Review Flawed Arguments Flashcards
Flawed Argument
Abstract Answer
Every word used in McCracken’s latest novel has been used in previous novels. Since the words in her novel fail to be innovative, her novel must also fail to be innovative.
F. fails to consider that a property shared by each part of something need not be shared by the whole
People who take an LSAT course always improve their ability to do Logic Games. Clearly, José took an LSAT course. After all, his ability to do Logic Games has improved tremendously.
K. mistakes a cause for an effect
Most scientists believe that there is no life on Venus. However, we have never been able to send a probe there to prove such a contention. Therefore, there actually is life on Venus.
D. infers, on the grounds that a claim has never been proven true, that the claim is therefore false
People who regularly nap are more likely than others to have insomnia. So, it seems that getting more rest during the day makes one more restless at night.
K. mistakes a cause for an effect
Mayor Henderson argues that her recent initiative to improve the quality of water fountain drinking water has been a success. However, this claim should not be believed, since she would undoubtedly benefit politically if people believed that she had improved water quality.
I. opposes someone’s claim because the claim, if true, would be advantageous to that person
Haley plans to attend graduate school, but she is not interested in law, so she must be going to business school.
H. presumes that two methods mentioned are the only two methods available
Nirvana was clearly the best band in the ’90s. After all, consider all the other bands from the ’90s: None of them compare to Nirvana.
C. presumes the truth of its conclusion
According to a recent poll conducted at the Republican National Convention, 80% of respondents said that they would vote for a Republican candidate over any of the Democratic candidates. It seems likely, therefore, that Republicans will win the upcoming election.
A. generalizes too readily from a potentially atypical sample
People accuse Victor and Marissa of not having a committed relationship. But apparently those people are wrong, for Marissa recently committed Victor to a mental hospital.
J. allows the meaning of a key term to shift
The quickest way to learn a new language is to read and translate a novel that is written in that language. Although this takes longer than simply traveling to a country where that language is spoken and immersing yourself in it, learning a language via a novel teaches you subtext, symbolism, and many other advanced usages of the language.
E. interprets a factor that is guaranteed to produce a certain result as one required to produce that result
A recent poll found that 87% of respondents considered genetically modified vegetables to be less healthful than nonmodified vegetables. Public health would be well served, therefore, by a ban on genetically modified vegetables.
B. does not distinguish between opinion and fact
