An especially important element of verbal reasoning that’s often overlooked is the role that perspectives play in arguments. It is of crucial importance to recognize the different viewpoints that are present within an argument. Being aware of this and then learning how to use it in your analysis and evaluation of the verbal reasoning sections is going to be extremely useful for being clear on what the arguments and passages are talking about.
It is of crucial importance to recognize the different viewpoints that are present within an argument.
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Understanding the Concept of Perspective in Argument
When we speak of perspectives in the context of the LSAT, we’re not merely talking about ‘point of view.’ A perspective is a structural element of the argument that dictates what you need to be paying attention to.
At the most basic level, an argument consists of a conclusion supported by premises. A conclusion is the claim the author wants you to accept. Premises, on the other hand, are the reasons given to persuade you that the conclusion is valid. Sometimes you may encounter sub-conclusions, which are intermediate conclusions that serve as both a premise and a conclusion within an argument. Some arguments are straightforward, presented solely by the author without introducing an external point of view. These arguments often consist of premises leading to a conclusion, without the complexity of counter-arguments or rebuttals. For example, if an author argues that renewable energy is the future and provides statistics and data as premises, we’re looking at a single-perspective argument. The focus here is on the author’s viewpoint alone, making it simpler to dissect.
Things get more complex when the author interacts with another perspective within the argument. For example, if the author starts by saying, “While many believe that fossil fuels are irreplaceable, the rise in renewable energy sources proves otherwise,” we now have two perspectives. The initial view supports fossil fuels, and the author challenges this with a counter-argument favoring renewable energy.
The nature of the author’s response can vary. It can be a direct critique, as in the example above, or a more subtle approach that undermines the external perspective.
Definition of Perspective: In this context, a perspective serves as a viewpoint that, generally speaking, opposes the main argument. And, it is that viewpoint that is a frame of reference for the author to present their main point.
Identifying Perspectives in Arguments
So, how do we identify perspectives?
When an external perspective is introduced in an argument, it’s often done in a particular way. Authors commonly employ phrases that directly attribute the perspective to specific entities, such as “Environmentalists claim” or “Economists argue.” These phrases serve as your first clue to recognize an alternate viewpoint. However, sometimes authors will also use general agents like “It is commonly believed” or “Many argue” to introduce a perspective.
Once the alternate viewpoint has been introduced, pay close attention to the author’s response. Clues often lie in opposition indicators like “However,” “But,” “Contrary to,” or “Nonetheless.” These transitional words signal that the author is about to counter the initial perspective, either partially or entirely.
Understanding perspectives in LSAT arguments can be made easier by likening them to everyday conversations or debates. Imagine a two-person dialogue where each presents their argument and possibly counters the other. In LSAT logical reasoning, the author often plays both roles—introducing an external perspective and then responding to it with their own viewpoint. This interaction between perspectives can be thought of as a debate encapsulated within a single argument.
The Importance of Recognizing Perspectives
Recognizing this framework is very useful on the arguments and reading comp sections of the test. At its core, recognizing different perspectives in an argument amplifies your understanding of the structure of the argument and illuminates what the main point and the premises are.
The method of reasoning and the main conclusion questions tend to use this argument structure frequently. In such scenarios, understanding perspectives becomes very helpful. For instance, if an LSAT question asks you to identify the argument’s main point, recognizing an introduced perspective can guide you in recognizing the author’s response, and therefore the main point. Perspectives often serve as pivot points in arguments, influencing the logical flow. Recognizing them can help you understand whether the argument is a simple presentation of facts leading to a conclusion or a more complex debate involving multiple viewpoints. This understanding becomes particularly important in ‘Method of Reasoning’ questions on the LSAT, where you’re asked to identify how the argument is constructed.
Likewise, being skilled at recognizing perspectives enables you to read strategically. Knowing the kind of perspectives an argument is likely to present allows you to anticipate them, making your reading more focused and efficient.
The ability to discern perspectives in arguments is a valuable skill for the LSAT; it allows you to break down complex arguments into their component parts, facilitating a deeper understanding and enabling more effective responses to logical reasoning questions.
Recognizing perspectives is like having a roadmap to navigate the often complex logical structures presented in the LSAT. It provides a framework for understanding the argument’s architecture, allowing you to dissect it more effectively. This, in turn, enhances your ability to answer specific types of questions, especially those that delve into the method of reasoning or the main conclusion. It’s not merely about identifying who says what, but understanding why they say it and how their viewpoint interacts with others to shape the overall argument.
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