circular reasoning problem

[/ˈsɜːrkjələr ˈriːzənɪŋ ˈprɑːbləm/]
nounpl: circular reasoning problems
problema de raciocínio circular
1. A logical fallacy in which the conclusion of an argument is used as one of its premises, or in which the argument's conclusion is already assumed in the premise, making the argument invalid and non-persuasive
The circular reasoning problem in his argument was evident: he claimed God exists because the Bible says so, and the Bible is true because God wrote it.
O problema de raciocínio circular em seu argumento era evidente: ele afirmava que Deus existe porque a Bíblia diz assim, e a Bíblia é verdadeira porque Deus a escreveu.
2. Any self-referential logical structure where the validity of the conclusion depends on accepting the premise that itself requires the conclusion to be true
The company's circular reasoning problem undermined its credibility: it claimed to be trustworthy because its employees said it was trustworthy.
O problema de raciocínio circular da empresa prejudicou sua credibilidade: ela afirmava ser confiável porque seus funcionários diziam que era confiável.
The concept of circular reasoning is widely recognized in both American and Brazilian educational contexts as a fundamental logical fallacy. In academic discourse, particularly in philosophy, debate, and critical thinking courses, this term is used to critique arguments and strengthen logical analysis. Brazilian Portuguese maintains the same technical understanding as English, making it a direct translation suitable for academic and professional environments.
NYC Slang
talking in circles / going in circles
Synonyms / Sinônimos
begging the questionpetitio principiicircular argumentvicious circlelogical fallacy of circularity
Antonyms / Antônimos
valid reasoningsound argumentlogical coherencerational proof

Regional Variations

General Brazilian
problema de raciocínio circular
Standard formal usage in academic and professional contexts
General Brazilian
argumento circular
More colloquial alternative used in informal discussions
Portugal
problema de raciocínio circular
Same as Brazilian Portuguese; also used in academic settings
Portugal
círculo vicioso no argumento
Alternative phrasing emphasizing the vicious cycle aspect

Related Words

logical fallacybegging the questionassumptionpremiseconclusionvalidityreasoningargumentation

Related Idioms & Phrases

round in circles
chasing one's tail
vicious circle
going nowhere fast
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