PT20.S4.Q20 - the report released by the interior ministry

africannarp

http://7sage.com/lsat_explanations/lsat-20-section-4-question-20/
Can anyone summarize the flaw? I'm confused.

Matt1234567

Hi,

The flaw is citing authority as evidence in a case where that authority is irrelevant. Here, we have Senator Armand, a distinguished mathematician who asserts that the reclamation program could not have been successful. From that, the author concludes that the figures in the report released by the interior ministry cannot be accurate.

This is like saying: Joe, a doctor asserted that the human body is incapable of running 200km, however, John, a distinguished chef, maintains that the human body can run 200km. Therefore, Joe must be incorrect.

Not the best example, but hope you see how the flaw matches answer choice E.

ENTJ

Appeal to Authority! My favorite fallacy to employ.