register
 
 
language

What's wrong with saying or writing "beg the question"?

asked by apple (426)

You have 50 words left!
 
 
related questions

Can the police question a suspect without reading the Miranda rights?

How can you improve your English writing?

What are some good writing tips for children?

What are some of the highest paying writing companies in existence?

What are some writing tips for writing an article?

What can I do if a policeman is writing someone the wrong ticket?

Why do people answer a question when the question was asked to someone else?

Tags:  language

answers

Nothing is wrong with saying or writing it, but a lot of people are mistaken about its true meaning. It does NOT mean "to prompt or invite the question", although this is a common misuse. In fact, it relates to a type of flawed argument, whereby you avoid addressing the question, by ASSUMING something already to be true.

reply
posted by Heloise (395)
7 votes

Begging the question is what's called a logical fallacy where something is assumed without actual proof, like saying "she's ugly because she is unattractive". There is nothing wrong with using the phrase, it's just the use of the fallacy that's not accepted, because it is shoddy logic, lazy thinking.

6 votes

People use this phrase incorrectly to mean "raises the question." An example: "He says he hates that show. That begs the question of he always watches it." In fact, "begging the question" is a kind of logical fallacy using circular logic. If you say, "I hate crayons because they are not likable," you are begging the question.

6 votes

Report a post on this page as inappropriate
 If you have questions about user content, read our liability disclaimer

  
   
Add your own answer in 50 words or less! Add your comment in 50 words or less!

copyright © 2008 - 2010
conjecture corporation

FAQ About Us Contact Us Terms & Conditions Privacy Policy