Parallel Reasoning Questions

[lsatprep2345]

Hi, I know the LSAT differentiates between parallel method of reasoning and parallel flaw questions. For example, the question stem for parallel method could be “Which of the following is most clearly parallel in its reasoning to the reasoning in the argument above?” vs "Which one of the following exhibits an erroneous pattern of reasoning most similar to the argument above”. My question is can we assume that the argument is valid if it doesn't indicate in the question that it is flawed?

Thanks!

[Paul Popa]

Hi Prep,

Great question! The answer is no: we can never safely assume that an argument is valid if the question stem doesn't indicate a flaw, so always keep an eye out for questionable arguments! For example, the argument in Q2 of PT 1, Sec 3 ("People who are red/green color-blind") is an example of a mistaken reversal, but its question stem reads:

"Which one of the following most closely parallels the reasoning in the argument presented in the passage?"

Best of luck on your prep!