 That the broader argument unfolds in accord with these two steps is uncontroversial. The question of interest concerns whether, strictly speaking, these arcs form an epistemic circle. The statement of Arc 1 admits of considerable ambiguity. How one resolves this ambiguity determines whether the arcs strictly form a circle. Let’s begin by clarifying what Arc 1 would have to mean to generate vicious circularity. We’ll then consider the main alternative interpretations of that arc by which commentators avoid a vicious circle.