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Single Idea 17242

[filed under theme 2. Reason / F. Fallacies / 3. Question Begging ]

Full Idea

'Petitio principii' is when the conclusion to be proved is disguised in other words, and put for the definition or principle from whence it is to be demonstrated.

Gist of Idea

'Petitio principii' is reusing the idea to be defined, in disguised words

Source

Thomas Hobbes (De Corpore (Elements, First Section) [1655], 1.6.18)

Book Ref

Hobbes,Thomas: 'Metaphysical Writings', ed/tr. Calkins,Mary Whiton [Open Court 1905], p.39

The 3 ideas with the same theme [taking for granted the very thing you are trying to prove]:

22529 Men are natural leaders (apart from the unnatural ones) [Aristotle]
17242 'Petitio principii' is reusing the idea to be defined, in disguised words [Hobbes]
7415 Question-begging assumes the proposition which is being challenged [PG]