Now sometimes an argument which has not been properly deduced is silly, if the assumptions are extremely implausible or false; but sometimes it ought not to be held in contempt For whenever some question is left out, of the kind that concerns both the subject and the nerve of the argument, the reasoning that has both failed to secure this as well, and also failed to deduce, is silly; but when what is omitted is some extraneous question, then it is by no means to be lightly despised, but the argument is quite respectable, though the questioner has not put his questions well.