Circular reasoning — also called circular logic — is a logical fallacy. It’s the process of using unproved arguments to support a conclusion that in turn supports the argument. In other words, there is no reason to accept the arguments unless one already accepts the conclusion.

The fewer the components of the circle, the easier it is to spot and the more fallacious the conclusion. In some ways, all reasoning is circular; you have to start somewhere.

Examples:

“I know God exists because the Bible says he does.
I know the Bible is true because God said (in the Bible) that it’s true.
I know it’s God speaking through the Bible because the Bible says it is.”

“I got this job because I had the right skills.”
“How did you know they were the right skills?”
“Because I got this job.”

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