1 definition by Steve Killen
From the Latin, petitio principii: to assert the truth of an unproven premise in the conclusion of an argument. Sometimes the unproven issue follows in the form of an indirect question.
John: "Legalization should not happen, because no one in their right minds would allow that to be legal!"
If John were to say this, his argument would beg the question, namely whether legalization is justified.
If John were to say this, his argument would beg the question, namely whether legalization is justified.
by Steve Killen October 27, 2006