Intro to Logic Reasoning Flashcards

Which one of the following indicates a weakness in the position expressed above? For this flashcard I thought it was a weaken question, but it is an error in reasoning question. I am confused between weaken questions and errors in reasoning question. How can I distinguish between the two? Both seem like the same to me because you would have to find a weakness/flaw in the argument and attack the conclusion, making it less likely. Thank you

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Mehran March 13, 2018

This confusion is actually quite common because of the similarities that you have pointed out here.

A Weaken question is asking you to weaken the argument.

An Errors in Reasoning question is asking you to identify in abstract terms the flawed method of reasoning set forth in the stimulus.

Notice the terminology used in your example, "indicates a weakness in the position expressed above?"

It is not asking you to weaken but rather to point out the weakness, i.e. the logical fallacy.

That is why this is an Errors in Reasoning question as opposed to a Weaken question.

Hope that helps! Please let us know if you have any other questions.