5 ms·

This usage is infrequent to the point of complete redundancy, it's based on a dodgy translation and feels ill fitting, the alternative "circular argument" is ma

by hanoz 6y ago

This usage is infrequent to the point of complete redundancy, it's based on a dodgy translation and feels ill fitting, the alternative "circular argument" is making a much better job of it anyway, all of which begs the question: is there anything wrong with re-employing the phrase somewhere else where it seems to work nicely?

3pt14159 6y ago
Whenever I use "begs the question" I'm only doing it to broadcast that I'm well educated to a presumably educated observer. That I know that it means "circular reasoning" is itself a form of a signal. I chose to use it over alternatives as a form of extended trust in the other party's education as well. Essentially it's a term used when having scotch with Obama's education secretary[0], not something to use over beers with the mates. The issue with re-deploying it to mean "raises the question" is that it does the opposite. It signals to those that know its true meaning that the person employing it in that way is sloppy or imprecise or even that they are willing to knowingly appear to be so in order to redefine the language to better suit their preference. This is essentially a matter of class and to any communicator that cares about how they're perceived it's important to use it correctly or to avoid it entirely. [0] I befriended him and an economist at the world bank at a cafe in DC and ended up at a scotch party. It was just as fun as you're imagining and made me want to move there. Washington is where America seems to hide their smart, empathetic people.
- hanoz 6y ago
  Fair point. On reflection I think I will deploy the phrase in a situation dependent, weaponised way, à la your suggestion. One never knows when the next scotch with an education secretary is coming, and it is well to be in good habits.

5 ms·

This usage is infrequent to the point of complete redundancy, it's based on a dodgy translation and feels ill fitting, the alternative "circular argument" is ma

by hanoz 6y ago

3pt14159 6y ago
Whenever I use "begs the question" I'm only doing it to broadcast that I'm well educated to a presumably educated observer. That I know that it means "circular reasoning" is itself a form of a signal. I chose to use it over alternatives as a form of extended trust in the other party's education as well. Essentially it's a term used when having scotch with Obama's education secretary[0], not something to use over beers with the mates. The issue with re-deploying it to mean "raises the question" is that it does the opposite. It signals to those that know its true meaning that the person employing it in that way is sloppy or imprecise or even that they are willing to knowingly appear to be so in order to redefine the language to better suit their preference. This is essentially a matter of class and to any communicator that cares about how they're perceived it's important to use it correctly or to avoid it entirely. [0] I befriended him and an economist at the world bank at a cafe in DC and ended up at a scotch party. It was just as fun as you're imagining and made me want to move there. Washington is where America seems to hide their smart, empathetic people.
- hanoz 6y ago
  Fair point. On reflection I think I will deploy the phrase in a situation dependent, weaponised way, à la your suggestion. One never knows when the next scotch with an education secretary is coming, and it is well to be in good habits.