Use LEFT and RIGHT arrow keys to navigate between flashcards;
Use UP and DOWN arrow keys to flip the card;
H to show hint;
A reads text to speech;
9 Cards in this Set
- Front
- Back
|
What is a complex argument |
Like a ladder, a complex argument takes an initial conclusion and then uses it as premise for another conclusion. They place the main conclusion at the beginning of the stimulus and then fluff and then place the sub-conclusion in the last sentence, PRECEDED by a conclusion indicator....thricks the student into thinking the last sentence is the main conlusion. |
|
|
Method of reasoning question & Two-speaker stimuli |
They place the main conclusion at the beginning of the stimulus and then fluff and then place the sub-conclusion in the last sentence, PRECEDED by a conclusion indicator....thricks the student into thinking the last sentence is the main conclusion.
|
|
|
validity |
of the what is the logical relationship of the pieces of the argument and how well do the premises, if accepted, prove the conclusion? you are only concerned about whether the conclusion is true relative to the premises Do the given facts support the conclusion? |
|
|
Inferences
|
something that must be true.
is what follows from an argument (in other words, a conclusion) is made “after” the argument iscomplete, and follows from the argument |
|
|
Assumptions
|
simply the same as an unstated premise—what must be true in order for the argument to be true.
what is taken for granted while making an argument can often have a great effect on the validity of the argument an assumption occurs “before” the argument |
|
|
examples of complex arguments |
“Some people propose...”
“Many people believe...” “Some argue that...” or “Some people argue that...” “Some critics claim...” “Some critics maintain...” “Some scientists believe..." The structure of this opening sentence is remarkably consistent in form, and adheres to the following formula: A number (some, many, etc.) of people (critics, students, teachers, legislators, vegetarians, psychologists etc.) believe (claim, propose, argue, etc.) that... Of course, there are exceptions, as with these opening sentences from previous LSATs: “Although some people claim...” (starts with “although”) “It has been claimed that...” (drops the number and people) “Cigarette companies claim that...” (drops the number)
|
|
|
Quantity indicators |
all every most many some several few sole only not all none refer to the amount or quantity in the relationship, such as“some people” or “many of the laws.” |
|
|
Probability Indicators
|
must
will always not always probably likely should would not necessarily could rarely never Probability indicators refer to the likelihood of occurrence, or the obligation present, as in “The Mayor should resign” or “The law will never pass.” |
|
|
Scope
|
is the range to which the premises and conclusion encompass certain ideas.
For example, consider an argument discussing a new surgical technique. The ideas of surgery and medicine are within the scope of the argument. The idea of federal monetary policy, on the other hand, would not be within the scope of the argument. Arguments are sometimes described as having a narrow (or limited) scope or a wide (or broad) scope. narrow scope is definite in its statements, wide scope argument is less definite and allows for a greater range of possibility. |
