Begging the Question: Etymology, Literal and Conceptual Meanings
Etymology of “Begging the Question”:
The phrase “begging the question” has its origins in ancient Greek philosophy, specifically in Aristotle’s work “Prior Analytics.” The original Greek term is “petitio principii,” which translates to “assuming the initial point.” The concept was later translated into Latin as “petitio principii” and eventually made its way into English as “begging the question.” The term has retained its fundamental meaning throughout its linguistic journey, encompassing both rhetorical and logical dimensions.
The use of “begging the question” in academic discourse can be traced back to the 16th century when it was employed to describe a specific type of logical fallacy. Over time, its application expanded beyond the realm of formal logic to encompass rhetorical devices that subtly assume the truth of the proposition being argued. Today, “begging the question” is a versatile expression employed in various academic disciplines to critique circular reasoning and to highlight instances where an argument lacks proper evidential support.
Literal and Conceptual Meanings of “Begging the Question”:
Literal Meaning:
- Circular Reasoning: At its core, “begging the question” in its literal sense refers to the use of circular reasoning, where the conclusion of an argument is implicitly assumed in one of its premises.
- Assuming What Needs to Be Proven: It signifies the fallacious practice of presupposing the truth of the proposition under discussion, thus failing to provide substantive evidence or valid reasoning.
Conceptual Meanings:
- Rhetorical Device: In a rhetorical context, “begging the question” serves as a stylistic device where a speaker or writer strategically assumes the validity of their point without offering explicit evidence. This can be a deliberate choice to emphasize a position or sway an audience.
- Logical Fallacy: In logic, “begging the question” is identified as a formal fallacy, denoting flawed reasoning that undermines the integrity of an argument by relying on premises that are, in essence, the same as the conclusion.
Understanding the etymology and the nuanced literal and conceptual meanings of “begging the question” is crucial for scholars and academics engaged in critical analysis and argumentation across diverse disciplines.
Begging the Question: Definition as a Logical Fallacy
“Begging the question” is a logical fallacy where the conclusion of an argument is assumed within one of its premises, leading to circular reasoning. It occurs when the reasoner relies on an assertion that requires proof as if it were already proven, thus failing to provide substantive evidence or valid support for the argument. This fallacy undermines the logical structure of an argument by presupposing the truth of the very proposition being debated.
Begging the Question: Types and Examples
| Type of Begging the Question | Description | Example |
| Circular Definition | Defining a term by using the term itself in the definition, providing no new information. | Example: “The supernatural is that which cannot be explained by natural laws because it is beyond the natural realm.” |
| Assuming the Conclusion | Presupposing the truth of the conclusion without offering independent evidence, rendering the argument circular. | Example: “The Bible is the word of God because God inspired it, and we know this because the Bible says so.” |
| Begging a Complex Question | Posing a question that assumes the truth of a particular viewpoint, often creating a false dilemma. | Example: “Have you stopped cheating on exams?” (Assumes the person was cheating without evidence.) |
| Question-Begging Epithet | Using biased or loaded language in a way that assumes a particular stance or perspective, rather than providing objective evidence. | Example: “The so-called ‘experts’ continue to spread misinformation.” |
| Begging the Question by Ignoring Key Issues | Failing to address crucial aspects of the argument and instead assuming the truth of the conclusion. | Example: “The economic policy will be successful because it’s the right thing to do.” (Fails to address practical details.) |
Note: These examples illustrate different manifestations of begging the question, showcasing how the fallacy can manifest in various forms within logical reasoning.
Begging the Question: Examples in Everyday Life
- Circular Health Claims: Example: “This herbal supplement is effective because it promotes well-being, and well-being is achieved through the supplement.”
- Political Begging the Question: Example: “The policy is just because it aligns with our values, and our values are the basis for determining what is just.”
- Religious Circular Reasoning: Example: “Our faith is unshakeable because the scriptures are divinely inspired, and we know they are divinely inspired because our faith tells us so.”
- Employment Assumption: Example: “He’s the best candidate because he has the experience required, and we know he has the experience because his resume says so.”
- Circular Advertising Logic: Example: “Our product is the most popular because it’s the top choice among consumers, and we know this because our sales are the highest.”
- Questionable Academic Assertion: Example: “The theory is true because it’s supported by many experts, and we consider these individuals experts because they agree with the theory.”
- Circular Relationship Justification: Example: “Our relationship is perfect because we never argue, and we never argue because we’re perfect for each other.”
- Assumed Culinary Superiority: Example: “This restaurant serves the best pizza because it uses the finest ingredients, and these ingredients are the best because they come from this restaurant.”
- Questionable Financial Assurance: Example: “Our investment strategy is foolproof because it always yields profits, and we can trust it because it’s a foolproof strategy.”
- Circular Critique of Technology: Example: “This new gadget is revolutionary because it’s cutting-edge, and it’s cutting-edge because it incorporates revolutionary features.”
These examples highlight instances where the reasoning involves assuming the truth of the conclusion without providing independent evidence or valid support, illustrating the common occurrence of begging the question in everyday life.
Begging the Question in Literature: Suggested Readings
- Aristotle. Prior Analytics. Translated by Hugh Tredennick, Harvard University Press, 1938.
- Eco, Umberto. Semiotics and the Philosophy of Language. Indiana University Press, 1986.
- Quine, W. V. O. Word and Object. MIT Press, 2013.
- Searle, John R. Speech Acts: An Essay in the Philosophy of Language. Cambridge University Press, 1969.
- Tarski, Alfred. Logic, Semantics, Metamathematics: Papers from 1923 to 1938. Translated by J. H. Woodger, Hackett Publishing Company, 1983.
- van Benthem, Johan. A Manual of Intensional Logic. Center for the Study of Language and Information, 1988.
- Walton, Douglas. Informal Logic: A Pragmatic Approach. Cambridge University Press, 2008.
- Wittgenstein, Ludwig. Tractatus Logico-Philosophicus. Translated by C. K. Ogden, Routledge & Kegan Paul, 1922.
- Woods, John. Paradox and Paraconsistency: Conflict Resolution in the Abstract Sciences. Cambridge University Press, 2003.