Identify the fallacy committed in the following argument: "Capital punishment…
2023
Identify the fallacy committed in the following argument:
"Capital punishment is morally wrong because it is ethically impermissible to inflict death as punishment for crime"
Answer: C. Begging the question — ConceptA circular argument assumes, in its premise, substantially the same claim that it is supposed to prove. Because the premise supplies no independent…
- A.
Two wrongs make a right
- B.
Look who is talking
- C.
Begging the question
- D.
Scare tactics
Show answer & explanation
Correct answer: C
Concept
A circular argument assumes, in its premise, substantially the same claim that it is supposed to prove. Because the premise supplies no independent reason for the conclusion, the argument begs the question.
Application
Here, “morally wrong” is supported only by “ethically impermissible.” These expressions make the same moral judgment in different words, so the premise does not independently establish the conclusion.
Contrast
“Two wrongs make a right” tries to justify one wrong by pointing to another wrong; this argument does not compare two wrong acts.
“Look who is talking” attacks a speaker’s inconsistency or hypocrisy; this argument says nothing about the speaker.
“Scare tactics” uses fear of harmful consequences as persuasion; this argument contains no threat or fear appeal.
Result
Therefore, the fallacy is begging the question.