Beg the question
phrase
To assume what one wants to prove, creating a circular argument.
You claim I shouldn't eat meat because it's not ethical, but your proof relies on the assumption that eating meat is unethical, which begs the question
Often appears as...
- begs the question of
- just begs the question
Usage tips
Formal
Idiomatic
phrase
To increase or create a need for an answer or solution.
The latest budget cuts beg the question: where will the funding for our education system come from now?
Often appears as...
- begs the question of
- just begs the question
phrase
To assume what one wants to prove, creating a circular argument.
You claim I shouldn't eat meat because it's not ethical, but your proof relies on the assumption that eating meat is unethical, which begs the question
Often appears as...
- begs the question of
- just begs the question
Usage tips
Formal
Idiomatic
phrase
To increase or create a need for an answer or solution.
The latest budget cuts beg the question: where will the funding for our education system come from now?
Often appears as...
- begs the question of
- just begs the question
Definition 1 of 2
Pro Tip 1/3Logical Fallacy
Understand that using 'beg the question' this way points out a logical error.
Claiming the car is popular because many people buy it begs the question.
Pro Tip 2/3Not a Query
'Beg the question' doesn't mean to ask a question but to avoid one by assuming an unproven point.
His argument that the law is fair because it applies to everyone begs the question of its moral foundation.
Pro Tip 3/3Avoid in Debates
When debating, avoid 'begging the question,' as it might weaken your argument's credibility.
Saying that smoking is bad because it is harmful begs the question and undermines your argument.
Pro Tip 1/3Logical Fallacy
Understand that using 'beg the question' this way points out a logical error.
Claiming the car is popular because many people buy it begs the question.
Pro Tip 2/3Not a Query
'Beg the question' doesn't mean to ask a question but to avoid one by assuming an unproven point.
His argument that the law is fair because it applies to everyone begs the question of its moral foundation.
Pro Tip 3/3Avoid in Debates
When debating, avoid 'begging the question,' as it might weaken your argument's credibility.
Saying that smoking is bad because it is harmful begs the question and undermines your argument.
Pro Tip 1/3Logical Fallacy
Understand that using 'beg the question' this way points out a logical error.
Claiming the car is popular because many people buy it begs the question.
Pro Tip 2/3Not a Query
'Beg the question' doesn't mean to ask a question but to avoid one by assuming an unproven point.
His argument that the law is fair because it applies to everyone begs the question of its moral foundation.
Pro Tip 3/3Avoid in Debates
When debating, avoid 'begging the question,' as it might weaken your argument's credibility.
Saying that smoking is bad because it is harmful begs the question and undermines your argument.
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