Begging the Question

Definition

Begging the question is a logical fallacy that occurs when an argument's conclusion is assumed in one of the premises. It is a circular argument where the conclusion is either directly stated or implied in the premises, making the reasoning invalid or uninformative.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Begging the question is considered an informal logical fallacy because it does not follow the rules of valid deductive reasoning.
2. The fallacy occurs when the conclusion of an argument is either directly stated or implicitly assumed in the premises, making the argument circular and uninformative.
3. Begging the question is often used in rhetorical arguments to make a claim appear self-evident or to avoid providing additional evidence or reasoning to support the conclusion.
4. This fallacy can be difficult to detect, as the circular reasoning may not be immediately apparent, especially in complex or lengthy arguments.
5. Identifying and avoiding begging the question is an important skill in critical thinking and evaluating the validity of arguments.

Review Questions

• Explain how begging the question differs from other types of logical fallacies.
  • Begging the question is distinct from other logical fallacies in that it involves a circular argument where the conclusion is either directly stated or implied in the premises. This makes the reasoning invalid, as the conclusion is not actually supported by the premises. Other fallacies, such as ad hominem or straw man arguments, involve different types of flawed reasoning that do not necessarily rely on circular logic.
• Analyze how begging the question can undermine the validity of an argument.
  • When an argument begs the question, it fails to provide any new information or reasoning to support the conclusion. The conclusion is simply assumed or restated in the premises, making the argument circular and uninformative. This undermines the logical validity of the argument, as the conclusion does not necessarily follow from the premises. Without additional evidence or reasoning, the argument cannot be considered a sound or convincing justification for the conclusion.
• Evaluate the importance of identifying and avoiding begging the question in critical thinking and analysis.
  • Recognizing and avoiding begging the question is a crucial skill in critical thinking and the evaluation of arguments. By identifying circular reasoning, one can better assess the logical validity and strength of an argument. This allows for more informed decision-making and the avoidance of faulty logic. Identifying begging the question is particularly important in complex or rhetorical arguments, where the circular reasoning may not be immediately apparent. Developing the ability to detect and challenge arguments that beg the question is a valuable tool in developing critical thinking and reasoning skills.

Related terms

Circular Reasoning: A type of logical fallacy where the conclusion of an argument is used as a premise, resulting in a circular, self-referential argument.

Premise: A statement or assumption that is used as the basis for an argument or conclusion.

Logical Validity: The property of an argument where the conclusion necessarily follows from the premises, regardless of the truth of the premises.