begging the question

Begging the question means assuming the conclusion. In this type of argument, the conclusion that is sought to be proved is included in the initial premises/reason of the argument.

 

Begging the question or assuming the answer is a logical fallacy that occurs when the conclusion of an argument is used as a premise of that same argument; i.e., the premises would not work if the conclusion wasn't already assumed to be true

 

Logical Form

Claim X assumes X is true.

Therefore, claim X is true.

 Examples

A: God exists

B: How do you know?

A: The scriptures say so

B: How do you know the scriptures are true?

A: Because scriptures were written by God

 

 Variations of Proof that God Exists

 

The order and magnificence of the world is evidence of God's Creation.

Therefore, we know that God exists.

 

 

Somebody has created the universe

The creator of the universe is God

More examples - Begging the Question

 

 

If drunken driving was not illegal, it would not be prohibited by law

 

The reason that there's such a big demand for iPhones is because everyone wants one

 

Interviewer:  Your reference looks good, but I need references

Candidate: Keshav can vouch for me

Interviewer: How do I trust Keshav?

Candidate: I will vouch for Keshav