(7) Begging the question is the fallacy of deriving a conclusion from notions which in themselves demand proof.
This fallacy takes the three forms of (1) the assumption of an unproved premise, (2) reasoning in a circle, (3) question begging epithets and appellations.
10. ILLUSTRATIVE EXERCISES IN THE TESTING OF ARGUMENTS IN BOTH FORM AND MEANING.
(1a) He who wilfully takes the life of another should be electrocuted,
This sharp shooter has wilfully taken the life of another,
Hence he should be electrocuted.
In form we know this argument to be valid since it is in mood
A
A
A of the first figure. But as the conclusion does not meet with our approval, we are forced to the belief that there must be a material fallacy. Such proves to be the case. In the first instance, “Wilfully takes the life of another” is used in a personal, individual, selfish sense, whereas in the second instance the expression is used in a general, “servant-of-the-government” signification. The argument is, therefore, invalid, the fallacy being ambiguous middle.
(1b) From the viewpoint of both form and meaning test the following: “Events which are not probable happen almost every day; but what happens every day are very probable events; therefore events which are not probable are very probable.”