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Fallacies from Chapter 3 - 5469

Begging the Question #1

Definition Model for Begging the Question #1

Fallacy	Begging the Question #1
Short Definition	Empty answer (different words - same meaning)
Long Definition	Give a restated conclusion as a premise for the conclusion
Form	A because A*
Keywords	because, the reason for
How to Explain	State which words have the same meaning
Example	I failed the test because I didn't pass it.

Notes on Begging the Question #1

1. When someone asks a question and someone else gives an answer that rewords the words asked in the question with different words, then we say the question was not answered or that the question 'goes begging' for an answer.

2. Begging the question sometimes works, even though it shouldn't, because some answer is given and the listener does not question it.

3. It's tempting to beg the question when we can't think of a good answer and we feel pressure to say something. Some questions are embarrassing to answer, but occasionally it's ok to say that we don't know or that we just don't wish to answer it. It's impossible to give an answer to every question that may be asked.

4. Sometimes a person knows the answer and intentionally begs the question in order to mislead or deceive us.

5. Begging the question is particularly hard to see in long arguments, due to forgetfulness.

6. It should be noted that many times begging the question occurs without an explicit question being asked, although the question is implied.

For example: 'I am well because I am not ill' implies the question: 'Are you well?'. This is an obvious case of begging the question.


7. Begging the question on the Internet

Examples of Begging the Question #1

1. You want to know why I failed the test? I failed the test because I didn't pass it.

Analysis: 'failed the test' and 'didn't pass it' mean the same thing.