MBT same as assumption?

[rachue]

Can must be true questions be considered like assumptions questions, at least in some cases? I'm thinking of LSAT 2008 Section 2, question 20, in particular. It's marked in the answers as an MBT but I felt like answer E could be considered an assumption underlying the argument, as well...

[Dave Killoran]

They actually do have a number of similarities, especially in the must be true aspect. I think of it this way:

An assumption is what must be true in order for the conclusion to make sense; as such, it's something that "comes before" the argument.

An inference is what must be true based on the argument; thus it follows from the argument and therefore "comes after" the argument has been made.

Does that help?

[rachue]

Yea it does. Thanks!