Critical Reasoning: Logical Analysis

Question Types

Strengthen/Weaken

• Identify conclusion and premises
• Find option that adds/removes support
• Don't bring external knowledge

Assumption

• What must be true for conclusion to follow?
• Use negation test: If assumption false, does argument fall apart?

Inference

• Must be definitely true based on passage
• Avoid extreme conclusions
• Don't add information

Paradox/Explain

• Find option that resolves apparent contradiction
• Look for missing link

Common Logical Fallacies

Hasty Generalization

Concluding from insufficient sample

False Cause

Assuming correlation implies causation

Circular Reasoning

Conclusion restates premise

Appeal to Authority

Argument based on who said it, not what was said

Straw Man

Misrepresenting opponent's argument

Argument Structure

Standard Form

1. Premise 1

2. Premise 2

3. Therefore, Conclusion

Identify

• Conclusion indicators: Therefore, Thus, Hence, So
• Premise indicators: Because, Since, Given that, As

CAT Strategy

• Separate facts from opinions
• Identify conclusion first
• Map logical flow
• Eliminate extreme options
• Time limit: 2 minutes per question