Not a circular argument

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Not a circular argument Written by Tracy W (4/7/2008 8:25 a.m.) in consequence of the missive, You gotta admire the ingenuity, penned by Joan Ellen

Emma is saying that Emma is confident that Harriet is a gentleman's daughter. Emma also is saying that Harriet is associating with gentleman's daughters because Emma associates with Harriet. This is only circular if Emma thought that the reason Harriet must be a gentleman's daughter was because Emma associated with her. A circular argument assumes the conclusion:

"The study of literature is worthwhile because great literature repays close reading." is a circular argument.

Emma's stated reasons for thinking Harriet is a gentleman's daughter is Her allowance is very liberal; nothing has ever been grudged for her improvement or comfort. (chpt 8)

I do agree with you and others that Emma is so convinced that Harriet is a gentleman's daughter because Emma wants Harriet to be, to justify Emma seperating Harriet and Robert Martin.

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Why? nan duval (4/6/2008 10:54 p.m.)

Get out the shovel Mary Ellen (4/16/2008 12:20 p.m.)
No history... Moni (4/8/2008 7:54 a.m.)
- 'Relieve her solitary evenings' Joan Ellen (4/8/2008 8:38 a.m.)
  - LOL, I agree with you on this... Moni (4/8/2008 9:37 a.m.)
Is Emma a reliable source? Meg in Calif (4/7/2008 6:32 p.m.)
- Mr K associates with Martin and considers him a friend... Delories (4/8/2008 2:27 a.m.)
Mr. Knightley and Mr. Martin... Jennifer H (4/7/2008 12:51 p.m.)
- Mr. Elton using Harriet Lori Kate (4/8/2008 2:18 a.m.)
  - Well, but during their dinner at Randall´s MarianneR (4/8/2008 2:33 a.m.)
    - I see what you mean Lori Kate (4/8/2008 2:25 p.m.)
- Mr Elton badly using Harriet - good point! *nfm* MarianneR (4/7/2008 3:28 p.m.)
Discouraging Harriet from accepting Robert Martin Tracy W (4/7/2008 7:37 a.m.)
Emma is a deluded snob… Robbin (4/7/2008 4:35 a.m.)
- You gotta admire the ingenuity Joan Ellen (4/7/2008 8:12 a.m.)
  - Not a circular argument Tracy W (4/7/2008 8:25 a.m.)
    - But her first premise is false, isn't it? Joan Ellen (4/7/2008 8:59 a.m.)
I have always wondered at this, too Anne-Marie (4/7/2008 1:53 a.m.)

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