petitio principii

[ pi-tish-ee-oh prin-sip-ee-ahy; Latin pe-tee-ti-oh pring-kip-i-ee ]

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.

petitio principii

/ pɪˈtɪʃɪˌəʊ prɪnˈkɪpɪˌaɪ /

noun

1. logic a form of fallacious reasoning in which the conclusion has been assumed in the premises; begging the question Sometimes shortened topetitio

Word History and Origins

Origin of petitio principii¹

1525–35; < Medieval Latin petītiō prīncipiī, translation of Greek tò en archêi aiteîsthai the assumption at the outset

Word History and Origins

Origin of petitio principii¹

C16: Latin, translation of Greek to en arkhei aiteisthai an assumption at the beginning

Example Sentences

We obviously cannot argue from the analogy of man's action, since he is a part of the problem itself, included in the question, and such an analogy is a petitio principii.

From Project Gutenberg

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 Project Gutenberg

In other words, omitting his petitio principii and his allusion to the test of fertility, the great criterion in his view is the criterion of Heredity.

From Project Gutenberg

Such an argument is no argument at all; it is a mere petitio principii, incapable of proving anything.

From Project Gutenberg

The great argument that men are determined by the strongest motives, is a mere equivocation, and what logicians call petitio principii.

From Project Gutenberg