Almost daily I hear hosts on TV incorrectly using at term from philosophy: "begs the question." I'm not sure I have mastered the correct usage, but I will try to explain.
Suppose I make the following argument. "Water seeks its own level. The Pacific and Atlantic oceans are well connected, so sea level must be the same in both places."
As it happens, sea level is frequently measured by scientists working in the Pacific and Atlantic, and the level in the Pacific is unmistakably higher by four to eight inches.
Water does seek its own level, but other factors matter. Gravity isn't uniform. Some water is saltier and denser. Currents and winds push water into piles. The Earth's rotation swings oceans around.
In my argument, I asked you to accept a flawed premise. I begged the question.
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