Logical Fallacies: Begging the Question or Assuming the Answer

[SpoiledLogic]

So when someone asks me "Why do you believe in atheism?" they are insidiously assuming that atheism is a belief and committing this fallacy!

If this is the second most insidious fallacy, which one is the most?

[lazyperfectionist1]

@SpoiledLogic The most insidious is one I referred to earlier in this series. I don't remember which one, though. Maybe the one about equivocation.

[SpoiledLogic]

@lazyperfectionist1 Okay, thanks!

[hogwartsprincess]

Forgive me because your video is very logical and very well explained, but my textbook says 'Begging the question and assuming the answer are similar fallacies' whilst you state begging the question and assuming the answer are the same fallacy. Is that because begging the question is a form of assuming the answer ? What's the difference between the two ?

[lazyperfectionist1]

@hogwartsprincess As I have read, there isn't one, but I've also read that different logicians have different assessments. What's in a name, after all?

Remember, logic is a tool, and like any tool, comprehension is gained with practice. One gains an understanding not just by reading about it or hearing about it but by practicing using it. It might be a good idea to examine and scrutinize these assessments from four or five unrelated sources.

[hogwartsprincess]

@lazyperfectionist1 Thanks for your help :)

[lazyperfectionist1]

@hogwartsprincess You're welcome. Glad I could help.

[GummoNZ]

Why is it called 'begging the question'?

[lazyperfectionist1]

@GummoNZ You know, that's a very good question. I have no idea.

[Sewblon]

Your discussion of the fallacy was coherent and entertaining. But you did implicitly misrepresent the arguments for existence of God. The "Cosmological Argument" is more of a class of arguments than a single argument. If you asked me, "why can't the universe be eternal" I might tell you "how did the universe arrive at this moment if an infinite amount of time had to pass before it could do so?" And that is ignoring the "argument from contingency" which allows for an eternal past. 

[lazyperfectionist1]

@Sewblon If I misrepresent the Cosmological Argument here, what makes you so certain I'm even talking about it?

[Sewblon]

@lazyperfectionist1 You have got me their. Its just that I watched this right after reading through the comments on a debate about whether God exists or not, so I was still focused on that. Sorry.

[lazyperfectionist1]

@ceezarulez We dweebs know our shit.

[RelaxGodfolk]

very well explained. I'll have to check out your other content. thanks!

[lazyperfectionist1]

@RelaxGodfolk Thank you.

[shaneho78]

this reminded me of cases in the past of unethical psychologists using leading questions to implant false memories of abuse into their clients. You hear of daughters accusing their fathers or mothers of sexual abuse only to admit decades later that the abuse never happened.

[lazyperfectionist1]

@shaneho78 Yes, that's a good example. Attorneys are known for this as well. That's why opposing attorneys have to make it a point to keep an eye out for this sort of thing.

[Remijdio]

I like the format of your videos. Where you state something, explain it with examples. I'm not sure what kind of learner that qualifies me as but I do find it very helpful in trying to translate your videos into my life.

You're doing a great job, keep it up!

[josealonsoleon]

Have you ever considered becoming a lawyer? You would kick ass in a courtroom....and most likely lake lots of money......:-)

The last part of your exposé brings me back to a conversation I always have with a friend of mine, the poor soul can't bear the thought of a life without purpose and this from a guy who claims not being religious. That's how formatted some brains are.

[CHAS1422]

Double Kudos...Excellent video, I had to watch twice.

Regarding your comments on the universe: The universe is infinitely old and infinitely transforming. The present is an infinitessimal point where the inevitable becomes the past.

There is only one possible, but indeterminable future, as there is only one past.

My favorite line from kismet, "...Fate's a thing without a head. A puzzle never understood, and man proceeds where he is led, unguaranteed of bad or good..."

5 stars*****

[dewonthegrass]

Relentless logic, as usual! I'm favouriting this.

[FantasticBabblings]

What agent created the universe? It was Swifty Lazar. And he got 15%.

[FHomeBrew]

From dexters laboratory: "What is the purpose of meaning?" and another one to go along with that: "What is the meaning of purpose?"

Stating the question is loaded doesn't mean you've 'debunked' it or made it invalid by the way. In a lot of cases, the assumptions are quite reasonable.

Good vid this time :D

[lazyperfectionist1]

Well that's true enough.

[Mephistophilus]

Have I told you recently that you rock?

[kmatzukaze]

Your videos are very helpful in how to apply logic to life.

[lazyperfectionist1]

Thank you.