What does the phrase 'begging the question' really mean?

Tabby Tom

According to Brewer's Dictionary of Phrase and Fable, it means: Assuming a proposition which, in reality, involves the conclusion. Thus, to say that parallel lines will never meet because they are parallel, is simply to assume as a fact the very thing you profess to prove. The phrase is a translation of the Latin term, petitio princip'ii, and was first used by Aristotle. Aug 24 02, 10:15 AM

Jack Flash

According to Fowler's Modern English Usage, begging the question is the fallacy of founding a conclusion on a basis that as much needs to be proved as the conclusion itself. Examples are that capital puinishment is necessary because without it murders would increase, and that democracy must be the best form of government because the majority are always right. Aug 24 02, 4:32 PM

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