| 1. | circular reasoning | ||
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Circular reasoning is providing evidence for the validity of an assertion, which assumes the validity of the assertion.
General forms include "A is true because A is true" or "A is true because B is true, and B is true because A is true". Often used as a mechanism to prevent an assertion from being challenged or questioned, or to "win" a debate by sending it round and round in circles. Examples of circular reasoning:
"I'm right because I'm right." "There isn't a problem with the rule, because if everyone obeyed it there wouldn't be a problem." "Piracy is wrong because it's against the law, and it's against the law because it's wrong." "X is stupid because he's an idiot." |
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