English

Noun

begging the question ‎(uncountable)

1. A logical fallacy in which a premise of an argument contains a direct or indirect assumption that the conclusion is true; offering a circular argument; circular reasoning.

   It is an instance of begging the question to argue that God can only do good deeds because God is good.

Verb

begging the question

1. (informal) present participle of beg the question

Usage notes

In common usage begging the question has recently become synonymous with "raising the question"; this usage is often proscribed.

Synonyms

• circular argument, circular reasoning (casual usage)
• hysteron proteron
• petitio principii

Derived terms

• beg the question