LSAT "or" inclusive or exclusive? Forum

[Roma]

On the GMAT in stimuli using the word "or", "or" is always inclusive, not exclusive.
For example, Mark or Mary means both Mark and Mary, not one or the other.
Does the same apply for the LSAT?

[Atlas LSAT Teacher]

The LSAT will say if it's only one or the other: "Tom or Mary, but not both." Otherwise, assume both is an option.

[quasi-stellar]

Yes, I am pretty sure "or" can include both as well. How did you do on GMAT?

[dakatz]

"Or" on the LSAT allows for the possibility of both occurring. So when you see "A or B", assume this means A or B or both, unless specifically told otherwise.

[LSAT Blog]

I agree with all previous responses.

As a follow-up to those, here's a bonus response:

Sometimes, the LSAT will say, "one, the other, or both" - even when it's not necessary to say both.


For example, take the following rule from PT33 (Dec 2000), Game 2 (birds in the forest):

If J, M, or both are in the forest, then so are H.


It could have said the following, and the meaning would have been the same:

If J or M are in the forest, then so are H.


In other words, the "or both" in the original is redundant (unnecessary).

-Steve

[Roma]

Thanks for all of your replies!
That answers my question.