Definition, Meaning & Synonyms
petitio principii
Noun
/pəˈtɪʃ.i.oʊ ˈprɪn.səˌpiː/
Definition
A logical fallacy in which an argument’s premise assumes the truth of the conclusion instead of supporting it.
Examples
- Claiming that freedom of speech is essential for a democracy because a democracy must allow free speech is a classic example of petitio principii.
- If someone argues that we should trust the source because it is credible, they are committing petitio principii if they do not provide evidence to support its credibility.
Meaning
The phrase ‘petitio principii’ translates to ‘begging the question.’ It indicates that an argument is flawed because it relies on its own conclusion as a premise, rather than providing an independent basis for that conclusion.
Synonyms
- Begging the question
- Circular reasoning
