Circular reasoning
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| − | + | '''Circular reasoning''' is a type of [[logical fallacy]] in which the "proof" of a statement ultimately depends on assuming the truth of the statement itself. | |
| − | + | A very common example in the area of [[religion]] is the following argument: | |
| + | # We know that [[God]] exists because the [[Bible]] says so. | ||
| + | # We know that Bible is correct because it is the inspired word of God. | ||
| − | + | In other words: | |
| + | : Bible [[implies]] God implies Bible | ||
| − | [[Category: Logical fallacies]] | + | Neither the assertion that "God exists" nor that "the Bible is correct" have been independently proved without relying on the assumption of the other. |
| + | |||
| + | [[Category:Logical fallacies]] | ||
Revision as of 11:49, 5 April 2007
Circular reasoning is a type of logical fallacy in which the "proof" of a statement ultimately depends on assuming the truth of the statement itself.
A very common example in the area of religion is the following argument:
- We know that God exists because the Bible says so.
- We know that Bible is correct because it is the inspired word of God.
In other words:
- Bible implies God implies Bible
Neither the assertion that "God exists" nor that "the Bible is correct" have been independently proved without relying on the assumption of the other.
