Applying Principles
Apply the general rule expressed in one argument to a new case with the same morally or logically relevant features.
How to prepare for the TARA
Learn the official question types, practise five-option reasoning without a calculator, and rehearse one 40-minute writing process that explains, counters and judges a proposition.
Core concepts
Concept 1
A principle is a general rule underlying a judgement in the source argument.
Exam cue: Express the source judgement as a general if-then rule.
Concept 2
A matching case preserves the features that make the principle apply, not superficial details.
Exam cue: Identify which facts are doing the normative or logical work.
Concept 3
Relevant exceptions or conditions must be carried into the new situation.
Exam cue: Test whether each new case satisfies the rule's conditions.
Risk pitfalls and guardrails
Matching on shared topic or emotional tone.
Guardrail: Do not import subject detail the task does not require or confuse a plausible result with one established by the supplied reasoning.
Making the principle broader than the source justifies.
Guardrail: Do not import subject detail the task does not require or confuse a plausible result with one established by the supplied reasoning.
Ignoring an exception that was central to the original judgement.
Guardrail: Do not import subject detail the task does not require or confuse a plausible result with one established by the supplied reasoning.
Memory anchors
General Rule
State the principle without the source case's names and details.
Relevant Features
Preserve the facts that justify the judgement.
Condition Check
A case matches only when the principle's conditions are met.
No Topic Match
A similar subject does not establish the same principle.
Exception Travels
Carry any limiting condition into the new case.
Same Rule, New Facts
Apply one general standard consistently across different settings.
Checkpoint rule
Do the check-up only after you can summarize each concept in one sentence and identify one dangerous pitfall from memory.
Knowledge Check (after reading)
Short check-up to confirm understanding of this module.
Check-up Questions
A college waives an absence penalty when a student was physically unable to attend, because people should not be punished for events beyond their control. Which case best applies the same principle?
The editor refuses an expensive gift from an author whose book she will review, since decisions should not be influenced, or appear influenced, by personal benefits. Which case illustrates the same principle?
Answer all questions to submit.
Next step personalized recommendations
Continue learning
Move forward only after this module is stable.
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