The Gem. asks on R' Chiyah bar Ba "TAMAN TZERICHA LAY, VEKAH PESHITA LAY?!". seeming to imply that if he knew the answer why did he ask in the first place?!
1. We have many places in Bavli that the same person asks and answers. The Gem. actually uses the term "Hu Maysiv Vehu Mefarek" and it doesn't seem to be a problem. So why is this a problem in Israel?
2.R' Chiya Bar Ba answered by quoting R' Yose; implying that the answer came not from himself but from R' Yose.
3. Is it also not possible that at the time he asked he didn't know?
4. Is it also not a good idea to hear what others might answer?
Thank you for considering my questions.
alex lebovits, toronto, canada
It is very possible that the question was asked in a way indicating the questioner (Rav Chiya Bar Ba) did not know the answer, yet we know that he had previously clarified that he did know the answer. That is very strange indeed. I believe this understanding answers your questions. [When the Bavli uses "Hu Mosiv La.." it means that after someone asked a question he came to a conclusion after thinking about the subject.]
All the best,
Yaakov Montrose