Question

why is the following argument an example of circular reasoning? governor abernathy is a law - abiding citizen, so she could not have committed tax fraud. re - elect governor abernathy! the statement attacks personal characteristics of governor abernathy without properly considering the issue at hand. the idea that law - abiding citizens do not commit crimes like tax fraud is not an argument, only a restatement. the statement begins and ends with the same words: \governor abernathy.\ the statement does not offer enough details about governor abernathys history of following the law.

Explanation:

Circular reasoning restates the conclusion as a premise. Here, the claim that the governor is law - abiding (premise) is used to conclude she didn't commit tax fraud, but being law - abiding is just another way of saying not committing tax fraud. It's a restatement rather than a proper argument.

Answer:

The idea that law - abiding citizens do not commit crimes like tax fraud is not an argument, only a restatement.