Causal Reasoning

Question 1

Causality LSAT definition

Answer 1

Causality occurs when one event is said to make another occur.

Question 2

Differences between causal and conditional reasoning

Answer 2

1. The chronology of the two events can differ. Cause must happen first and effect must happen later. This is not true for conditionals
2. The connection between the events is different. Cause MAKES the event happen.
3. The language used to introduce the statements is different. Causal indicators are active, almost powerful words.

Question 3

If the causal argument is in the conclusion, then _____

Answer 3

If the causal argument is in the conclusion, then the reasoning is flawed

Question 4

If the causal argument is in the premise, then _____

Answer 4

If the causal argument is in the premise, then the argument may be flawed, but not because of the causal statement.

Question 5

The two scenarios that tend to lead causal conclusions in LR Questions:

Answer 5

1. One event occurs before another

2. Two (or more) events occur at the same time

Question 6

When an LSAT speaker concludes that one occurrence caused another, that speaker also assumes _____

Answer 6

When an LSAT speaker concludes that one occurrence caused another, that speaker also assumes that the stated cause is the only possible cause of the effect and that consequently the stated cause will always produce the effect.