Logic

I've noticed that sometimes the phrase "begging the question" is used in the sense that there is something that needs to be asked. (Often the 'begging' is interpreted as an indication of urgency.)For example, here Brian said: But this is not what it is about. 'Begging the question' simply means that the conclusion of an argument is assumed - either explicitly or implicitly - in one of the premises, thereby making the argument invalid. It's a logical fallacy.

Well, I meant to say that some people use the term in a different meaning. They don't intend to point out a logical fallacy, but to justify asking a question. To those people I say: "begging the question" is the term for a specific logical fallacy. If you meet a person with a gun in his hand, maybe it's wise not to presume to tell them anything. Especially if they are a bit touchy about a gun not being a rifle, or vice versa.