The term “begging the question” refers to a logical fallacy that occurs when an argument relies on a premise that is essentially the same as the conclusion, making it impossible to prove or disprove the argument without assuming its own truth. For instance, arguing that “God exists because the Bible says so” begs the question because the Bible’s authority depends on the assumption of God’s existence.
Recognizing and avoiding this fallacy is crucial for constructing sound arguments. It undermines the credibility of an argument by failing to provide independent evidence or reasoning. Historically, this fallacy has been a subject of philosophical discussion, with philosophers such as Aristotle addressing its deceptive nature.
