Begging the Question Fallacy | Definition & Examples

During debates, discussion, casual conversations and group talks, we all depends on some reason to support our claims. However all reasons are not valid, one common step we all take is begging the question fallacy. This is the process of sneaking into argument and distorting the truth. This gives the sound arguments for all and spotting the weak one. In this article post, you will explore begging the question fallacy and how it works in real life scenarios.

Let’s begin with what is begging the question fallacy!

This is the process of circular reasoning also called logical fallacy in which the conclusion is assumed in advance. In the post you will get to understand the main differences in begging the question vs circular reasoning with argument fallacies examples. There is no independent support for claim and argument simply restates the conclusion.

What Is Begging the Question Fallacy?

Begging the question definition:

Begging the question fallacy occurs when an argument premise is assumed instead of any support. In other words the argument goes in circles without any real support and evidence. This sometimes hides in plain sight and no sound logic is present. The original claim is simply repeated many times. What is begging the question fallacy? is general question that everyone wants to know and this can be clear from below example:

For instance begging the question example: “Reading is advantageous because it’s good for all”

The above sentence is correct and sounds convincing at first sight and gives a clear picture of what is begging the question fallacy? But on deeper there is no real support for the beginning of the question sentence. Why is it advantageous? The only answer given for the above questions was because it is good for you. The conclusion is being assumed.

More begging the question example:

The senator is honest because she always tells the truth.”

This statement assumes first and tries to prove. The premise (“she always tells the truth”) is just a different way of stating the conclusion (“the senator is honest”). There is no other independent evidence of her honesty provided.

Ghosts are real because I saw a ghost.”

This argument assumes that what the speaker saw was indeed a ghost, without proving that what was seen couldn’t have been something else. It assumes the conclusions of ghosts are real.

Understanding the Concept of Circular Reasoning

The concept of circular reasoning is common logical fallacies where the conclusion of an argument is assumed in its very premise and instead of offering the support proof, the argument is believed as truth. As you read in the beginning of this blog about begging the question, logical fallacy meaning has been explained in brief. Understanding these common logical fallacies gives clear ideas about circular reasoning that doesn't move the conversation forward and sticks to a premise that claims conversation in sentence. It presents a claim and then proves it by simply restating the whole claim in the sentence.

For instance: begging the questions examples: “I’m very intelligent because I always come first in class.” This kind of argument of common logical fallacies might sound convincing at first, but on closer look reveals that nothing special has been added in the sentence.

The sentence begging the question of logical fallacy just relies on the claim of premise and without any support or claim the statement just spins in a circle. Circular reasoning is often used unintentionally and makes false logical fallacies explained in sentences.

How Does Begging the Question Affect Arguments?

Begging the question might not seem like a major flaw at first but it lacks the signal of real support and logic. It may seem logical or pervasive but in deep this fallacy weakens the integrity of the whole argument. How it impacts the quality and effectiveness of reasoning has been explained below:

ü It prevents genuine dialogue

ü It undermines credibility

ü It confuses the audience

ü It fails to convince

ü It Prevents clarity in the conversation

ü It weaken the integrity of any argument

ü It impacts the quality and effectiveness of reasoning.

Key Characteristics of the Begging the Question Fallacy

For avoiding and recognising the begging the question fallacy it is important to understand all the features of the begging the question fallacy.

Following are the key features of the begging the question fallacy:

v The Conclusion is assumed in the premise of the sentence as the example of begging the question fallacy.

v The circular structure is one of the important key features of the begging question fallacy gives the illusion of logic while failing to move further.

v The lack of independent evidence is another important key feature where the sentence rather than offering logical, factual, and empirical evidence loops back to the original claim of the sentence.

v The begging the question sentence is pervasive but unproven, as it sounds convincing especially when wrapped in strong language. But it lacks real meaning in the sentence.

Common Examples of Begging the Question in Everyday Life

Begging the Question vs. Other Logical Fallacies

What is begging the question fallacy is just not the same as logical fallacies that will be cleared from below differences.

Begging the question vs circular reasoning

Ø Begging the question is a specific type in circular reasoning, where the premise itself makes the sentence enough to be proved.

Ø Circular reasoning is a broader category where it includes any reasoning where the conclusion loops backside to the premise.

Ø Circular reasoning vs begging the question examples:

Ø Begging the Question: “God exists because the Holy book says so, and the holy book is true because it is the word of God.”

Ø Circular reasoning (more obvious): “God exists because God exists.”

Why Is Begging the Question a Problem in Critical Thinking?

Begging a question is really a problematic for several reasons such as following:

· It stifles real debates such as it doesn’t allow for the possibility of being wrong as it assumes truth in advance

· It creates intellectual laziness, like instead of offering real proof for the arguments; the main part of the reason is skipped.

· It lacks persuasive power, as it doesn’t change the mind of those person, who don’t agree with your arguments.

How to Identify and Avoid This Fallacy in Arguments

Begging the question can be identified by spotting fallacy. It can be tricky, especially when it is phrased in a more sophisticated way. Here are some of the questions to ask you while evaluating an argument.

1. Is the conclusion simply a new version of the premise?

2. Would anyone be persuaded by the reason?

3. Does the argument is assumed true without any evidence and support?

The following are points that will help you in avoiding the fallacy in arguments:

· Test your arguments structure: In case the premise and conclusion are the same, the argument can go in a circle. Therefore try to explain it to someone else to see its repetition.

· Define your terms clearly: Sometimes begging the questions from wrong terms and long definitions. Be specific with your terms and definition. Don’t assume share definitions.

· Use independent evidence: Try to support your claims with data and facts and do not rely on the truth of the claim.

· Address counter arguments: For fallacy arguments acknowledge opposing viewpoints and respond to them with strong evidence. These help in creating your credibility and avoid circular arguments.

Practical Tips to Strengthen Logical Reasoning

v Practice, repeat and reflect, these three terms with regular use can improve your logical reasoning. For this, engage in debates, write descriptive essays and be reflective on your thought process to grow over the time.

v Organise your thought clearly, for this use bullet points, outlines and diagrams to structure your reasoning. This helps in understanding and better communication.

v Be aware of cognitive biases: Try to approach each topic of the sentence with an open mind and seek out all different perspectives.

v Consider all the counter arguments: Thinking like opposite mind views can strengthen your position and consider the fact that you have to think from all sides and from multiple angles.

Conclusion

Finally it can be concluded that begging the fallacy question is one of the most insidious and subtle forms of flawed reasoning. It dodges the real work of reasoning and supporting evidence. In the day to day conversations, debates and essays try to learn, recognize and avoid fallacies that will help you in making conversation clear, logical and more convincing. Recognizing and avoiding circular reasoning for fallacies is essential for maintaining the integrity of sentences. At last it is advised to you to find flawed reasoning and moves closer to discovering right proof based on solid and on independent evidence. Remember for all fallacy arguments acknowledge opposing viewpoints and respond to them with strong evidence. These will assist you in creating your credibility and avoid circular arguments.