Having trouble with logical reasoning

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The discussion centers on the logical reasoning behind conclusions drawn from a statement about the flourishing of video libraries. Participants express skepticism about the validity of the conclusions that people have a video craze and that watching videos is cheaper than going to the cinema. There is a consensus that while the first conclusion may be inferred, the second lacks sufficient evidence. The conversation critiques the test's approach, suggesting it relies on vague semantics rather than sound logic. Participants also highlight the difference between the flourishing of a service and the general public's interest in it, using examples like Linux distributions and Tesla Motors to illustrate that popularity does not equate to widespread enthusiasm. Overall, the discussion questions the logic and purpose of the test, emphasizing the need for clearer reasoning.
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The subject seems inexact to me. For example:

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In each question below is given a statement followed by two conclusions numbered I and II. You have to assume everything in the statement to be true, then consider the two conclusions together and decide which of them logically follows beyond a reasonable doubt from the information given in the statement.
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The question is:

Statements: Video libraries are flourishing very much these days.

Conclusions:

People in general have got a video craze.
It is much cheaper to see as many movies as one likes on videos rather than going to the cinema hall.
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I conclude neither of them, because there's not enough evidence to say that either I or II caused it. But the test says both of them. What do I miss?

Thanks
 
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I can see how the first can be inferred from the premise, but not the second conclusion.
 
I'd like to see the reasoning for that...neither logically follows. Are you sure the test says that both of them follow logically? Or does it say that neither follow?

If the test is looking to see if you can provide reasonable solutions to questions, then perhaps both of the answer provide a possible solution which is consistent with logic, but this is not logical reasoning. This is using implicit and often vague semantics to reason potentially true points.

I found a site with this question and others, and I'm still trying to understand who the target audience is, and what the ultimate goal of this test is...the majority of these are not built on sound logic.
 
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I'm inclined to agree with the OP (and I hate this sort of woolly "liberal arts" thinking style).

It is obviously true that "video libraries are flourishing" means there is a lot of use of video libraries. But "Linux distributions are flourishing" doesn't imply "People in general have got a craze for Linux". Some people have, but (I'm guessing) not the majority of "people" even in first world countries.

The second one doesn't seem to follow at all. For example Tesla Motors is "flourishing" by selling very expensive cars to a tiny number of customers, compared with the total number of cars in use.
 
Sorry, but we can't discuss random websites.

Please see Travis_King's post, I deleted the link to the website, sorry, I should have explained that. Just because someone posts something on the internet doesn't mean it makes sense and is worthy of discussion here, as has been pointed out. :smile:
 
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