Circular Reasoning (CT Scan, Episode 36)

Circular reasoning is when an argument assumes what it’s trying to prove. Though often considered fallacies, circular arguments aren’t always illogical; they’re usually just too arbitrary to be persuasive. Yet some circular reasoning is necessary for logical thinking. Here’s how to detect—and avoid using—the fallacious kind of circular reasoning.

DIGGING DEEPER
• “An Example of Circular Reasoning.” (2007) https://answersingenesis.org/fossils/circular-reasoning/
• Hebert, J. (2014). Circular Reasoning in the Dating of Deep Seafloor Sediments and Ice Cores: The Orbital Tuning Method. https://answersingenesis.org/age-of-the-earth/circular-reasoning-dating-deep-seafloor-sediments-and-ice-cores-orbital-tuning-method/
• Circular Reasoning in Dating Methods (DVD) https://answersingenesis.ca/store/product/circular-reasoning-dating-methods/
• Viet, D. & Viet, K. (2011). Circular Reasoning. https://answersingenesis.org/apologetics/circular-reasoning/

CITED REFERENCES
Lisle, Jason (2009). “The Fallacy of Begging the Question.” https://answersingenesis.org/logic/the-fallacy-of-begging-the-question/

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