Is that heaping together of synonyms or all but synonyms, mere tautology?

These two precepts are not mere tautology, but the second of them is the ground of the first.

To affirm this is mere tautology.

Is it not mere tautology?

OF COURSE a GOOD act of will is good; that is a mere tautology, and gives us no guidance whatever.

It is mere tautology.

If this is admitted, you will have apparently gained the day, but in reality have enounced nothing but a mere tautology.