What does it mean to ‘beg the question’?

What is ‘begging the question’?

“Begging the question” is an argument that assumes that the argued point is already true and doesn’t provide any evidence to back up this claim. This logical fallacy, also known as a circular argument, is a rhetorical tool that’s often deployed to make an argument but can lose credibility due to the lack of proof.

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The original meaning of “begs the question” dates to the Ancient Greek philosopher, Aristotle, who launched the notion that an argument is begun by assuming the idea that it’s trying to prove. The idea made its way to ancient Rome, where it was referred to by the Latin term “petitio principii” which translates to “assuming the initial point.” The phrase “begging the question” comes from a questionable translation of that Latin phrase and has been in use since.

Examples of ‘begging the question’

When using the phrase “beg the question” in your writing, remember to imply that there is a question raised at the end of a faulty argument. An example of this might be:

• Seth claims that eggs are the best breakfast foods because eggs come from a chicken. Which begs the question: What about duck eggs?
• My neighbor claims that his dog is the best dog because his dog is the greatest. This begs the question: What makes his dog so great?

Notice that both examples call out the lapse in logical reasoning because the reasoning and the original point are either the same or don’t support each other and raise a secondary question that seeks clarification of the point.

Avoiding circular arguments

If you’re trying to make a point, a circular argument will cause you to lose credibility because it undermines your position. If you’re trying to defend an argument, present data, or persuade an audience, being able to make a case for something shows that you have a strong understanding of a concept. The basic formula for a circular argument is:

• A is true because of B. B is accurate because of A./li>

Since there’s no proof provided for A or B, there’s nothing to substantiate either claim.

When you’re making a circular argument, you’re using a different version of your original argument to make a point. You may hear this sort of logical fallacy often in political speeches, where a candidate will claim that he’s the best person for the job. This begs the question of just what makes the candidate qualified or skilled at the job at hand.

When you’re putting together a presentation or an argument, take a look at all the points you’re making and think about how you’re backing them up. There should be sound, clear evidence to support every claim you make. Not only will this show a solid understanding of the topic, but you’re more likely to convince your audience of your point.

How to use ‘begging the question’ correctly

When responding to an argument or using the term in your writing, use “begs the question” in response to a statement that suggests a faulty or impossible premise, which prompts you to ask follow-up questions.

There is a subtle difference between “begging the question” and “raising the question.” The former involves a flawed argument, and the latter is simply looking for additional information. “Begging the question” is not a replacement term for “makes me wonder”—it should very clearly refer to circular reasoning. While common usage allows for this swap, if you’re referring to rhetoric and logic, the two terms have separate, distinct meanings.

It’s also important to remember that the word “beg” should not be referred to in a literal sense when using “beg the question” in your writing. There should be no implication of pleading but should instead describe a question that’s prompted in the mind of the person hearing the fallacious argument.

There are other forms of logical fallacy, for instance a red herring or a straw man argument. Understanding what they are, how to write about them, and how to respond to them will make you a stronger writer and help you clearly communicate your ideas.