LSAT Logic and Argumentation

Introduction

• Second video in an eight-part series on the LSAT.
• Focus on LSAT logic and argumentation foundational concepts.
• Skills discussed are applicable to logical reasoning and reading comprehension.

Understanding LSAT Language

• Complex Language
  • LSAT language is difficult to read with complex vocabulary and sentences.
  • Essential to understand language for evaluating logical structure and arguments.
• Finding Claims
  • Claims are the building blocks of arguments.
  • Use "The Bullseye" tool to identify core sentence structure:
    • Identify main subject and verb.
    • Additional information answers questions about the core.

Arguments and Hidden Logic

• Nature of Arguments
  • LSAT focuses on understanding and evaluating arguments.
  • Persuasion on LSAT is about supporting conclusions logically.
• Support Relationships
  • Recognize how some claims support others.
  • Use "The Skeptic's Perspective" to identify support:
    • Ask "Why should I believe that?"

Recognizing Conclusions

• Concluding an Argument
  • Important to identify an argument's conclusion.
  • "Signal Words" and "The So Test" help locate conclusions.
  • Signal words indicating conclusions include: therefore, so, consequently.
  • Intermediate conclusions can be confused with main conclusions.

Conditional Logic

• Understanding Conditional Statements
  • Conditional logic creates "if-then" inferences.
  • Use "If-Then Machine" to translate statements into logical form.
  • Draw contrapositive (negate and reverse parts) for more inferences.

Tools and Skills Summary

• Tools Introduced
  • The Bullseye: Identify core sentences.
  • The Skeptic's Perspective: Recognize support.
  • Signal Words: Identify conclusions and support.
  • The So Test: Confirm logical sequence.
  • If-Then Machine: Represent and work with conditionals.

Practice and Application

• Use the outlined skills and tools in logical reasoning and reading comprehension sections.
• Recognize signal words, conclusions, and conditionals in LSAT questions.

Conclusion

• Lesson provides foundational skills for LSAT preparation.
• Encouraged to revisit the lesson for clarity on challenging concepts.
• Next lesson will focus on logical reasoning section question types.