Wonder

Bear Flat Dispatch. March 14, 2026.

Occasionally my mind will wander somewhat as I wonder about things. This may prompt me to voice my curiosity or reflection with a somewhat rhetorical question such as “With all of this snow, I wonder what the spring melt and runoff will be like?”

Ah yes, rhetorical questions, where there may not be an actual answer required. AI gave me this definition: “A rhetorical question is a question asked to make a point rather than to receive an answer. It is often used to emphasize an idea or provoke thought without expecting a response.”

Growing up, I wish my teachers had asked more rhetorical questions instead of the other type that required a correct answer!

Out of curiosity, I ask Search Assist if AI would recognize a rhetorical question for what it is:

AI can be trained to identify rhetorical questions, but its effectiveness may vary. Some models can recognize patterns and context that indicate a rhetorical question, while others may struggle with more nuanced or vague examples.

That sounds about right, although I think some humans have the same problem.

Finally, just for kicks and giggles, I ask if AI could answer a rhetorical question.

AI can generate responses to rhetorical questions, but it may not fully grasp the implied meaning or emotional nuance behind them. It can provide answers that mimic human-like responses, but the effectiveness may vary.

Ok, not surprising. Here are a few questions floating through my mind today:

I wonder how the deer are going to come though this winter?

Why does anyone like rap music?

How did Trump get re-elected, and what possessed him to start this war with Iran?

I wonder what name will be given to the Site C dam and reservoir, and who cares?

What was wrong with Windows 10?

I occasionally bounce these sort of things off Arlene, but I must be careful. Sometimes she responds by simply rolling her eyes or replying with her own rhetorical “Who cares?”, so I try not to overdo it.

After seeing the odd clip of Tucker Carlson at work, I appreciate how the misuse or over-use of rhetorical questions can be annoying.

So, with that, I will sign off with one final question.

Why not use a rhetorical question to make your point?