Charlie wrote:
> Stevo wrote:
> > What is the intended meaning of this modern misuse?
>
> "Begging the question" is an error in logical reasoning,
> meaning that one's reasoning has circled around to now
> include the original premise he was trying to prove.
> "The earth is round because of A. A is true because of
> B. B is true because of C. C is true because the earth
> is round." I'm begging the question.
Aha. I think that's a more accurate version than what I gave, and captures
better the sense of the Latin "petitio principii" (seeking/begging the
beginning). Though your def. is also a form of evasion.
>
> But in recent years, people have begun to use the term
> "beg the question" to simply mean "that brings to mind
> a related question."
>
> Heard on a radio show:
>
> Preacher: "So as soon as I walked into the speakeasy,
> she jumped up and slapped me."
> Host: "Now that begs the question, What were you doing
> in a speakeasy in the first place?"
>
Good one!