Relationship between assumptions and inferences

[zainrizvi]

I have this almost intuitive sense that assumptions and inferences are very, very intertwined. I can almost feel the same process of solving when I look at these questions. But I have yet to see anyone explicitly discuss this link. Can anyone expand on if there is a relationship between these two concepts?

Usually inference questions are facts, and not an argument; however, sometimes when they are an argument.. it seems like the inference being made is almost just like a necessary assumption.

Am I on to something, or am I just lost in my LSAT world?

Thanks once again!

[giladedelman]

You are on to something, you sly devil!

First of all, let us establish that most inference questions just give us a couple of facts, and then we pick the answer that is most likely to be true based on those facts.

However, you are right that some inference questions actually have us pick an answer that fills in a link between the facts. A great example of this is PT30, S2, Q16, which tells us that zoos keep breeding stocks for propagation of various species, and that this allows them to reestablish endangered species in the wild. Now, why would this be so? It must be the case that some of the animals they're breeding are endangered, if these facts are to make sense. And that's what the correct answer hits on. So this is an example where the inference is actually establishing this kind of link.

So you're not crazy! Excellent observation.