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.

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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

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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

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

From A System of Logic: Ratiocinative and Inductive 7th Edition, Vol. II by John Stuart Mill

He is often guilty of a petitio principii, in taking it for granted that the institution of slavery is an injury to the slave, which is the very point in dispute.

From Cotton is King, and Pro-Slavery Arguments Comprising the Writings of Hammond, Harper, Christy, Stringfellow, Hodge, Bledsoe, and Cartrwright on This Important Subject by E. N. Elliott

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

But if, as it would seem, the implication is meant that there are no other entities which can be object to the mind except such "things," then it is a clear petitio principii.

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

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