English

Noun

petitio principii

1. (philosophy, logic, uncountable) The logical fallacy of begging the question.
2. (philosophy, logic, countable) A particular argument which commits the fallacy of begging the question; a circular argument.
   • 1869, C. S. Pierce, "Grounds of Validity of the laws of Logic: Further Consequences of Four Incapacities." Journal of Speculative Philosophy.

     A somewhat similar objection has been made by Locke and others, to the effect that the ordinary demonstrative syllogism is a petitio principii.