Begging the question

Begging the question is when your "proof" already assumes the thing you're trying to prove, so you're going in a circle. The conclusion is hidden in the premises, so the argument doesn't actually give independent support. It feels persuasive because the premise and conclusion say similar things, but that's exactly why it fails: you're not offering a real reason, just a restatement. Anyone who doesn't already accept the conclusion won't be given a reason to accept it.

Examples

• The Bible is true because God wrote it, and we know God wrote it because the Bible says so.

• Free speech is sacred because we have a fundamental right to say what we think.

• This product is the best because it's superior to the rest.