Question: Explain what a deep question is to you

Martin Pickup answered on 25 Sep 2017:

Thanks for the question, it’s a good one!

A deep question, to me, is a question that gets behind the surface of things. The sort of question that makes you think about more general or abstract things. So, a question like ‘how do we measure time best?’ is a good and useful question, but the question ‘what is time and how does it work?’ is a deeper one. Or, for another example, think about some science theories you know. ‘Is evolution true?’ is a good question (I think the answer is yes!). But questions like ‘how do we choose between different scientific theories?’ or ‘what counts as science and what doesn’t?’ are deep questions in my mind. And that’s where philosophy gets going!

If you want to talk about this some more, do ask another question! And I’ll be around on Friday at the live event and at the living library if you want to chat in person (let me know if you need details)