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Flaw Practice – Unicycles

Identify the flaw in the argument: “Only 10% of people who drive a car have ever been involved in an accident, but almost 90% of those who ride unicycles have been in an accident. Clearly then, more people have been in unicycle accidents than have been in car accidents.”

Answer

This is a percentage versus amount flaw.  Percentage vs. amount is one of the sneakier fallacies on the LSAT.  While it may look like the 90% of unicycle users has to be a way bigger number than only 10% of drivers, we cannot say that for sure.  The reason is that a LOT more people drive cars than ride unicycles.  So even if only 10% of drivers have been in an accident, that still may be a way bigger number of people than 90% of unicycle riders.  The point is, you can never use premises about percentages to prove conclusions about definite amounts and you can never use premises about amounts to prove conclusions about percentages.

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