogation (questions with known answers) rather than fostering reflection and critical thinking through Socratic questioning.
• 😀 Einstein’s genius came from asking new, groundbreaking questions rather than simply answering old ones, as seen in his theories of time and space.
• 😀 Questioning from different stances (actor, observer, or reflective thinker) can lead to different insights and opportunities.
• 😀 Mental actions (like summarizing, analyzing, or comparing) are crucial in shaping how we approach problems and arrive at new solutions.
• 😀 Asking a question that shifts someone's stance can help them become aware of their assumptions, as demonstrated by the student reflecting on their exam fears.
• 😀 Changing the structure of questions (e.g., doubling the verb) can dramatically alter someone’s perspective and open new possibilities for thought.
• 😀 By using just four basic stances and ten mental actions, you can multiply the possibilities for questions and responses by 40 times, leading to richer insights.
• 😀 The ultimate goal of questiology is to foster the ability to ask better, more varied questions in personal, professional, and societal contexts to tackle complex challenges.

Q & A

Why do we typically ask the same types of questions, limiting ourselves to only 15% of the possible questions?

We tend to ask questions that confirm our perception of the world and our map of the world. This natural inclination to seek confirmation limits the range of questions we ask, focusing only on those that affirm what we already believe or understand.

What is the concept of 'comprendre' and how does it relate to how we ask questions?

'Comprendre' comes from the Latin 'comprendere,' meaning to grasp with intelligence or to gather into a coherent whole. When we ask questions, we seek to understand things in terms of our existing map of the world, which often limits us to a narrow range of inquiry.

How did Socrates' approach to questioning differ from the typical way we ask questions today?

Socrates used questions to provoke deep reflection and to allow individuals to discover their own reasoning, rather than simply providing answers. He believed in causing others to examine their own thinking and map of the world, a method which contrasts with the current educational system that primarily focuses on questions with known answers.

What is the key principle behind Socratic questioning and how does it contribute to learning?

The key principle behind Socratic questioning is to ask questions that lead individuals to examine how they think and to discover their underlying beliefs and assumptions. This approach fosters reflection, self-awareness, and deeper learning, rather than simply memorizing information.

How does the traditional school system in the 21st century use questions differently from the Socratic method?

In the 21st century, the school system tends to use questions primarily for evaluating students, often expecting only one correct answer. This is in contrast to the Socratic method, where questions are used to stimulate critical thinking and personal reflection, rather than merely testing knowledge.

How did Einstein's approach to questions revolutionize physics?

Einstein's genius lay in forming new questions rather than simply answering existing ones. For example, by asking, 'What hypothesis do our current theories make to explain celestial movements?' he challenged the established view and proposed revolutionary ideas, such as the relativity of space and time, which transformed physics.

What is meant by 'questiology' and why is it important?

Questiology is the art and science of asking questions. It is important because it helps expand our thinking by encouraging the use of a wide variety of questions. By learning to ask different kinds of questions, we open up new possibilities and solutions, both in personal and professional life.

What are the two main ways to vary the types of questions we ask, according to the speaker?

The two main ways to vary the types of questions are through changing the stance from which the question is asked and suggesting a mental action. Changing the stance invites the respondent to look at the issue from a different perspective, while a mental action involves prompting them to use different cognitive processes, like analyzing, summarizing, or imagining.

What mental action did the teacher suggest to the student to help him overcome his fear of failing an exam?

The teacher suggested the student to reflect on the worst-case scenario—what would actually happen if he failed the exam? This mental action helped the student realize that failing one exam would not prevent him from pursuing his future career, thus reducing his fear and broadening his perspective.

How does questioning open up new opportunities for both personal and professional growth?

By asking different questions, we allow ourselves and others to see beyond the immediate constraints of a situation and uncover new possibilities. Whether in personal relationships or professional contexts, varied questioning opens doors to new ideas, strategies, and solutions that would otherwise remain hidden.