Every argument has... correct answers 1) Facts that are agreed to be true
2) New facts derived from the established facts
A premise is correct answers Facts that are agreed to be true. It cannot be questioned!
A conclusion is correct answers New facts derived from the established facts (the ...
LSAT || All Questions Answered Correctly.
Every argument has... correct answers 1) Facts that are agreed to be true
2) New facts derived from the established facts
A premise is correct answers Facts that are agreed to be true. It cannot be questioned!
A conclusion is correct answers New facts derived from the established facts (the premise)
An assumption is correct answers A premise necessary to make the argument true/work
HOWEVER it is not explicitly stated
When an assumption is negated... correct answers The argument fails
What is the inference process? correct answers Premise+Premise+Assumption=Conclusion
Another word for inference correct answers Conclusion
Inferences are correct answers True and Defensible
Flaws in the logical process correct answers 1) There is valid logic but incorrect application of
logic (the process is not correct)
2) Inherently flawed logic (stupidity)
Types of Logical Arguments correct answers Deductive and Inductive
Deductive Argumments correct answers Present absolute rules of which there are no exceptions.
There is a 100% prediction about the result of the premise.
Inductive Arguments correct answers Not limited to absolute rules. Inductive arguments are the
absence of deductive arguments.
Types of Deductive Arguments correct answers 1) Set Arguments
2) If/Then Arguments
Deductive Arguments: Set Arguments correct answers Set arguments give a group a
characteristic. Can be diagrammed by drawing a circle to represent the set and then drawing an
arrow to show the characteristic that group receives based on the premise.
Deductive Arguments: If/Then Arguments correct answers Predict a result given a determining
factor. The determining factor occurs at time zero and causes a result later in time. It is an
absolute rule, or a true prediction.
If/Then Arguments: Standard Form correct answers A --> B
A is the determining factor
B is the result
,--> is an arrow that denotes the word "then"
If/Then Arguments : Three dots correct answers Denotes "therefore" in If/Then Statements
Should come after the Standard Form rule.
Ex: Rain --> Wet
Rain
(THREE DOTS) wet
This reads, if it rains, the sidewalk will be wet.
It rains.
THEREFORE, the sidewalk is wet.
If/Then Arguments: Test case correct answers A test case follows a rule. It is a statement that
generally posits one action, and it asks you to determine what (if any) result occurs due to this
action.
Ex: Rain --> Wet
Rain (TEST CASE)
(THREE DOTS) wet
This reads, if it rains, the sidewalk will be wet.
It rains. (TEST CASE)
THEREFORE, the sidewalk is wet.
If/Then Arguments: Negative Signs correct answers A negative sign in front of a word means the
opposite of the word.
Ex: Rain--> Wet
-Rain means it DID NOT rain.
-Wet means it IS NOT wet.
If/Then Arguments: Contrapositives correct answers A contrapositive is when you flip the order
of your standard form argument and make both A and B negative.
A contrapositive is a valid argument!
Ex: A--> B
Contrapositive: -B (THREE DOTS) A
Real example: Rain--> Wet (If it rains the sidewalk will be wet)
-Wet (THREE DOTS) -Rain (If the sidewalk is NOT wet then it DID NOT rain)
Both arguments are valid.
Note that a contrapositive needs to use the three dot "therefore" sign, not an arrow.
, If/Then Arguments: Flipping Order correct answers An argument is not valid if you flip the order
of the argument in standard form. The only way you can manipulate the standard form argument
to create a valid argument is if you create a contrapositive.
If/Then Arguments: Steps to Solving correct answers 1) Identify the two elements
2) Name one of the elements the determining factor
3) Determine whether it is the PRESENCE or ABSENCE of the determining factor that is
important. Add negative signs to your elements if needed. *
*Use the LSAT--> Law School example to determine absence versus presence issues.
If/Then Arguments: "Unless" correct answers Translate "unless" into "if not"...
You will not get into law school UNLESS you take the LSAT. --> You will not get into law
school IF you do NOT take the LSAT.
Unless denotes that there is an ABSENCE of the determining factor.
Wording: Unless A, then not B
Symbols: If -A --> -B
Logic: Absence of determining factor predicts absence of result
If/Then Arguments: "Only If" correct answers Add on "otherwise, not" to the end of the
statement. Ex: Only if you eat your dinner will you get dessert. OTHERWISE, (if you do not eat
your dinner) NOT (you will not get dessert).
Wording: Only if A, then B
Symbols: -A--> -B
Logic: Absence of determining factor predicts absence of result.
If/Then Arguments: "If and Only If" correct answers Consists of two statements!!
Wording: If and only if, A then B
Symbols: -A--> -B and A--> B
Logic: Absence of determining factor predicts absence of result. AND Presence of determining
factor predicts presence of result.
For If and Only If Statements, all elements and their negations are triggers!!
If/Then Arguments: Triggers correct answers A trigger is a piece of an If/Then Statement that
guarantees a result.
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