A hypothetical question is a type of inquiry that explores a situation or scenario that is not real but is imagined for the sake of discussion or analysis. These questions often begin with phrases like "What if..." and encourage creative thinking or problem-solving. They can be used in various fields, including philosophy, psychology, and education, to stimulate critical thinking. In conversations, hypothetical questions can help individuals consider different perspectives or outcomes. For example, asking, "What if Albert Einstein had never developed the theory of relativity?" prompts people to think about the implications of that scenario on science and society.