circular reasoning
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.
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."
"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."
circular reasoning by fwe22 May 25, 2006
Words you can keep
