Lesson 12: Circular Reasoning

Spot the Faulty Logic #

“This book is the best book ever written because it says so right here on the cover: ‘The Best Book Ever Written!’”

Discussion: Talk with your teacher about this example. What seems wrong with this argument?

How/Why It’s Often Used #

Sometimes circular reasoning happens because the person hasn’t thought carefully about their argument. Other times, it’s used intentionally to sound convincing without actually proving anything. The argument can sound complete because it seems to have a reason, but when you look closely, the reason is just a restatement of the claim.

This fallacy is also called “begging the question” in its traditional philosophical sense. It’s common in discussions about beliefs, rules, and traditions where people might not question the underlying assumptions.

Circular Reasoning in Action #

Did you spot the faulty logic? #

The claim is that the book is the best. The evidence is that the book says it’s the best. But a book claiming to be the best doesn’t make it the best - that’s just the claim repeated, not evidence for the claim.

Second Example #

“Why do you have to go to bed at 9pm?” “Because that’s your bedtime.” “But why is that my bedtime?” “Because that’s when you have to go to bed.”

The Flaw #

This answer just restates the rule without explaining the reason behind it. The bedtime is the bedtime because it’s the bedtime - that’s circular. A real reason might be: “Because growing kids need 10 hours of sleep and you need to wake up at 7am.”