Thursday Grammar: Begging The Question
posted by Matthew Wrather on Thursday, October 23rd, 2008 at 3:32pm
The phrase “begs the question” does not mean “raises the question.” “Beg the question” means “engage in circular reasoning” (within a single syllogism), or, more precisely, “assume the truth of the proposition you purport to be proving.”
For example, the fact that the phrase is so frequently misused does not beg the question of how our culture’s knowledge of the language we all supposedly speak has gone down the crapper.
Though it does raise it.
Gab on Thu, 23rd Oct 2008 5:46 pm
Well shit. I’ve misused that one myriad times before, thinking I was using it properly. Don’t I feel sheepish?
pavithra on Thu, 23rd Oct 2008 7:10 pm
lol. i feel stupid :D i will probably be avoiding that one in the future…as now i have abso no clue wat it does mean… keep em coming tho!
Watch Yer Language - Scavenger hunt on Thu, 23rd Oct 2008 7:49 pm
[...] At the aptly named Overthinkingit.com, Matthew Wrather covers the oft-misused “begging the question.” Quick poll: Does anyone think this distinction is worth [...]
ryan on Sat, 25th Oct 2008 2:17 pm
amen.
Jess on Tue, 28th Oct 2008 4:12 pm
Begtards…
Trying to be an A**hole on Mon, 24th Nov 2008 9:07 pm
Let us suppose that evolving language has changed the meaning of the phrase. Language has evolved, as we well know, and so therefore this phrase now means to raises the question.
The above is a lesson in question begging. One would then invoke the petitio principii and insta-gib any future arguements from this person. (This was paid for by Students Trying to Frustrate the Unintellegent.)