LSAT 17, Logical Reasoning I, Q2, LSATHacks

LR Question 2 Explanation, by LSATHacks

QUESTION TEXT: Many people do not understand themselves, nor do they…

QUESTION TYPE: Flawed Reasoning

CONCLUSION: Anyone who lacks self understanding will fail to understand others.

REASONING: Without self-understanding it is impossible to understand others.

ANALYSIS: This is classic circular reasoning: the premise is the same as the conclusion.

___________

1. This describes the error of mistaking a necessary condition for a sufficient condition. It’s a common error but it’s different from circular reasoning.
2. The argument explicitly takes this into account. It mentions that some people don’t even try to gain self understanding.
3. The stimulus hasn’t blamed anyone. Look as hard as you want but you’ll never find where it says that those people are “wrong” or at fault for failing to seek self-understanding.
4. Self-understanding isn’t too vague. Everyone has a rough idea what it means: understanding who we are.
5. CORRECT. This is another way of saying circular reasoning. The conclusion is just a restatement of the premise.

Recap: The question begins with “Many people do not understand themselves, nor do they”. It is a Flawed Reasoning question. Learn more about LSAT Flaw questions in our guide to LSAT Logical Reasoning question types.

Hi, I'm Graeme Blake

Founder of LSAThacks; I scored a 177 on the LSAT.

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