1. Katie Trulock and Courtney Sexton
Circular Reasoning
Katie Trulock and Courtney Sexton

2. 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.

3. 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.

4. 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.

5. 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.

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