Can someone explain the differences between this and Must Be True questions? For both answers, my current understanding is that if negated/falsified, the argument falls apart. Is one just stating the obvious, and another says something specific to the content of the stimulus?
Another good way to look at it is what the answer does.
Sufficient Assumptions are strong answers that make the conclusion stronger. They are there to beef up the logic and make it more likely to be true.
Necessary assumptions on the other hand are not trying to prove or strengthen anything. Necessary assumptions are proved by the information already in the stimulus. They are almost always weaker than SA because their purpose is not to prove the conclusion correct but to be required by the logic of the Existing facts. They are often unassuming almost "Duh, obviously" type answers. Be careful not to fall into the trap of thinking that an NA answer is too weak to be right. It is not supposed to be powerful, but provable.
Could an assumption be both necessary and sufficient or are they two totally separate things? I'm trying to think of a possibility where they could overlap, but haven't really thought of one so far.
Quick clarification about the difference between sufficient assumption and necessary assumption: So for SA, the assumptions do make the argument "better" while for the necessary condition they may not make the argument better but they are required for the argument to stand, correct?
One way I like to think about the difference in approaching necessary assumption questions versus sufficient assumption questions is the idea that both types of answer choices will be premises, but the premises are of a different sort. On one hand, necessary assumption answer choices are going to be premises that must be present in order for the conclusion to follow properly (NA - conclusion based). On the other hand, sufficient assumption answer choices are going to be premises that allow the argument to be valid in comparison to its conclusion (SA - argument based).
Coming from another course to 7sage, this simple explanation would have been so helpful long ago.
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341 comments
Can someone explain the differences between this and Must Be True questions? For both answers, my current understanding is that if negated/falsified, the argument falls apart. Is one just stating the obvious, and another says something specific to the content of the stimulus?
I'm an English literature writer. Therefore, I'm one of the best writers in the country.
Necessary Assumption: I know how to use a pen.
I play basketball. Therefore, I am one of the best players in the world.
Necessary assumption: I am in the world.
I can eat a cheeseburger. Since its so tasty.
Nec Assumption: I can use my tastebuds
or, I can tell the difference between a burger and a piece of glass
Michael Jordan would get dominated by prime JY Ping, real hoopers will know
I can dribble a ball... that means I have a chance! Just like I have $248 meaning I have a chance at taking the LSAT. Thank you LSAC!
Thank you!! This example really helped me visualize the difference between the two in the context of an argument.
Derrick White will win 5 NBA championships and 5 MVPs
Another good way to look at it is what the answer does.
Sufficient Assumptions are strong answers that make the conclusion stronger. They are there to beef up the logic and make it more likely to be true.
Necessary assumptions on the other hand are not trying to prove or strengthen anything. Necessary assumptions are proved by the information already in the stimulus. They are almost always weaker than SA because their purpose is not to prove the conclusion correct but to be required by the logic of the Existing facts. They are often unassuming almost "Duh, obviously" type answers. Be careful not to fall into the trap of thinking that an NA answer is too weak to be right. It is not supposed to be powerful, but provable.
If I said, "there are few to no other basketball players in the world that are better than me. " Can that be a necessary assumption.
RIP Kobe
One thing that helped me to distinguish these questions:
1. Sufficient Assumption- ask myself, "Is it enough to know X?"
2. Necessary Assumption- ask myself, "Do I need to know X?"
Could an assumption be both necessary and sufficient or are they two totally separate things? I'm trying to think of a possibility where they could overlap, but haven't really thought of one so far.
Jaylen Brown is an exception to the knowing how to dribble
Quick clarification about the difference between sufficient assumption and necessary assumption: So for SA, the assumptions do make the argument "better" while for the necessary condition they may not make the argument better but they are required for the argument to stand, correct?
One way I like to think about the difference in approaching necessary assumption questions versus sufficient assumption questions is the idea that both types of answer choices will be premises, but the premises are of a different sort. On one hand, necessary assumption answer choices are going to be premises that must be present in order for the conclusion to follow properly (NA - conclusion based). On the other hand, sufficient assumption answer choices are going to be premises that allow the argument to be valid in comparison to its conclusion (SA - argument based).
Been trying to understand this concept for 9 months and JY just made it all make sense in 8 minutes and 13 seconds...
This is the video I've been looking for. LSAT+Basketball lovers community unite, it's like the colliding of my worlds lmao
What a grat lesson.
Me waiting for Kareem Abdul-Jabbar lol
You forgot LeBron sir lol
Ig J.Y. ended the Michael Jordan vs. Lebron debate.
kobe bryant :(
Yeah, but Klay Thompson exists, and that boy don't know how to dribble.
Coming from another course to 7sage, this simple explanation would have been so helpful long ago.