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> begs the question I normally wouldn’t be pedantic about this but because this is a discussion about philosophy I have to point out that it doesn’t “beg the q
by finaliteration 7y ago
> begs the question
I normally wouldn’t be pedantic about this but because this is a discussion about philosophy I have to point out that it doesn’t “beg the question”. “Begging the question” is an informal logical fallacy where an argument’s premises assume that its conclusion is true so it ends up being circular. I think you mean it “raises the question”.
- SantalBlush 7y agoIt was clear from the context that "begs the question" here essentially means "raises the question," as is often the case. If there is no confusion, there should be no need for clarification.
- jcims 7y agoThe problem is 'begs the question' is not an intuitive phrase to describe the formal definition, so we're going to be stuck with this correction forever. At this point I feel it has only survived as a form of shibboleth.
- throwlaplace 7y ago>The problem is 'begs the question' is not an intuitive phrase to describe the formal definition it does if you look at the etymology; beg comes begging off i.e. asking for exemption from something. it's archaic at this point of course but still fairly intelligible in that use; "he begged off doing his chores".
- philwelch 7y agoYou’d think that, but we pedants managed to rescue the word “ironic” at one point.
- GauntletWizard 7y agoBut you've figuratively lost "literally".
- philwelch 7y agoThat's just highly advanced irony; using the word "literally" non-literally.
- jeliotj 7y agoYou're correct, I appreciate you noting that.