Term for the day:

Petitio Principii |pet ish ee oh - prin kip pee|

Commonly known as "begging the question."

Now, this term is commonly misused when the people mean to say "raises the question."

But it actually is a pretty damned specific logical fallacy. It's a circular argument, in which a conclusion is based upon assumptions of facts that regard what it's trying to prove.

Hmmm. Attempting examples:
1. The ATF is a valid law enforcement agency.
2. The proof of the ATF's validity is that it arrests people who violate gun regulations.
3. The ATF mandates regulations, and enforces them.
4. Enforcement of the regulations involves arresting violators of them.
5. A valid law enforcement agency makes arrests.


1. Hillary is a woman of the people.
2. Hillary says that people who love her hate George.
3. Over half the people are not supportors of George.
4. Most people love Hillary.

Dammit, there are better examples, I know it. But bedtime is sooooo soon...