1. Circular Reasoning/Begging the Question
By Erika LeFevre

2. Definition:
Circular reasoning is a logical fallacy that simply states “It is because it is.” It is basically restating an argument in different terms and saying that proves the argument true.

3. Universal Examples:
A satisfied citizen says: “Richardson is the most successful mayor the town has ever had because he's the best mayor of our history.”
The citizen is saying Richardson is the best mayor because he is the best mayor. The reason and the statement mean the same thing, therefore it is circular reasoning.

4. Examples of Circular Reasoning in The Crucible:
Elizabeth uses circular reasoning to answer Hale’s questions about whether she believes there are witches in Salem by saying that since they think she is one, then there aren’t any.
Pg. 200, Act II
Hale: But, woman, you do believe there are witches in-
Elizabeth: If you think that I am one, then I say there are none.

5. Examples of Circular Reasoning in The Crucible:
Pg.207, Act III
Martha Corey’s Voice: I am innocent to a witch. I know not what a witch is.
Hathorne’s Voice: How do you know, then, that you are not a witch?
Martha Corey’s Voice: If I were, I would know it.
Martha Corey said she isn’t a witch because she doesn’t know what a witch is. She then said if she was a witch she would know. This is circular reasoning because if she doesn’t know what a witch is, she couldn’t know if she was a witch or not.

6. Works Cited:
Hagin.“Circular Reasoning.”27 Nov Web.24 Feb