NIMCET 2026 — Reasoning PYQ
NIMCET | Reasoning | 2026Which of the following arguments is a "circular argument"?
Choose the correct answer:
- A.
If it rains, the grass gets wet. The grass is wet, so it must have rained.
- B.
Free speech is important because people should be able to say what they want.
(Correct Answer) - C.
Most people buy this brand, so it must be the best quality.
- D.
He is a good doctor because he graduated from a top university.
Free speech is important because people should be able to say what they want.
Explanation
A "circular argument" (also known as begging the question) occurs when the conclusion of an argument is essentially the same as the premise. The argument assumes the truth of the conclusion it is trying to prove.
In formal logic, if P is the premise and Q is the conclusion, a circular argument functions such that:
P⟺Q
Analysis of the Options:
Option 1: This is a logical fallacy known as "affirming the consequent." It makes an assumption about causation but is not strictly circular.
Option 2: This is the correct answer. The statement "Free speech is important" (P) is supported by the claim that "people should be able to say what they want" (Q). Since "free speech" is defined as the ability to say what one wants, the argument essentially states:
Free speech≡the right to say what one wants
Therefore, the argument assumes the truth of its conclusion within its premise, creating a loop where no new information is provided to prove the point.
Option 3: This is an "Appeal to Popularity" (Bandwagon fallacy).
Option 4: This is an "Appeal to Authority" or logical assumption based on credentials.
Conclusion:
Option 2 is a circular argument because the premise and the conclusion express the same idea.