Skip to content

To admit one's own presuppositions and to point out the…

“To admit one's own presuppositions and to point out the presuppositions of others is therefore to maintain that all reasoning is, in the nature of the case, circular reasoning. The starting-point, the method, and the conclusion are always involved in one another.” quote by Cornelius Van Til
Download Open image
“To admit one's own presuppositions and to point out the presuppositions of others is therefore to maintain that all reasoning is, in the nature of the case, circular reasoning. The starting-point, the method, and the conclusion are always involved in one another.”

Cornelius Van Til

About This Quote

This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.

Reasoning often loops back on its own assumptions, making arguments circular unless premises are examined.

In simple terms: Reasoning can be circular if we ignore hidden assumptions.

Key Takeaway

Question your own premises.

Themes

logic philosophy critical thinking

Mood

analytical skeptical

Type

philosophical educational

When to use this quote

  • debate
  • academic writing
  • personal decision making
  • ethical analysis

Key Concepts

circular reasoning presuppositions

Questions to Reflect On

  • Are your conclusions based on unexamined assumptions?
  • How can you break the circular loop?
A Different Perspective

Circular reasoning can obscure truth if not challenged.

★ ★ ★ ★ ★ No ratings yet

More by Cornelius Van Til

Explore all 17 Cornelius Van Til quotes

More Cases quotes

Browse all 6,420 Cases quotes