Which term describes a reasoning pattern where the conclusion is essentially a restatement of one of the premises?

The term that describes a reasoning pattern where the conclusion is essentially a restatement of one of the premises is circular reasoning. In circular reasoning, the argument relies on its own assertion to support itself, creating a loop where no new information is provided to substantiate the conclusion. This form of reasoning is problematic because it does not give a legitimate basis for the conclusion; instead, it merely reiterates what has already been stated without any independent support or evidence.

For example, saying that "I am trustworthy because I always tell the truth" is circular reasoning; the premise that the speaker tells the truth does not provide any additional support beyond the claim itself—the conclusion is already embedded in the premise. Understanding this pattern is critical for constructing valid arguments and identifying flaws in reasoning.