A type of reasoning in which the proposition is supported by the premises, which is supported by the proposition, creating a circle in reasoning where no useful information is being shared. This fallacy is often quite humorous.
Examples:
- Pvt. Joe Bowers: What are these electrolytes? Do you even know? Secretary of State: They’re... what they use to make Brawndo! Pvt. Joe Bowers: But why do they use them to make Brawndo? Secretary of Defense: [raises hand after a pause] Because Brawndo’s got electrolytes.
Synonyms: paradoxical thinking, circular argument, circular cause and consequence, reasoning in a circle, vicious circle