Logical ReasoningDifficulty: Hard

PT156 S4 Q14 Explanation

Science writer: Scientists often accept a

A free, expert breakdown of this official LSAT Logical Reasoning question.

TopicsFlaw

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Stimulus

Science writer: Scientists often accept a scientific argument largely for social reasons, such as the argument's acceptance by other scientists or the prestige of the scientist making the argument. But this is not at all social factors strongly influence every human endeavor.

What this question is testing

Flaw

Your task

Describe the reasoning error the argument actually commits.

Common trap

Answers that name a real logical flaw the argument doesn't actually make.

Winning move

Articulate the gap in the reasoning yourself, then match it to the choice that describes that gap.

Reading along? Open the full official question in LawHub — we show a fragment here and keep the reasoning in our own words.

The question
14.

The science writer's argument is most vulnerable to criticism on the grounds

Answer choices

  1. Trap3% picked this

    takes for granted that the only legitimate reasons for accepting an argument

  2. Correct63% picked this

    takes for granted that whether a behavior obstructs the achievement of a particular endeavor's goals depends on the prevalence of

    Why this is right

    Answer B is correct.

    Skill tested: Flaw · how this choice captures the argument's function is the move to repeat next time.

  3. Trap22% picked this

    fails to consider the possibility that scientists who accept an argument largely for social reasons also generally consider relevant scientific

  4. Trap2% picked this

    fails to consider the possibility that many scientists are unaware that they usually accept scientific arguments

  5. Trap10% picked this

    takes for granted that a behavior that is not detrimental to the sciences will not be detrimental to

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