Can why and how have the same answer sometimes?

Question

Can why and how have the same answer? Being that why means for what reason, cause, or purpose; couldn’t how something happened mean what caused it to happen or the reason it happened? Therefore the how it happened could also be why it happened?

Answer 1

Great question! So, from my personal perspective why and how can both help one arrive at a reasonable answer. For instance, asking why could be considered as a direct inquiry used to get basic information regarding a problem, solution or event. It allows the interviewer or scientist to make a decision about whether or not they need to investigate further. Alternatively, asking how is a possible secondary inquiry that can help enhance and demonstrate a particular hypothesis.

Answer 2

Interesting question! I think it's rare to see the same answer for a "how" and "why" question for the reasons Yasmin gave above, but it can happen (and without any confusion between the speakers). My instinct tells me it only happens in a limited number of informal, spoken situations. When writing a scientific report, for example, it wouldn't really be acceptable to use "why" and "how" interchangeably.

"Why did Jim walk into Mary?"

"(Because) He wasn't paying attention."

OR

"How did Jim walk into Mary?"

"He wasn't paying attention."

"Why are you so tired?"

"(Because) I stayed up until 3am."

OR

"How are you so tired?"

"I stayed up until 3am."

Answer 3

Your question made me stop and think.

WHY means the causation.

HOW means the mechanics of the actions were carried out.

A simple explanation.

WHY: A police officer stops you, WHY? You were speeding.

HOW: HOW did the police officer ascertain that you were, in fact, speeding? The police officer used a radar gun. A radar gun uses radio waves to detect and monitor moving objects.

This is fun to do. It requires logic and I just love logic. WHY don't you think of other situations. Then, think about HOW you know about these situations.

Have fun!.....Yasmin