selfjustifying

Selfjustifying is an adjective used to describe claims, beliefs, policies, or systems that supposedly justify themselves, rather than requiring external justification. A selfjustifying position is one whose validity rests on internal premises or on the acceptance of its own conclusions. The term is often contrasted with externally justified or evidence-based justification.

In philosophy and epistemology, selfjustifying claims are treated with caution because they can be circular or unfalsifiable. Accepting the claim is used as evidence for its truth, without independent support. This is closely related to begging the question and to arguments that resist revision because all critique is interpreted as a challenge to the system rather than to the proposition itself.

In social and political contexts, institutions or ideologies may be described as selfjustifying when their legitimacy rests on internal criteria such as tradition, authority, or coherence with a stated mission. While this can promote continuity and cohesion, critics argue it may produce closed systems that resist external critique or reform.

In rhetoric, selfjustifying arguments employ premises that presuppose the conclusion, making the reasoning circular. The label is often applied pejoratively in debates when speakers appear to defend a position by reiterating the same premises rather than presenting independent evidence.

See also circular reasoning, epistemic justification, self-justification, and related discussions of justification and rationality.