The proper way to plan a scientific project is first to decide its goal and then to plan the best way to accomplish t...
Max-LevinsOctober 26, 2019
"Presupposes"
I've seen a lot of answer choices similar to "the argument presupposes what it sets out to prove" or something along those lines. I know presuppose means taking something for granted like in a premise. For some reason the answer choice throws me off, because I feel like it can apply to any flawed conclusion. Does this answer choice only refer to the premises? And are there any examples where it's the correct answer?
Reply
Create a free account to read and
take part in forum discussions.
These types of answer choices describe the flaw known as "circular reasoning," where the conclusion merely repeats or restates the premises. It is rarely a correct answer choice on the LSAT, and is usually a fairly obvious flaw. One example is Dec 2001 LSAT S1 Q 10:
Cotrell is, at best, able to write magazine articles of average quality. The most compelling pieces of evidence for this are those few of the numerous articles submitted by Cotrell that are superior, since Cotrell, who is incapable of writing an article that is better than average, must obviously have plagiarized superior ones.
The argument is most vulnerable to criticism on which one of the following grounds?
A It simply ignores the existence of potential counterevidence. B It generalizes from atypical occurrences. C It presupposes what it seeks to establish. D It relies on the judgment of experts in a matter to which their expertise is irrelevant. E It infers limits on ability from a few isolated lapses in performance.
