What logical fallacy occurs when a conclusion is supported by premises that assume the conclusion is already true?

The correct response identifies the logical fallacy known as "Begging the Question." This fallacy occurs when an argument's premises inherently assume the truth of the conclusion rather than offering independent support for it. In other words, rather than providing valid reasoning or evidence, the premises simply restate or rephrase the conclusion, making the argument circular.

For example, if someone argues that "God exists because the Bible says so, and the Bible is true because it is the word of God," the premises already presume the truth of the conclusion (that God exists) without offering external evidence to support that conclusion. This illustrates how the argument fails to provide a logical basis for its conclusion, as it relies on the assumption that the conclusion is already valid.

Recognizing this fallacy is essential in critical thinking and logical reasoning, as it helps one to identify arguments that do not genuinely support their conclusions and encourages the search for valid evidence that stands on its own merits.