“Circular Reasoning”
I’m Hot ’cause I’m Fly
What is Circular Reasoning?
Creating an explanation that only supports a claim because it supports the claim. Replacing a logical foundation with synonyms or alternative wording that do not offer actual substance.
Business Application
Circular reasoning can sometimes be difficult to spot if it’s transitioned between other talking points. To identify circular reasoning, try to dig deeper and test the validity of supporting claims. When you find that a supporting claim is just another version of the claim itself, you’ve successfully spotted a circular reasoning fallacy.
Example 1
“Our products are superior because we are the best company in the region.”
Why This is a Fallacy
Superior products would be expected to come from a company considered to be the best. But there is no foundation for the company being the best and no validity to the product superiority.
Example 2
“This is the best way to do things because it is the most effective.”
Why This is a Fallacy
Being effective is a result of a good way to do something, not a foundation for being the best.
