Begging the Question
The conclusion is smuggled into the premises.
What it is
Begging the question is a circular argument. The conclusion is hidden inside the premises, so the argument assumes what it is trying to prove.
Strip the wording and the argument says: this is true because this is true. Nothing new is offered.
An LSAT-style example
This example is original. It is not a real LSAT question.
This painting is a masterpiece because it is one of the greatest works ever created.
The flaw: 'One of the greatest works ever created' just restates 'masterpiece.' The premise assumes the conclusion instead of supporting it.
How to spot it on test day
- The premise and the conclusion sound like restatements of each other.
- Ask: would someone who doubts the conclusion accept the premise? If not, nothing was proven.
- Watch for synonyms doing the work of evidence.
The right answer vs. the trap
The right answer
The correct answer says the argument assumes the truth of what it sets out to prove.
The trap
The trap may call it an appeal to authority or an irrelevant premise. Circular arguments have no outside evidence at all. The giveaway is the loop.
Find your weak flaws
The free diagnostic scores every question type, including flaw questions, and shows exactly where you are losing points.