Common Piece does not Equal Puzzle Argument Flaws

What are the three main flaws in reasoning related to pieces and puzzles?

The three main flaws are: overvalues a trait, overvalues an opinion, and overvalues a sample set.

What does it mean to mistake a piece for the puzzle in reasoning?

It means to overreach in trying to justify a conclusion using supporting evidence that may only be one part of a bigger picture.

What is an example of flawed reasoning involving health?

"Sally is careful about what she eats, so she must be in great health."

What is an example of flawed reasoning involving strength?

"Ted is strong, so he must be good at football."

What does it mean to overvalue a trait in reasoning?

put too much emphasis on one particular characteristic or one particular "clue" in reaching a conclusion. Every single time a primary characteristic (or two) is used to justify a conclusion—every single time—you know that characteristic, while it may be important, is not enough to prove the author's point.

What is an example of flawed reasoning in overvaluing a characteristic/trait?

"Hard work leads to success, Honesty makes for good leaders, Defense wins championships."

What does it mean to Overvalue an Opinion in reasoning?

When the author makes an assumption that something is true because someone said so. The truth is never the truth because someone says it is.

What is an example of flawed reasoning in overvaluing an opinion?

"My financial advisor definitely thinks I ought to be putting more money into mutual funds, so that's the smart move to make."

On the other hand, what is something important to remember about overvaluing opinion flaw?

just as an opinion cannot prove that an argument is true, an opinion can't prove that an argument is false.

What is an example of flawed reasoning involving overvaluing an opinion that tries to prove something false?

"Sandra says that the new double bacon avocado hash brown popcorn shrimp burger at Karlle's isn't delicious, but that's only because she's embarrassed to eat at Karlle's with me. Therefore, she's clearly wrong."

What does it mean to Overvalue a sample set in reasoning?

when they reach a general consensus based on evidence from a limited portion of whatever group or system that they are discussing.

What is an example of flawed reasoning in overvaluing a sample set?

"The new hybrid vehicle from Honda has an engine that weighs fifty percent more than that of a standard automobile. Therefore, it's unlikely that the car will be a lightweight model."

What does it mean for something to be necessary, but not enough (sufficient)?

those that give us characteristics that are necessary, or needed, to reach the conclusion, but are not, by themselves, enough to definitely prove, the argument correct.

What is a trait that is enough to justify the conclusion?

Sufficient

What is one of the most common flaws that appear in LSAT arguments?

Mistaking necessary for sufficient

What is an example of a fairly basic argument making the necessary and sufficient confusion?

"In order to watch the soccer match, one must have a television. Since Ted has a television, he will be able to watch the soccer match."

What is another example of an argument making the necessary and sufficient confusion?

"Company X is required to alert its shareholders with a 'red alert' any time the stock price goes up or down by greater than ten percent in one day. The last red alert occurred in 2008, when the stock price rose by over thirteen percent in one day. Since the company just recently sent out a 'red alert' to shareholders, it must be true that the stock has gone up or down by greater than ten percent."

What is the flip side of the piece does not equal the puzzle?

The puzzle does not equal the piece

What does it mean for the puzzle to not equal the piece in arguments?

When they mistakenly assume that something that is true of the whole is true of each component. OR when the author is using some statement about a group or larger entity to say something about an individual or a part,

What is an example in an argument when the puzzle does not equal the piece?

"The new hybrid Honda weighs in at less than 70 percent the weight of a conventional automobile. It must be true that Honda is using a lighter-than-average-weight engine."