LSAT Practice Test

Which one of the following arguments exhibits flawed reasoning most similar to that exhibited by the argument above?

1. Parallel Flaw

2. Circular Reasoning

3. False Analogy

4. Slippery Slope

The correct answer is: Parallel Flaw

The argument in the passage relies on the assumption that because there is a correlation between two events, there is a causal relationship between them. This type of flawed reasoning is commonly known as post hoc ergo propter hoc, or the fallacy of assuming that because one event precedes another, it must have caused it. Choice A, Parallel Flaw, is the correct answer because it also involves a similar flawed reasoning pattern of assuming a causal relationship based on a correlation, making it the most similar to the argument in the passage. Choices B, Circular Reasoning, C, False Analogy, and D, Slippery Slope, do not exhibit the same flawed reasoning pattern as the argument in the passage. Circular Reasoning involves restating the same claim as evidence, False Analogy involves comparing two unrelated things as if they are alike, and Slippery Slope involves making a series of unsupported assumptions leading to an unacceptable conclusion.