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Infinite Regress |
| Description: | ||
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| The argument proposes an explanation, but the mechanism proposed stands just as much in need of explanation as the original fact to be explained - and indeed it stands in need of the same kind of explanation. So it is tempting to apply the explanation to itself. | ||
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| Examples: | ||
| "The world is supported by four elephants standing on the back of a giant turtle, which is standing on the back of another giant turtle, which is standing on the back of another giant turtle..." | ||
| "Eggs exist because they are laid by chickens; and, of course, chickens are hatched from eggs." | ||
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| Discussion: | ||
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| Classification: A retroductive fallacy of circularity. | ||
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Go to: WELCOME EXPLANATION of PRINCIPLES TABLE of FALLACIES EXERCISES INDEX