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Source attack

(Source)

An argument that attacks the source of a view instead of the merits of that view. The argument erroneously focuses, for example, on the opponents' hypocrisy or bias or motivations, none of which are relevant for assessing the validity of the view.

Avg. 0.25 per section
30%
27%
32%
5%
5%

Avg. difficulty: 2.3

Key tactics

  • The stimulus features another viewpoint distinct from the author's, which the author criticizes
  • The author's criticism does not respond directly to the opposing reasoning
  • The author's reasoning relies on a premise about the other party directly
  • Learn to recognize this common flaw by name when it appears
  • When you catch it, go into "hunt mode" for the answer choices, scanning first for an answer that points to this flaw

Answer choice tips

  • Example answer choices that point to this flaw:
  • rejects an argument on the grounds that those making it have failed to abide by what the argument recommends
  • dismisses the proposed ordinance because of its source rather than because of its content
  • disputes a claim on the basis of a supposed motive for making the claim rather than by assessing the evidence relevant to the claim
  • rejects a claim merely because the person making the claim stands to benefit by doing so

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Logical reasoning question types

Alternate explanation Analogy (LR) Argument part Bad authority Causal chain Causal mechanism Causal reasoning Circular reasoning Conditional reasoning Confusing sufficiency and necessity Correlation Diagram? Directionally wrong Eliminating options Equivocation Evaluate Except (LR) Failed alternate explanation False dichotomy Fighting the hypothetical Fill in the blank Flaw or descriptive weakening Illusory inconsistency Inference Internal contradiction Irrelevant corroboration Kick it up Lack of support v. false conclusion Link assumption Main conclusion or main point Math Mental state v. reality Method of reasoning or descriptive Miscellaneous (LR) Misdirected response Most strongly supported Must be false Must be true Necessary assumption Parallel flawed method of reasoning Parallel method of reasoning Part v. whole Phenomenon-hypothesis (LR) Plausibility Point at issue: agree Point at issue: disagree Principle PSA - find or complete the application PSA - find the rule Quantifier Relative v. absolute Resolve reconcile or explain Rule-application Sampling Source attack Strengthen Sufficient assumption Time Unwarranted assumption Value judgment Weaken Weighing factors

Reading comprehension question types

Analogy (RC) Application Art Author’s attitude Author’s perspective Comparative Critique or debate Describe approach Describe organization Describe relationship Except (RC) Humanities Implied Law Logical continuation Main point Meaning in context (of word, phrase, or idea) Miscellaneous (RC) Other’s perspective Phenomenon-hypothesis (RC) Principle or generalization Problem-analysis Purpose in context (of word, phrase, or idea) Purpose of paragraph Purpose of passage Science Single position Spotlight Stated Structure WSE (RC)

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