beg the question

From the Latin, petitio principii: to assert the truth of an unproven premise in the conclusion of an argument. Sometimes the unproven issue follows in the form of an indirect question.

John: "Legalization should not happen, because no one in their right minds would allow that to be legal!"
If John were to say this, his argument would beg the question, namely whether legalization is justified.

74👍 12👎

beg the question

Phrase that is now used instead of "raises the question" due to the fact that the true definition is unintelligible to most people, and has little to do with an actual question.

Best not to use it at all, as you will either sound ignorant to geeks, or geeky to regular people.

Common (wrong) usage:
That really begs the question, why did she do it?

Geek (right) usage:
I'm cooler than you, because you aren't as cool as me.
- beg the question -

39👍 18👎

Begging the question

When the evidence to support a person’s argument is the argument itself, just restated or said differently. Usually when the person making the claim can’t think of any reasons to support their own claim.

Person 1: Dogs are better than cats because they just are.
Person 2: What do you mean they “just are”? What is your proof?
Person 1: They’re just better ok, now will you shut up?
Person 2: Not until you stop begging the question!
Person 2 (in their mind): God this fucking guy…