Lesson: Challenging Critical/Logical Reasoning - 14

Reasoning Classics: The Scope Shift Argument

Now let's look at one final Reasoning Classic: The Scope Shift

Let's look at a passage to give you a better idea of what we're talking about.

Veterinary technician: I disagree with Dr. Markey's analysis concerning the medical problems of Wisecrack, the Smiths' horse. Dr. Markey recommends that Wisecrack undergo hoof surgery because his hoof problems are causing him great pain. But the Smiths cannot afford to pay for this procedure, much less the cost of Wisecrack's hospital stay.

The technician makes a conclusion about the doctor's analysis of the medical problems of Wisecrack. But the evidence for his conclusion comes from an examination of the Smiths' financial problems. The technician is guilty of shifting the scope from what is causing Wisecrack's pain, to whether the Smiths can afford to alleviate his pain.

Go to the next page to see another example.

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