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Joe Zeff joe at zeff.us
Thu Dec 22 07:23:34 UTC 2011


On 12/21/2011 11:00 PM, Tim wrote:
> Begs the question:  Has this no-logging become a new default, or just a
> fault?

<set mode="pedant">
No, it doesn't, it asks the question.  Begging the question is something 
entirely different which would better be called assuming your 
conclusion.  The term comes from a form of reasoning in which you start 
off by asking your audience to allow you to make certain assumptions. 
If one of those assumptions is logically equivalent to what you're 
trying to prove, you are, in the literal sense, begging the question.

The classic question, "When did you stop beating your wife?" is an 
excellent example because of the unspoken assumption that you have, at 
least once, beat your wife.
</mode>


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