begging the question
The phrase "begging the question" originates from the Latin term 'petitio principii,' meaning 'assuming the initial point.' It is a logical fallacy where the conclusion is assumed in the premises.
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Definition
C1Logic
(formal, technical)A logical fallacy where an argument's premise assumes the truth of the conclusion instead of providing evidence for it.
Example
- Claiming that the government must be conducting secret research because they possess advanced technology is begging the question.
B2General
(informal, colloquial)Used incorrectly to mean that a statement or situation prompts a specific question.
Example
- The discovery of water on Mars begs the question of whether life could exist there.
Similar
Terms that have similar or relatively close meanings to "begging the question":
beg the questionrhetorical questionin questionpetitio principiiask the question