Method of reasoning
57 flashcards covering Method of reasoning for the LSAT Logical Reasoning section.
Method of reasoning is about understanding how arguments are built and evaluated, focusing on the logical steps that connect evidence to conclusions. It involves identifying techniques like analogy, generalization, or flaw-spotting, and recognizing patterns such as assumptions or faulty logic. This skill is essential for critical thinking, as it helps you assess the validity of claims and avoid common pitfalls in persuasive writing or debate.
On the LSAT, method of reasoning questions appear in the Logical Reasoning section, often asking you to describe an argument's structure, compare reasoning methods, or identify errors like circular logic or overgeneralization. Common traps include confusing necessary conditions with sufficient ones or missing subtle shifts in perspective, so watch for misleading language. Focus on practicing argument analysis, paying attention to keywords that signal reasoning types, and mapping out the core elements to improve accuracy.
A concrete tip: Always outline the argument's premises and conclusion first.
Terms (57)
- 01
Premise
A premise is a statement that provides evidence or support for a conclusion in an argument.
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Conclusion
A conclusion is the main claim or point that an argument is trying to establish, often based on premises.
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Argument
An argument is a set of statements where one or more premises are used to support or justify a conclusion.
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Assumption
An assumption is an unstated belief or idea that an argument relies on to connect its premises to its conclusion.
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Flaw
A flaw is a weakness or error in reasoning that undermines the logic of an argument, such as overlooking key evidence.
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Analogy
An analogy is a comparison between two similar things to draw a conclusion, often used to illustrate or support a point.
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Counterexample
A counterexample is an instance that contradicts a general claim, showing why the claim might not hold true.
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Generalization
Generalization is the process of drawing a broad conclusion based on specific instances or evidence.
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Causal Reasoning
Causal reasoning involves identifying a cause-and-effect relationship, where one event is claimed to lead to another.
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Conditional Reasoning
Conditional reasoning uses if-then statements to express relationships, where the 'if' part must be true for the 'then' part to follow.
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Parallel Reasoning
Parallel reasoning involves identifying an argument that has the same structure as another, often to compare or evaluate logic.
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Strengthen the Argument
To strengthen an argument means to provide evidence or reasoning that makes the conclusion more likely to be true.
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Weaken the Argument
To weaken an argument is to introduce evidence or reasoning that casts doubt on the conclusion or its premises.
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Necessary Assumption
A necessary assumption is a statement that must be true for an argument's conclusion to follow from its premises.
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Sufficient Assumption
A sufficient assumption is a statement that, if true, would guarantee the argument's conclusion based on its premises.
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Red Herring
A red herring is a distraction in an argument that diverts attention from the main issue, making the reasoning misleading.
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Ad Hominem
Ad hominem is a flaw where an argument attacks the person making a claim rather than addressing the claim itself.
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Straw Man
A straw man is a flaw where an argument misrepresents an opponent's position to make it easier to attack.
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Begging the Question
Begging the question is a flaw where the conclusion is assumed in the premises, making the argument circular.
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Hasty Generalization
Hasty generalization is a flaw that occurs when a conclusion is drawn from too few examples, leading to an overbroad claim.
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Slippery Slope
Slippery slope is a flaw that assumes a small action will lead to a series of extreme consequences without sufficient evidence.
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False Dilemma
A false dilemma is a flaw that presents only two options when more exist, forcing a choice based on incomplete alternatives.
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Appeal to Authority
Appeal to authority is a flaw that relies on an expert's opinion without sufficient evidence that it applies to the situation.
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Post Hoc Fallacy
Post hoc fallacy assumes that because one event followed another, the first caused the second, without proving causation.
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Correlation vs. Causation
Correlation vs. causation is a common trap where two events occurring together are mistakenly seen as one causing the other.
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Role of a Statement
The role of a statement in an argument is its function, such as providing evidence, countering an objection, or stating the main point.
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Inference
An inference is a conclusion drawn from evidence or premises, requiring logical steps to connect the dots.
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Paradox
A paradox is a situation that seems contradictory but may be resolved with further reasoning or evidence.
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Principle
A principle is a general rule or guideline used in an argument to justify a conclusion or evaluate a situation.
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Evaluation of an Argument
Evaluation of an argument involves assessing its strengths and weaknesses, such as checking for flaws or assumptions.
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Flawed Parallel
A flawed parallel is an argument that mirrors the structure of another but contains a logical error, highlighting the original's weakness.
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Explain a Discrepancy
To explain a discrepancy is to resolve an apparent contradiction between two pieces of information using reasoning.
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Boldface Questions
Boldface questions require identifying the roles of specifically highlighted statements in an argument, such as premise or conclusion.
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Dialogue in Arguments
Dialogue in arguments involves multiple speakers whose statements interact, requiring analysis of agreements, disagreements, or implications.
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Conditional Logic Chains
Conditional logic chains link multiple if-then statements, where the truth of one affects the others in a sequence.
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Paradox Resolution
Paradox resolution is the process of using evidence or reasoning to explain and resolve an apparent contradiction.
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Main Point
The main point is the central conclusion or thesis of an argument, around which all other elements revolve.
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Most Strongly Supported
Most strongly supported identifies which statement is best backed by the evidence or reasoning in a passage.
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Weaken with Counterexample
Weaken with counterexample means using a specific instance that contradicts the argument's claim to undermine it.
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Strengthen with Evidence
Strengthen with evidence involves adding supporting facts or data that make the argument's conclusion more plausible.
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Identify the Disagreement
Identify the disagreement means pinpointing the key point of contention between two or more parties in an argument.
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Resolve the Paradox
Resolve the paradox is to provide an explanation that makes sense of conflicting information in an argument.
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Flaw in the Reasoning
Flaw in the reasoning is an error in logic that prevents an argument from being sound, such as unwarranted assumptions.
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Evaluate the Argument
Evaluate the argument requires judging its overall effectiveness, including whether it achieves its intended goal.
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Principle Application
Principle application uses a general rule to assess or draw conclusions about a specific situation in an argument.
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Parallel Flaw
Parallel flaw is when an argument shares the same erroneous structure as another flawed argument.
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Method of Reasoning Questions
Method of reasoning questions ask how an author constructs an argument, including techniques and logical steps used.
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Argument Core
The argument core consists of the essential premises and conclusion that form the heart of the reasoning.
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Scope Shift
Scope shift is a flaw where the argument changes the range of its claim without justification, leading to inconsistency.
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Equivocation
Equivocation is a flaw that uses a word with multiple meanings in different parts of an argument, causing confusion.
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Composition Fallacy
Composition fallacy assumes that what is true of the parts must be true of the whole, which is not always the case.
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Division Fallacy
Division fallacy assumes that what is true of the whole must be true of its parts, often leading to erroneous conclusions.
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False Cause
False cause is a flaw that incorrectly identifies a causal relationship between events without proper evidence.
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Questionable Cause
Questionable cause is when an argument posits a cause that is not sufficiently supported, weakening the reasoning.
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Ambiguity
Ambiguity in an argument arises from unclear language, which can lead to multiple interpretations and flawed logic.
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Vagueness
Vagueness is when terms in an argument are too imprecise, making it hard to evaluate the reasoning accurately.
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Overgeneralization
Overgeneralization is drawing a conclusion that is broader than the evidence supports, often a common flaw.