inquiry

Inquiry is the act of seeking information, knowledge, or truth through questioning, investigation, and examination of evidence. It can be informal, as when a person asks questions to learn something, or formal, as when institutions conduct structured investigations into facts, events, or policies. The term encompasses both the practice of questioning and the discipline of pursuing evidence-based conclusions.

Etymology: The word derives from Latin quaerere, meaning “to seek,” via Old French enquerre. In English, both inquiry and enquiry are used, with spelling variations reflecting regional preferences. In many contexts, “inquiry” is favored for formal or official investigations, while “enquiry” can appear in general or broad questions, though usage varies by jurisdiction.

Types and domains: Scientific inquiry refers to systematic investigation of natural phenomena through observation, hypothesis, experimentation, and analysis. Legal or public inquiries are formal investigations established by governments or organizations to determine facts and issue findings or recommendations. Educational inquiry, or inquiry-based learning, emphasizes students developing knowledge through questioning, exploration, and reflection. Professional inquiries may occur in journalism, auditing, or governance, each with its own standards and procedures.

Process and methodology: Inquiry typically proceeds through framing questions, gathering and evaluating evidence, reasoned analysis, and reporting conclusions. It relies on critical thinking, transparent methodology, and openness to revising conclusions in light of new evidence. In philosophy, inquiry is a central method for acquiring knowledge and is closely linked to theories of justification and epistemology.