LSAT Practice Test

The flawed pattern of reasoning in the argument above is most similar to that in which one of the following?

1. Parallel Flaw

2. Red Herring

3. Argumentum Ad Hominem

4. Post hoc ergo propter hoc

The correct answer is: Parallel Flaw

The argument in question presents an analogy as the primary support for the conclusion. The flaw lies in the fact that the analogy is not strong or relevant enough to support the conclusion effectively. The correct answer choice, "Parallel Flaw," refers to a situation where the flawed pattern of reasoning in one argument is similar to that in another argument. This makes it the most appropriate choice because the flawed reasoning in the given argument mirrors the flawed reasoning in another argument, which is characteristic of a parallel flaw. The other answer choices can be eliminated because they do not relate to the specific flaw present in the argument provided. "Red Herring" refers to a distraction or irrelevant point that is introduced to divert attention from the main issue, which is not present in this argument. "Argumentum Ad Hominem" involves attacking the person making the argument rather than addressing the argument itself, which is not the flaw in the given argument. "Post hoc ergo propter hoc" means "after this, therefore because of this," and it refers to the mistaken belief that if event Y happened after event X, then event X must have caused event Y. This is not the primary flaw in the argument in question.