Question:medium

Which of the following arguments is a "circular argument"?

Show Hint

Identify circular reasoning by checking if the "reason" is simply a synonym for the "conclusion".
Updated On: Jun 12, 2026
  • If it rains, the grass gets wet. The grass is wet, so it must have rained
  • Free speech is important because people should be able to say what they want
  • Most people buy this brand, so it must be the best quality
  • He is a good doctor because he graduated from a top university
Show Solution

The Correct Option is B

Solution and Explanation

Step 1: Define a circular argument.
A circular argument (begging the question) is one where the reason given simply restates the conclusion, so it offers no independent support.
Step 2: Examine option 1.
"If it rains the grass gets wet; the grass is wet so it rained" is affirming the consequent, a different flaw, since it supplies an outside premise about rain and wetness.
Step 3: Examine option 2.
"Free speech is important because people should be able to say what they want." The reason just rephrases the meaning of free speech, so the conclusion is used to justify itself. This is circular.
Step 4: Examine option 3.
"Most people buy this brand so it must be the best" appeals to popularity, a bandwagon flaw, not circularity.
Step 5: Examine option 4.
"He is a good doctor because he graduated from a top university" gives an external (if weak) reason, so it is not circular.
Step 6: Conclude.
Only option 2 restates its own conclusion as its reason, so it is the circular argument.
\[ \boxed{\text{Free speech is important because people should be able to say what they want}} \]
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