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This is a much more thoughtfully constructed article on the topic https://www.merriam-webster.com/words-at-play/beg-the-question https://www.merriam-webster.com
by dialamac 6y ago
This is a much more thoughtfully constructed article on the topic https://www.merriam-webster.com/words-at-play/beg-the-question https://www.merriam-webster.com/words-at-play/beg-the-questi....
Language is a lot more nuanced than a freshman philosophy major’s Logic 101 textbook.
- shkkmo 6y ago"begs the question", like using "literally" to mean "figuratively", is so widespread that is is difficult to call it an incorrect use of language. However, both constitute what I consider a dismal use of language. (But for different reasons.) "literally"'s conversion to meaning its opposite represents a loss of meaning in the language; expressiveness dulling into useless ambiguity. "begs the question" isn't a term that expresses the underlying idea effectively, it merely indicates a failing attempt to sound educated. In either case, I prefer to educate people on how to use language less dismally. This does make me a pedant. I prefer this discussion of the meaning of the term: https://languagelog.ldc.upenn.edu/nll/?p=2290 https://languagelog.ldc.upenn.edu/nll/?p=2290