Definder - what does the word mean?

What is Circular reasoning?

Using a claim as evidence for itself, so that you didn't explain why your claim is true in any way other than by stating your claim in a slightly different way.

Circular reasoning is bad because it's not good.

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Circular reasoning - video


Circular reasoning - what is it?

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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