'Murder is morally wrong. Abortion is murder. Therefore, abortion is morally wrong.' This indicates which fallacy?

AArgumentum ad populum

BSlippery slope

CStraw man

DPetitio principii ✓ Correct

Correct answer: (D) Petitio principii

Explanation

The conclusion that abortion is wrong is already smuggled into a premise.

'Abortion is murder' assumes the very moral verdict being argued for.

Once murder is granted wrong and abortion labelled murder, the result is guaranteed in advance.

The disputed point is buried inside the premise rather than shown.

Assuming what one sets out to prove is begging the question, petitio principii.

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