LSAT Key Words

Flaw

A defect or error in reasoning that undermines the validity of an argument. Identifying flaws is crucial in logical reasoning sections of the LSAT

Necessary Condition

An event or situation that must occur for another event or situation to occur. In logical reasoning, if a necessary condition is not met, the related outcome cannot happen.

Assumption

A belief or statement taken for granted without proof, which underlies an argument's reasoning. Identifying assumptions helps clarify the argument's validity in the LSAT.

Analogy

A comparison between two different things that highlights similarities, often used in arguments to draw conclusions or illustrate points.

Parallel Reasoning

A reasoning method that draws a comparison between two arguments or situations to show how they are similar in structure or logic. It helps in evaluating the strength of arguments by applying the same reasoning to different scenarios.

Aesthetic Principle

A broad, conditional rule about beauty, art, or value that you apply to specific scenarios. It usually appears in Logical Reasoning "Principle" questions where you must match a general rule of art to a specific evaluation.

Propositions

a declarative statement that has a definite truth value—meaning it must be either true or false. It serves as the basic building block of logical arguments, functioning either as a premise (evidence supporting a claim) or a conclusion (the main point being defended).

Sufficient condition

a guarantee that an event or outcome will occur

• “if” clause

• If A is true then B is automatically true