LSAT Study Guide: Premises, Conclusions, and "Just Context"

When preparing for the LSAT, especially the Logical Reasoning section, understanding the core elements of an argument is crucial. Every argument on the LSAT boils down to just two elements: premises and conclusions. Mastering the distinction between these two will significantly enhance your ability to analyze arguments and answer questions accurately. However, some common advice from LSAT prep resources can lead to misunderstandings that could derail your preparation.

The Basics: Premises and Conclusions

Premises are the backbone of any argument. They provide the support or evidence that is intended to prove the conclusion's validity. Think of premises as the building blocks that hold up the argument. Without them, the conclusion has no foundation and falls apart.

Conclusions are the main points or claims that the argument is trying to establish. This is what the author wants you to believe, based on the premises provided. The conclusion is the "so what?" of the argument—the reason it exists.

The Misconception of "Just Context"

Many LSAT prep companies and resources introduce a supposed third element: context. They suggest that in some Logical Reasoning (LR) arguments, there are sentences that are "just context" and should be ignored to focus solely on the premises. This approach, however, is fundamentally flawed and can hinder your understanding of the argument's structure.

Why "Just Context" is a Misleading Concept

1. Contextual Information as Premises: While it might seem that some sentences in an argument serve only as background or context, these sentences often play a critical role in establishing the framework within which the premises make sense. In fact, what some call "context" are indeed premises. They set the stage, provide necessary background, or offer clarifications that directly support the conclusion. Without these so-called "contextual" premises, the argument would lack coherence, leaving its main point unsubstantiated.

2. Ignoring Context Means Ignoring Key Information: If you treat certain statements as "just context" and ignore them, you risk overlooking crucial premises that are essential for understanding the argument as a whole. Every piece of information in an LSAT argument is there for a reason. Dismissing any part as irrelevant context can lead you to misinterpret the argument and, consequently, select the wrong answer choice.

3. All Parts of the Argument Contribute to Its Meaning: The LSAT is designed to test your ability to critically evaluate arguments. This means every sentence, whether it seems like it is “just context” or not, is there to add meaning or clarity to the argument. Each sentence, premise, or piece of contextual information provides insight into the author's reasoning process. Recognizing this will help you fully understand the argument's logic and avoid common pitfalls.

How to Properly Approach LSAT Arguments

To excel in the LSAT Logical Reasoning section, focus on the following:

1. Identifying the Conclusion: This is the most important thing. If you are mistaken as to which sentence is the conclusion, you will get the answer wrong nine times out of ten. Ask yourself: What is the author trying to convince me of? Understanding the conclusion provides a clear target for what the premises need to support.

2. Understand All Premises, Including Contextual Ones: Next, carefully read all the premises provided, including those that might seem like mere context. Consider how each sentence contributes to the argument. Ask: How does this information support the conclusion? What role does it play in the argument’s overall structure?

3. Look for Implicit Connections: Sometimes, what seems like background information (or "context") actually contains an implicit premise—an assumption that needs to be true for the argument to hold (also known as a Necessary Assumption). Practice identifying these implicit connections to strengthen your understanding of each argument’s underlying logic.

4. Avoid Oversimplifying: Simplifying an argument by dismissing parts as “just context” can lead to missing key points. Instead, aim to understand the complexity of how different elements interact to support the conclusion. This approach will give you a more nuanced understanding of the argument, which is crucial for tackling tougher LSAT questions.

Conclusion

In LSAT arguments, there are only two essential elements: premises and conclusions. The concept of "just context" is misleading and can be detrimental to your success on the LSAT. Instead of ignoring sentences labeled as context, recognize that all parts of the argument serve a purpose in establishing the validity of the conclusion. By carefully analyzing every component of the argument, you'll be better equipped to identify the correct answer and improve your LSAT score.

-Micah

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