What is the term for reasoning that begins and ends in the same assertion without providing evidence?

The correct term for reasoning that begins and ends with the same assertion without providing external evidence is circular reasoning. This logical fallacy occurs when the argument's conclusion is essentially the same as its premise, meaning that the reasoner does not offer valid evidence or support for their claim. Instead of progressing toward an objective conclusion through logical steps, the argument loops back to its original statement, often leaving the reader or listener without a deeper understanding or valid proof of the assertion. Circular reasoning is often characterized by phrases like, "Everyone knows it's true," or, "This is the best solution because it's the most effective."

In contrast, logical conclusion refers to a sound inference drawn from premises, while false cause involves mistakenly implying a causal relationship between two events. Hasty generalization occurs when a conclusion is drawn from an inadequate sample size or evidence, which is different from the self-referential nature of circular reasoning. Thus, the identification of circular reasoning as the correct answer reflects an understanding of flawed argumentation where clarity and substantiation are lacking.