Begging the Question/Circular

Reasoning

By: Matthew Bunnell & Brittany Milton

7th Period

Definition• Circular Reasoning - a use of reason in which

the premises depends on or is equivalent to the conclusion, a method of false logic by which "this is used to prove that, and that is used to prove this"; also called circular logic.

• For example, whenever someone uses a definition or explanation that includes part of the question as his or her answer, it is as if that person has been talking in a circle, rather than making their answer clear. This shows circular reasoning.

Picture Analogy

This picture shows circular reasoning because of the way that the boy answers the question. The boy uses words from the question to help “prove” his answer that can ultimately be concluded as faulty logic. The principle of the question is used to help support the answer.

Universal Example

This image is one of the most common real life examples to demonstrate circular reasoning. Any individual that believes in a form of religion does not need logic to prove their beliefs. They “support” their personal beliefs by their faith. When answering questions about their beliefs, individuals seem to exhibit faulty logic through circular reasoning.

The Crucible Example

Mrs. Putnam: I know it, sir. I sent my child-she should learn from Tituba who murdered my sisters.

Rebecca: Goody Ann! You sent a child to conjure up the dead?

Mrs. Putnam: Let God blame me, not you, not you, Rebecca. I’ll not having you judging me any more! It is a natural work to lose seven children before they live a day?

Pg. 185

ExplanationIn Act 1 of The Crucible, the conversation between Ann Putnam and Rebecca is an example of circular reasoning. Mrs. Putnam is answering Rebecca’s question with faulty logic by saying that she lost her children do to witchcraft. By using the premise of Rebecca’s argument and question, Goody Ann provides an answer that is ultimately false logic.

The Crucible Example

Hale: But, woman, you do believe there are witches in-

Elizabeth: If you think that I am one, then I say there are none.

Pg. 200

ExplanationIn Act 2, Elizabeth’s quote about whether or not she is a witch shows circular reasoning. The premise of the question impacts her answer. Elizabeth uses faulty logic when answering by using what Mr. Hale is inquiring about to answer the question.

The Crucible Example

Martha Corey: I am innocent to a witch. I know not what a witch is.

Hawthorne: How do you know, then, that you are not a witch?

Martha Corey: If I were, I would know it.

Pg. 207

ExplanationIn Act 3, the discussion between Martha Corey and Judge Hawthorne is an example of circular reasoning. Martha Corey’s answer is an example of false logic. She says that she does not know what a witch is, but later answers Hawthorne’s question by saying that if she were a witch she would know it.

Works Cited

“Circular reasoning.” Dictionary.com. Dictionary.com. n.d. Web. 16 Feb. 2012.

Godwin, Kathryn. “Cir 1.” Useaslingshot. Wiki. 2011. Web. 16 Feb. 2012.

E-nklings.com. Curefaith.com. 2011. Web. 16 Feb. 2012.