A prior question is a question whose answer is presupposed by another question – e.g., the question “What is the boiling point of water on earth at sea level?” presupposes we have answered other questions, such as “Can water boil?” and “Does altitude affect the boiling point of water?”

Complex interdisciplinary questions are questions with prior questions from multiple domains of thought – e.g., the question “How do we best restore the health of earth’s ecosystems?” entails prior questions in diverse domains such as chemistry, psychology, ethics, climatology, etc.

In this episode, Drs. Gerald Nosich and Linda Elder discuss prior questions and complex interdisciplinary questions, as well as effective approaches to answering them.

For over 40 years, the Foundation for Critical Thinking – along with its sister organization, the Center for Critical Thinking – have worked toward the advancement of critical societies. 

To see and register for upcoming events, courses, study groups, and so on, visit us at: https://www.criticalthinking.org 

We hope you will also become a member of The Center for Critical Thinking Community Online, which features the world’s largest digital library of critical thinking articles, guides, books, videos, and interactive exercises, along with exclusive webinars, guided study groups, a social media component, and more. Join our Community Online at: www.criticalthinkingcommunity.org 

We invite you to donate to our mission at: https://www.criticalthinking.org/donate.php 

Join us on social media: 

Facebook

https://www.facebook.com/CriticalThinkingFoundation/ 

Linkedin

https://www.linkedin.com/in/foundation-for-critical-thinking-a99b1455/

YouTube

https://www.youtube.com/@criticalthinkingorg