circular argument

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English

Alternative forms

Noun

circular argument (plural circular arguments)

  1. (informal) A term often conflated with begging the question in philosophy.
  2. (philosophy, logic) An argument which commits the logical fallacy of assuming what it is attempting to prove.
    • 2004, M Bergmann, "Epistemic Circularity: Malignant and Benign." Philosophy and Phenomenological Research, vol. 69, no. 3 (Nov), p. 710 n3,
      A logically circular argument’s conclusion is included as one of its premises.

Usage notes

In informal usage, circular argument is synonymous with begging the question; in formal usage, these are distinct.

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