petitio principii

American  

[pi-tish-ee-oh prin-sip-ee-ahy, pe-tee-ti-oh pring-kip-i-ee] / pɪˈtɪʃ iˌoʊ prɪnˈsɪp iˌaɪ, pɛˈti tɪˌoʊ prɪŋˈkɪp ɪˌi /

noun

Logic.

1. a fallacy in reasoning resulting from the assumption of that which in the beginning was set forth to be proved; begging the question.

---

petitio principii British  

/ pɪˈtɪʃɪˌəʊ prɪnˈkɪpɪˌaɪ /

noun

1. Sometimes shortened to: petitio. logic a form of fallacious reasoning in which the conclusion has been assumed in the premises; begging the question

---

Etymology

Origin of petitio principii

1525–35; < Medieval Latin petītiō prīncipiī, translation of Greek tò en archêi aiteîsthai the assumption at the outset

---

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

petitio principii

Besides, the author, in this assertion, is guilty of a most glaring petitio principii.

From Know the Truth; A critique of the Hamiltonian Theory of Limitation by Jesse H. Jones

We obviously cannot argue from the analogy of man's action, since he is a part of the problem itself, included in the question, and such an analogy is a petitio principii.

From A Review of the Systems of Ethics Founded on the Theory of Evolution by C. M. Williams

The great argument that men are determined by the strongest motives, is a mere equivocation, and what logicians call petitio principii.

From A Review of Edwards's by Henry Philip Tappan

The Chaplain opportunely answered, "Your argument proves against yourself, for it is petitio principii to presuppose mortality amongst ephemera."

From The Campaner Thal and Other Writings by Jean Paul

Is it not, then, a petitio principii to say, that the fact ought to be disbelieved because the induction to it is complete?

From Supernatural Religion, Vol. I. (of III) An Inquiry into the Reality of Divine Revelation by Walter Richard Cassels

Random Word

Spin the wheel and learn a new word!

---