Flawed ReasoningDiff: Medium
Logic Breakdown
Passage Summary: Because sodium nitrate is only for color and too much sodium is bad for you, the author concludes we should ban it entirely from sausages.
Conclusion: Sodium nitrate should never be used as an additive in sausages.
Reasoning: The additive does not prevent spoilage, and while excessive sodium is a health risk, this specific additive increases sodium levels beyond what is needed for taste.
Analysis: The author is being a bit of a drama queen here by jumping from 'excessive amounts are bad' to 'we should never use it at all.' This is a classic LSAT flaw where a premise about a specific condition (excess) is used to support a universal prohibition. It's like saying that because drinking five gallons of water at once can be fatal, we should never touch a drop of water again. Look for an answer that highlights this unwarranted leap from a warning about 'excessive' levels to a total ban.
Conclusion: Sodium nitrate should never be used as an additive in sausages.
Reasoning: The additive does not prevent spoilage, and while excessive sodium is a health risk, this specific additive increases sodium levels beyond what is needed for taste.
Analysis: The author is being a bit of a drama queen here by jumping from 'excessive amounts are bad' to 'we should never use it at all.' This is a classic LSAT flaw where a premise about a specific condition (excess) is used to support a universal prohibition. It's like saying that because drinking five gallons of water at once can be fatal, we should never touch a drop of water again. Look for an answer that highlights this unwarranted leap from a warning about 'excessive' levels to a total ban.
Passage Stimulus
Passage Redacted
Unlock Full Passage21.The reasoning in the argument is most vulnerable to criticism on which one of the following grounds?
Correct Answer
D
The argument recommends a total ban without ruling out more moderate solutions (like limiting the amount used). The evidence only addresses harms from excessive use, not any and all use, so a ban is not justified over narrower alternatives.
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