Either/Or Statements page 209

[kalifaingold]

Hi there! I came across a question as I was studying and thought I might as well find out the answer!

On page 209 it shows that there are 2 sets of diagrams for "You are either in Los Angeles or San Fransisco" because we know that if you are in one place you cannot be in the other... but isn't this the exact type of inference the LSAT is trying to avoid? Aren't we being taught to ignore prior knowledge we have and not assume such a thing?

On another note, I am worried that my lack of geography skills will cost me a point I know obviously that you can't be in LA and San Fransisco at the same time but what if they ask me about something else and I don't know?

[Dave Killoran]

On page 209 it shows that there are 2 sets of diagrams for "You are either in Los Angeles or San Fransisco" because we know that if you are in one place you cannot be in the other... but isn't this the exact type of inference the LSAT is trying to avoid? Aren't we being taught to ignore prior knowledge we have and not assume such a thing?

NO! This falls under information that would be considered "commonsense" and so the expect you to know and identify that the cities are separate. This idea is discussed in Chapter 1, in the Section Directions section.

You do not ignore prior knowledge that would be considered something that everyone would know, and that section explains how that works If it was two cities where one wouldn't necessarily know how it works, then they'd tell you.

Thanks!