Begging the question is related to the circular argument, circulus in probando (Latin, "circle in proving") or circular reasoning, though these are considered absolutely different by Aristotle. [...petitio principii or Begging the question is studied in Prior Analytics II, 64b, 34 – 65a, 9 and it is considered a fallacy. The circular argument, circulus in probando or circular reasoning, is explained in Prior Analytics II, 57b, 18 – 59b, 1 and it is not considered fallacy...]
...Prior Analytics II, 16:
"Begging or assuming the point at issue consists (to take the expression in its widest sense) [of] failing to demonstrate the required proposition. But there are several other ways in which this may happen; for example, if the argument has not taken syllogistic form at all, he may argue from premises which are less known or equally unknown, or he may establish the antecedent by means of its consequents; for demonstration proceeds from what is more certain and is prior. Now begging the question is none of these. [...] If, however, the relation of B to C is such that they are identical, or that they are clearly convertible, or that one applies to the other, then he is begging the point at issue.... [B]egging the question is proving what is not self-evident by means of itself ... either because predicates which are identical belong to the same subject, or because the same predicate belongs to subjects which are identical."
...When the fallacy of begging the question is committed in more than one step, it is sometimes referred to as circulus in probando or reasoning in a circle but incorrectly so, if this fallacy is considered under the definition Aristotle gave in Prior Analytics.
...In informal situations, the term begging the question is often used in place of circular argument. In the formal context, however, begging the question holds a different meaning. In its shortest form, circular reasoning is the basing of two conclusions through a reversed premise of the first argument. Begging the question does not require any such reversal.
On Mar 15, 2012, at 8:47 AM, Wojtek S wrote:
> Carl: "Begging the question (or petitio principii, "assuming the
> initial point") is a type of logical fallacy in which the proposition
> to be proven is assumed implicitly or explicitly in the premise."
>
> [WS:] I do not mean to split hair, but methinks "petitio principii" is
> better translated by the more descriptive term "circular reasoning"
> than the idiomatic "begging the question." The latter can mean many
> things, the former usually means only one thing.
>
> Wojtek
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