Begging the Question Circulus in Probando Circulus in
Demonstrando Fallacy of Weak Induction > Fallacy of Presumption
This is the most basic and classic example of a Fallacy of
Presumption, because it directly presumes the conclusion which
is at question in the first place. This can also be known as a
"Circular Argument" - because the conclusion essentially appears
both at the beginning and the end of the argument, it creates an
endless circle, never accomplishing anything of substance. A
good argument in support of a claim will offer independent
evidence or reasons to believe that claim. However, if you are
assuming the truth of some portion of your conclusion, then your
reasons are no longer independent: your reasons have become
dependent upon the very point which is contested. The basic
structure looks like this: 1. A is true because A is true.
Examples and Discussion Here is an example of this most simple
form of begging the question: 2. You should drive on the right
side of the road because that is what