Cyclical Argument

Definition

A cyclical argument is a type of reasoning that suggests that the conclusion of the argument relies on premises that essentially restate the conclusion itself. This type of argumentation is often used in philosophical discussions to defend the immortality of the soul by asserting that the soul's nature is to exist eternally, leading back to the idea that it must be immortal. It often circles back on itself without providing external evidence.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Cyclical arguments often highlight a relationship between opposites, such as life and death, suggesting that just as life leads to death, death also leads back to life in some form.
2. Plato employs cyclical arguments in works like 'Phaedo' to support the idea that the soul undergoes a cycle of rebirths, reinforcing its immortality.
3. Critics often point out that cyclical arguments can lack empirical support and may be seen as circular reasoning without sufficient justification.
4. The structure of a cyclical argument can lead to conclusions that are tautological, meaning they are true by virtue of their logical form rather than evidence.
5. In philosophical discourse, understanding cyclical arguments can illuminate how beliefs about the soul's nature influence broader metaphysical views.

Review Questions

• How does a cyclical argument function in discussions about the immortality of the soul?
  • A cyclical argument functions in discussions about immortality by asserting that the conclusion about the soul's eternal nature relies on premises that essentially repeat that conclusion. For instance, if one argues that because souls are naturally immortal they continue to exist after death, this reasoning circles back on itself. This highlights how such arguments can reinforce existing beliefs without introducing new evidence or perspectives.
• Evaluate the strengths and weaknesses of using cyclical arguments in defending the concept of the soul's immortality.
  • One strength of cyclical arguments is that they can provide a cohesive framework for understanding complex ideas like immortality by linking concepts together. However, a significant weakness is their tendency to rely on circular reasoning, which can undermine their persuasive power. Critics may argue that without external evidence or rational justification, these arguments fail to convincingly establish the soul's immortality beyond mere assertion.
• Assess how cyclical arguments contribute to philosophical discussions on dualism and recollection within the context of the soul.
  • Cyclical arguments significantly contribute to philosophical discussions on dualism and recollection by illustrating how these concepts interrelate. For instance, if one accepts dualism—the notion that mind and body are distinct—cyclical reasoning can support claims about the soul's immortality as part of its essence. Additionally, recollection ties into this by suggesting that knowledge from past lives informs our current understanding, reinforcing beliefs in an eternal soul. This interconnectedness invites deeper reflection on the implications these ideas hold for our understanding of existence.

Related terms

Immortality: The concept of living forever or having an eternal existence, often discussed in the context of the soul's fate after death.

Dualism: A philosophical view that posits the existence of two distinct substances or realities, typically the mind and body, which has implications for understanding the nature of the soul.

Recollection: In Plato's philosophy, this refers to the process by which the soul remembers knowledge it has acquired before birth, supporting arguments for its immortality.