Weaken Questions and Alternative Cause

[pacer]

Weaken Questions and Alternative Cause

I have a general question:

If a stimulus addresses a counter premise, then can an answer choice containing an alternative cause be correct? Wouldn't we consider that the alternative cause has been addressed by the author by way f the counter premise?

[David Boyle]

Weaken Questions and Alternative Cause

I have a general question:

If a stimulus addresses a counter premise, then can an answer choice containing an alternative cause be correct? Wouldn't we consider that the alternative cause has been addressed by the author by way f the counter premise?

Hello pacer,

That's an interesting question. Normally, as you seem to imply, a counter-premise might be more about "cause without effect" or "effect without cause", rather than "alternate cause". And the alternate cause might not relate to the counter-premise, and vice versa.
However, wording and logic can be a little strange on the LSAT. Sometimes Law Services just mucks things up, and the best answer to a question may be the best answer, but not fully logically correct, if you break it down carefully.
So if you see a counter-premise, try looking for a "cause without effect" or "effect without cause" first; but if "alternate cause" still seems like the best answer, consider choosing it. Maybe the testmakers thought they were doing the right thing by offering up that answer; and interpreting what you think the testmakers want from you, is definitely part of the LSAT...

Hope this helps,
David