beg the question

Definition

To engage in the logical fallacy of begging the question (petitio principii).

Etymology

Translating Latin petītiō prīncipiī, itself translating Ancient Greek τὸ ἐν ἀρχῇ αἰτεῖσθαι (tò en arkhēî aiteîsthai, “to assume from the beginning”).

Example Sentences

• "The objection is that the argument begs the question, meaning that the premise, that God has all the virtues, assumes the conclusion, that God is benevolent."
• "1860, Henry Adams, letter, 6 May However I hope we shall do better as we go on and as long as there's no dodging or begging the question on our side, I'm not afraid."
• "Three people were hurt in the fire at the warehouse last night, which begs the question: what were they doing there in the first place?"