What is a common logical fallacy often tested on the LSAT?

An appeal to authority is a common logical fallacy that occurs when someone argues that a claim is true simply because an authority figure believes it to be true. This fallacy is important to grasp, especially in the context of the LSAT, where arguments may leverage the credibility of an authority but do not provide sufficient evidence to support the claim itself. To detect this fallacy, it’s essential to consider the qualifications of the authority cited and whether their expertise is relevant to the specific claim being made.

This understanding is crucial on the LSAT because it enables you to critically assess the strength of arguments, ensuring that you recognize when a conclusion is drawn solely based on someone's status rather than on sound reasoning or evidence. In many instances, what distinguishes a strong argument from a weak one on the LSAT is the presence of robust support for the conclusion, rather than mere reliance on authority.