fallacy

Loaded question

Also called: Complex question, Plurium interrogationum

A loaded question contains an assumption that has not been agreed, so any direct answer appears to accept it.

How it works

The question bundles a disputed claim into its wording. A yes or no answer both concede the hidden assumption, which is why the classic example is "Have you stopped cheating on your exams?"

Examples

"Why does the government keep hiding the true cost of the project?"

It assumes the cost is being hidden, which has not been shown.

"How long have you been misleading your customers?"

Any number given concedes that the customers were misled.

How to spot it

The question contains a claim you would not accept on its own.
Both yes and no answers leave you conceding something.
"Why do you..." or "how long have you..." about disputed behaviour.

How to respond

Separate the assumption and address it first.
Refuse the frame: "I don't accept that it is hidden. Here is what was published."
Ask the questioner to support the assumption.