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Difficulty: EasyFlaw in the Reasoning

Consider the following argument: Over the past decade, city statistics show a strong correlation between the number of ice cream cones sold and the number of shark attacks at local beaches. Clearly, eating ice cream makes a person more attractive to sharks.

The logical flaw in this argument is that it mistakes a necessary condition for a sufficient condition.

Answer: Answer

Answer

False
The argument actually commits a causal reasoning error (assuming correlation implies causation) rather than a conditional logic error (mistaking a necessary condition for a sufficient one). Therefore, the statement describing the flaw is false.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Analyze the reasoning in the provided argument.
The argument observes a correlation between ice cream sales and shark attacks, and incorrectly concludes that eating ice cream causes shark attacks.
Identifying the argument's premises and conclusion is the first step in diagnosing its logical vulnerability.
2
Identify the actual logical flaw committed by the argument.
The argument confuses correlation with causation. It ignores the likelihood of a third variable (like warmer weather leading to both more ice cream sales and more people swimming) causing both phenomena.
Knowing the actual flaw allows for an accurate evaluation of the provided statement.
3
Evaluate the statement provided.
The statement claims the flaw is mistaking a necessary condition for a sufficient condition. This describes a conditional logic error, not a causal logic error.
Comparing the actual flaw to the stated flaw determines whether the statement is true or false.

Key Concept

Flaw in the Reasoning: Correlation vs. Causation
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Topics

Flaw in the Reasoning

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