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Circular definitions, circular explanations, and infinite regresses

ArgumentationPublished 1 August 1994
Claude Gratton
Citations11
SJR quartileQ1
SJR score0.68
SNIP1.73

Abstract

This paper discusses some of the ways in which circular definitions and circular explanations entail or fail to entail infinite regresses. And since not all infinite regresses are vicious, a few criteria of viciousness are examined in order to determine when the entailment of a regress refutes a circular definition or a circular explanation.

Keywords

PsychologyArts and Humanities