1. Begging the Question Tom Cruise Period 3

2. Begging the Question: Definition This happens when the speaker assumes “the truth of a conclusion that has not been proved.” This error leads to an argument that goes around and around, with evidence making the same claim as the proposition.

3. Begging the Question: Written Example Fallacy: The reason people love these movies is because they are so popular and make so much money. Hidden Logic: These movies are popular because they make so much money. They make a lot of money because people like them. People like them because they are so popular.

4. Begging the Question: Real World Example (Video) Context: During the 2008 election, Republicans criticized the media for being biased in favor of Barack Obama. Link: http://www.livingroomcandidate.org/commer cials/2008/obama-love-10-web http://www.livingroomcandidate.org/commer cials/2008/obama-love-10-web

5. Begging the Question: Real World Example Explanation The hidden logic of the claim in the ad looks like this: –The media love Obama. –Obama is popular. –Obama is popular because the media love Obama. They are assuming that the media is causing Obama to be popular, when that may not be the cause for his popularity.

6. Works Cited Aaron, Jane E. ed. The Compact Reader: Short Essays by Method and Theme. Boston: Bedford St. Martin’s, 2008. "Commercials - 2008 - Obama Love 10 (Web)." The Living Room Candidate. Museum of the Moving Image, 2008. Web. 16 Nov. 2010.. Gunnar, R. “Argument: Logical Fallacies & Propaganda.” Mr. Gunnar’s English Class. 7 Dec. 2009.