Katie Trulock and Courtney Sexton Circular Reasoning Katie Trulock and Courtney Sexton

Definition A fallacy when the proposition relies on a premise within itself to establish the truth of the same proposition. Basically, using the same statement itself as evidence against an issue.

Universal example This shows circular reasoning because Dilbert says a fact, the dog asks a question, and he answers it with what he previously said.

Circular reasoning in the crucible Example one 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.” Act3, page 207. This above passage is an example of circular reasoning because Martha Corey’s answer is simply false logic. She says that she does not know what a witch is, but later says if she was a witch, she would know.

Circular reasoning in the crucible example two Rev. Hale: “But, woman, you do believe there are witches in-” Elizabeth: “If you think that I am one, then I say there are none.” Act2, page 200. Elizabeth’s quote about whether or not she is a with shows circular reasoning. Elizabeth uses faulty logic when answering by using what Rev. Hale is stating about the answer of a question.

sources Applebee, Arthur, et al. The Language of Literature: American Literature. Evanston: McDougal Littell. 2006. Print. “Circular Resoning.” Dictionary.com. Dictionary.com. 2014. Web. 13 March 2015. BizKnowledge.com. Dilbert on Circular Reasoning. 4 Aug. 2014. Web. 13 March 2015. Peterubel.com. Can Circular Reasoning Make You Rich? 10 June 2014. web. 13 March 2015.