avatarJacquelyn Lynn

Summary

The provided text clarifies the proper use of the phrase "begs the question," distinguishing it from "raises the question," and emphasizes its correct application in logical arguments rather than as a simple question introduction.

Abstract

The article addresses a common misuse of the phrase "begs the question," which is often incorrectly used to preface a question in discussions about controversial issues. The correct usage of "begs the question" pertains to situations where an argument's premise lacks proper support or validation, a concept rooted in formal logic known as petitio principii. The article suggests that the phrase should be reserved for challenging the foundation of an argument rather than merely introducing a query. It also notes that while incorrect usage may go unnoticed by many, it raises concerns about the acceptability of grammatical errors in general discourse.

Opinions

  • The article implies that using "begs the question" to simply introduce a question is a misapplication of the term.
  • It emphasizes that "begs the question" should be used to question the validity of an argument's premise.
  • The author, referencing Grammar Girl Mignon Fogarty, points out that the phrase is a translation

Grammar Tip

Are You Begging the Question When You Should be Raising It?

If you have a question, don’t beg it — just ask it.

Image created by Jacquelyn Lynn

Whenever there’s some controversial issue in the news (and when isn’t there?) and the pundits are engaging in their usual back-and-forth, someone almost always says, “And that begs the question …” and asks a question about the issue or situation under discussion. For example:

“That begs the question: Did he know he was being recorded?”

“That begs the question: Was the plane able to land safely in spite of the engine problem?”

In that context, the correct phrase isn’t “begs the question,” it’s “raises the question.”

The correct use of “begs the question” is when you are asking for support for the premise of the argument being made.

Grammar Girl Mignon Fogarty explains it this way: “Begs the question is a term that comes from formal logic. It’s a translation of the Latin phrase petitio principii, and it’s used to mean that someone has made a conclusion based on a premise that lacks support. … You use the phrase begs the question when people are hoping you won’t notice that their reasons for coming to a conclusion aren’t valid. They’ve built an argument on a bad foundation.”

Don’t use “that begs the question” to simply introduce your question. Use it only when you could replace the phrase with What’s your support for that premise? or What does that have to do with anything?

Of course, if you use “begs the question” incorrectly, very few people are likely to notice — but that raises the question: Is it okay to use incorrect grammar just because most people won’t realize it?

This article was originally published on my site at https://createteachinspire.com/begging-question

You can reach me there or email me at [email protected]

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