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Line 182: − + − An [[infinite regression]] results when one asserts that a given event caused another, and yet that first event requires another, identical event, to cause ''it.'' [[Panspermia]], an alternative to [[abiogenesis]] as a proposition about the origin of life, suffers from the infinite-regression flaw so long as it fails to state positively what conditions could have brought about an origin of life on a planet other than the earth, ''other than'' the alleged mechanism of the "seeding" of life on the earth itself. − Is infinite regression ever defensible? If so, when? A [[Conservapedia:Is infinite regression ever valid as a form of reasoning, or acceptable as a way the universe works, or came to be?|debate]] on this issue is now underway.+ + + + + + + + +
→Infinite regression
[[Circular reasoning]], also called begging the question (Lat: petitio principii), is a form of proof by assertion in which one asserts a premise, then asserts a conclusion from that premise (directly or indirectly), and then tries to show that the last conclusion ''supports'' the original premise.
[[Circular reasoning]], also called begging the question (Lat: petitio principii), is a form of proof by assertion in which one asserts a premise, then asserts a conclusion from that premise (directly or indirectly), and then tries to show that the last conclusion ''supports'' the original premise.
===Infinite regression===
====Infinite regression====
: ''Main Article: [[Infinite regression]]''
: ''Main Article: [[Infinite regression]]''
An infinite regression results when one asserts that a given event caused another, and yet that first event requires another, identical event, to cause ''it.'' An infinite regression follows the form:
*P<sub>1</sub> causes Q<sub>1</sub>
*Q<sub>2</sub> causes P<sub>1</sub>
*P<sub>3</sub> causes Q<sub>2</sub>
*Q<sub>4</sub> causes P<sub>3</sub>
*And so on, forever
For example: [[Panspermia]], an alternative to [[abiogenesis]] as a proposition about the origin of life, suffers from the infinite-regression flaw so long as it fails to state positively what conditions could have brought about an origin of life on a planet other than the earth, ''other than'' the alleged mechanism of the "seeding" of life on the earth itself.
====Manufacturing facts from a theory====
====Manufacturing facts from a theory====