begs\ the\ question — Traditionally, this meant that the speaker was assuming that which was to be proved; it now is used to mean raises the question, or the following question is begging to be asked. The fact that Jack recently has been spending so much time with… … Dictionary of american slang
begs the question — suggests this question, leaves this question unanswered That s a fine idea, said the Head Mouse, but it begs the question: Which one of us will put the bell on the cat? … English idioms
begging the question — The procedure of assuming what is at issue in an argument. Although the charge is commonly made, there is no logical definition of those kinds of argument that beg the question. In the widest sense, any valid argument might be thought to beg the… … Philosophy dictionary
beg the question — 1. if a statement or situation begs the question, it causes you to ask a particular question. It s all very well talking about extra staff but it rather begs the question of how we re going to pay for them. 2. if something that someone says begs… … New idioms dictionary
Begging the question — Bust of Aristotle, whose Prior Analytics contained an early discussion of this fallacy. Begging the question (or petitio principii, assuming the initial point ) is a type of logical fallacy in which the proposition to be proven is assumed… … Wikipedia
beg the question — means, strictly speaking, to question an unproved assumption that is used as the basis for an argument. For example, to ask ‘why do you listen to that rubbish?’ begs the question when the quality of the music is the point at issue. In general use … Modern English usage
beg the question — verb a) To engage in the logical fallacy of begging the question (petitio principii). The objection is that the argument begs the question, meaning that the premise, that God has all the virtues, assumes the conclusion, that God is benevolent. b) … Wiktionary
beg the question — 1) to make you want to know the answer to a particular question If she got caught stealing money and she s still here, it begs the question: What would she have to do to get fired? 2) formal to discuss a problem, issue, or fact as if it… … English dictionary
beg the question — phrasal 1. to pass over or ignore a question by assuming it to be established or settled 2. to elicit a question logically as a reaction or response < the quarterback s injury begs the question of who will start in his place > … New Collegiate Dictionary
To beg the question — Beg Beg, v. t. [imp. & p. p. {Begged}; p. pr. & vb. n. {Begging}.] [OE. beggen, perh. fr. AS. bedecian (akin to Goth. bedagwa beggar), biddan to ask. (Cf. {Bid}, v. t.); or cf. beghard, beguin.] 1. To ask earnestly for; to entreat or supplicate… … The Collaborative International Dictionary of English