Question #1373

Why is it an error?

Started by hatemz · started 2020-02-18 19:21 · last activity 2020-02-19 00:24 · 1 reply

Why is it an error to focus on the supporters of a proposal rather than the proposal itself? I see that in this passage it is an error in the authors judgement because he is only focusing on "some" of the supporters rather than the majority, but don't fully understand why this is an error of reasoning. For example, if a majority of supports advocated for getting rid of something that is morally sound (cant think of an example), why would it be wrong to say that the supporters are not sound in order to reason that the proposal should be abandoned? What if the supporters of the proposal are all of unsound mind? Thats why I see the issue with the author of this passage only saying "some", but not "all". I just don't fully understand the issue of saying the supporters are not sound enough to make the decision I guess? Please help!

Replies

SamA · 2020-02-19 00:24

Hello @hatemz, Great question. This will come up again, so the concept here is important to remember. On the LSAT, we should always consider the argument itself, and not the person making it. It is an error in reasoning to dismiss someone's argument based on their flaws. At no point does the author address the strengths and weaknesses of the proposal in question. Johnny claims that he saw Billy steal a TV from the electronics store. However, Johnny also believes that the Earth is flat. Therefore, we should not believe Johnny's accusation. My argument is flawed. Johnny might be a crazy person. But that doesn't mean that I can dismiss his claim without checking security tapes, Billy's alibi, etc. Another common scenario is bias. Just because someone might personally gain from making an argument, it doesn't mean that their argument is wrong.