By now it should be apparent that many
of the arguments you'll see on your test aren't well-supported. Most
contain some type of logical flaw.
However, so far it's been your
responsibility to figure out that a flaw exists and what to do about
it. In the next question type that we'll review - the Logical Flaw question
- you are told that a flaw exists. But now you must identify
it directly.
We've already covered a number of the most common flaws
in arguments:
- In causal arguments, the author often fails to consider alternative
causes.
- In representativeness arguments, the sample may not be representative
of the group.
- In scope shifts, the author does not keep the scope of his
argument consistent.
But there are two more of which you should be aware:
- In necessary/sufficient errors, a requirement that is necessary
for something to occur is confused with something that is sufficient
for it to occur.
- In correlation/causation errors, a correlation between two
ideas is mistaken for causal relationship (or vice versa).
Let's take a look at an example of each.
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Video Lessons and 10 Fully Explained Grand Tests
Large number of solved practice MCQ with explanations. Video Lessons and 10 Fully explained Grand/Full Tests.