Circular Reasoning (Begging the Question)
An argument where the conclusion is assumed in the premise. The reasoning goes in a circle: A is true because B is true, and B is true because A is true.
Structure
- Premise: X is true because Y
- Premise: Y is true because X
- Conclusion: Therefore X is true
Examples
- “The Bible is true because it says it’s the word of God. We know it’s the word of God because the Bible says so.”
- “This law is just because it was passed by a legitimate government. The government is legitimate because it passes just laws.”
- “He’s trustworthy because he says he is. We should believe him because he’s trustworthy.”
- “Democracy is the best system because it’s the most democratic.”
Subtle Forms
- Definitional circularity: “Free will exists because people make free choices.” (Defines free choice as requiring free will)
- Question-begging epithets: “Only a fool would believe that theory.” (Assumes the theory is false)
How to Counter
- “You’re assuming what you’re trying to prove.”
- “Can you support this premise without referencing the conclusion?”
- “What evidence would convince you if you didn’t already believe the conclusion?”