“Begging the question, also known as circular reasoning, is a fallacy in which the premises include the claim that the conclusion is true or (directly or indirectly) assume that the conclusion is true” (nizkor.org). Basically, it is a bad argument that doesn’t really prove or conclude anything but rather just beats around the bush. Here is an example of begging the question:
“If Robert wouldn’t have got caught stealing, then the cops wouldn’t have arrested him.”
This is circular reasoning. It’s obvious; no shit he wouldn’t have been arrested if he didn’t commit a crime. This is a fallacy. A fallacy, just in case you don’t know, is described by dictionary.com as the following:
1. deceptive, misleading, or false notion, belief, etc.
2. a misleading or unsound argument.
3. deceptive, misleading, or false nature; erroneousness.
Every day people use fallacies and have no idea that they are doing so. Hopefully this post helps you catch someone next time they are just arguing in circles and you won’t have to waste your time!
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