Question

which argument is most clearly begging the question?
a. all i can say about my rivals idea is that hes a thief and he should be ignored.
b. my bad luck started the day that mummy was dug up. its the mummys fault.
c. letting students wear hats will just open the doors to their wearing anything.
d. cynthia e. platt deserves the award for excellence because of her greatness.

Explanation:

Begging the question is a logical fallacy where the argument assumes what it is trying to prove. In option D, saying Cynthia E. Platt deserves the award for excellence because of her greatness is circular. "Greatness" is essentially another word for "excellence", so the argument is using the conclusion (she deserves the award for excellence) as a premise (she is great). Option A is an ad - hominem attack (attacking the person instead of the idea). Option B is a false cause (assuming the mummy caused bad luck without proper evidence). Option C is a slippery - slope fallacy (assuming one thing will lead to an extreme without proper justification).

Answer:

D. Cynthia E. Platt deserves the award for excellence because of her greatness.