LSAT Logical Reasoning Circular Reasoning Fallacy Quiz

1. Which of the following best describes a circular reasoning fallacy?

Using irrelevant personal attacks to dismiss an argument

Restating the conclusion as evidence for itself without independent support

Drawing a conclusion from insufficient data

Confusing correlation with causation

Circular reasoning assumes the conclusion is true by using the conclusion itself as evidence.

Explanation

Circular reasoning assumes the conclusion is true by using the conclusion itself as evidence.

2. The university is the best because it has the highest reputation. Its reputation is highest because it is the best. What fallacy appears here?

Straw man

Circular reasoning

False cause

Appeal to authority

The conclusion (best university) is supported only by restating itself (highest reputation = best).

Explanation

The conclusion (best university) is supported only by restating itself (highest reputation = best).

3. Identify the circular reasoning in this argument: Television is harmful because it damages society, and society is damaged by television.

The argument uses vague language

The premise and conclusion say the same thing

The argument lacks empirical evidence

The argument overgeneralizes

Both statements assert the same claim without providing independent evidence.

Explanation

Both statements assert the same claim without providing independent evidence.

4. Which statement avoids circular reasoning?

This law is just because justice requires this law

This law is just because it treats all citizens equally and protects fundamental rights

This law is good because good laws are like this law

This law must be obeyed because it is a law

Option B provides independent criteria (equality and rights protection) rather than restating the conclusion.

Explanation

Option B provides independent criteria (equality and rights protection) rather than restating the conclusion.

5. A politician argues: We must support this policy because it is the right policy to support. Which logical flaw is present?

Circular reasoning

Hasty generalization

Equivocation

Red herring

The argument merely restates the conclusion without offering reasons.

Explanation

The argument merely restates the conclusion without offering reasons.

6. Circular reasoning is also called ____.

Ad hominem

Begging the question

Non sequitur

False dilemma

Begging the question is the formal name for circular reasoning.

Explanation

Begging the question is the formal name for circular reasoning.

7. Which argument contains circular reasoning?

All cats are mammals because they have fur, and animals with fur are mammals

This book is worth reading because it is excellent, and it is excellent because it is worth reading

Dogs are loyal because they follow commands, which shows their intelligence

The economy improved because unemployment decreased and wages increased

Option B uses the same claim (worth reading/excellent) as both premise and conclusion.

Explanation

Option B uses the same claim (worth reading/excellent) as both premise and conclusion.

8. A speaker claims: This investment is profitable because profitable investments like this generate returns. What is the logical problem?

It assumes what needs to be proven

It ignores market conditions

It relies on outdated data

It contradicts economic theory

The argument assumes the investment is profitable to conclude it is profitable.

Explanation

The argument assumes the investment is profitable to conclude it is profitable.

9. Which passage best illustrates circular reasoning in an LSAT context?

The defendant is guilty because the evidence shows intent, planning, and motive

Art is beautiful because beautiful things are like art

The witness testified she saw the crime, but her vision was poor

Either the law is constitutional or unconstitutional

Option B restates the conclusion (art is beautiful) without independent reasoning.

Explanation

Option B restates the conclusion (art is beautiful) without independent reasoning.

10. Breaking the circular reasoning fallacy requires ____.

Independent evidence beyond the conclusion

Longer argument structure

Multiple premises

Formal logic notation

Valid reasoning must support conclusions with evidence not already assumed.

Explanation

Valid reasoning must support conclusions with evidence not already assumed.

11. A teacher argues: This teaching method is effective because effective methods work this way. Which flaw is present?

Circular reasoning

Appeal to tradition

False analogy

Slippery slope

The conclusion (effective method) is assumed in the premise.

Explanation

The conclusion (effective method) is assumed in the premise.

Submit

13. A company states: Our product is superior because superior products are made by us. This demonstrates ____.

The claim restates itself without offering actual support.

Explanation

The claim restates itself without offering actual support.

Submit

14. Which argument structure best avoids circular reasoning?

Conclusion restates premise in different words

Premise A supports conclusion; conclusion B supports premise A

Premise independently supports conclusion with new information

Multiple conclusions restate the same idea

Valid reasoning introduces new supporting information, not restatements.

Explanation

Valid reasoning introduces new supporting information, not restatements.

15. Recognizing circular reasoning on the LSAT is important because ____.

Circular reasoning provides no real logical support and signals a flawed argument.

Explanation

Circular reasoning provides no real logical support and signals a flawed argument.

Submit

LSAT Logical Reasoning Circular Reasoning Fallacy Quiz

1. Which of the following best describes a circular reasoning fallacy?

2.

What first name or nickname would you like us to use?

2. The university is the best because it has the highest reputation. Its reputation is highest because it is the best. What fallacy appears here?

3. Identify the circular reasoning in this argument: Television is harmful because it damages society, and society is damaged by television.

4. Which statement avoids circular reasoning?

5. A politician argues: We must support this policy because it is the right policy to support. Which logical flaw is present?

6. Circular reasoning is also called ____.

7. Which argument contains circular reasoning?

8. A speaker claims: This investment is profitable because profitable investments like this generate returns. What is the logical problem?

9. Which passage best illustrates circular reasoning in an LSAT context?

10. Breaking the circular reasoning fallacy requires ____.

11. A teacher argues: This teaching method is effective because effective methods work this way. Which flaw is present?

12. Avoid circular reasoning by providing ____.

13. A company states: Our product is superior because superior products are made by us. This demonstrates ____.

14. Which argument structure best avoids circular reasoning?

15. Recognizing circular reasoning on the LSAT is important because ____.