petitio principii
Học thuậtThân thiện
Definition
Noun: - A logical fallacy in which the conclusion of an argument is assumed in one of the premises: It is a form of circular reasoning where the argument's premises presuppose the truth of the conclusion it is attempting to prove, thereby failing to provide independent support for it. This is also commonly known as "begging the question."
Usage
- This term is used in formal logic, philosophy, rhetoric, and critical thinking to identify and critique flawed arguments.
- It describes an error in reasoning where the arguer, often unintentionally, takes for granted the very point that needs to be demonstrated.
Examples
- In a philosophical debate:
- In everyday reasoning:
Advanced Usage
- Identifying the Fallacy: The key to spotting is to check if any premise would only be accepted by someone who already believes the conclusion. If so, the argument is circular.
- In Legal Arguments: Sometimes, legal reasoning may be criticized for if a premise assumes a legal conclusion that is under dispute.
Variants and Related Words
- Begging the question: The common English phrase for . It is important to note that in modern usage, "begs the question" is often misused to mean "raises the question." In formal logic, it correctly means the fallacy of circular reasoning.
- Circular reasoning: A broader, more general term for any argument where the conclusion is used as a premise.
- Question-begging (adjective): Used to describe an assumption or epithet that presupposes a contested conclusion (e.g., "That's a statement.").
Synonyms
- Circular argument
- Circular reasoning
- Assuming the conclusion
Related Idioms/Phrases
- To beg the question: This is the direct idiomatic translation and equivalent phrase for committing the fallacy of .
Noun
- the logical fallacy of assuming the conclusion in the premises; begging the question