LSAT Explanation PT 19, S2, Q20: Anyone who insists that music videos

LSAT Question Stem

The pattern of reasoning displayed in the argument above most closely parallels that displayed in which one of the following? 

Logical Reasoning Question Type

This is a Parallel question. 

Correct Answer

The correct answer to this question is B. 

LSAT Question Complete Explanation

The question type for this problem is Parallel Reasoning. Our task is to identify the answer choice that most closely parallels the pattern of reasoning displayed in the given argument.

The argument in the passage can be summarized as follows: If music videos are an art form (A), then television gave rise to an art form (B), since television gave rise to music videos (C). The reasoning is formally valid, consisting of two premises and an additive inference.

Premises:

"Music Videos ‚Üí Art Form" (A -> B)

"Television Causes Music Videos" (C)

Conclusion:

"Television Causes Art Form" (C -> B)

Now, let's analyze each answer choice:

a) This choice contains invalid reasoning, as it only has one premise and doesn't allow for an additive inference. It also doesn't follow the same pattern of reasoning as the passage.

b) This answer choice closely parallels the reasoning in the passage. It argues that if avocados are a fruit (A), then pound cake is lower in fat than some fruit (B), since pound cake is lower in fat than avocados (C). Although there is no causal element, it does involve two premises and a correct additive inference.

Premises:

"Avocados ‚Üí Fruit" (A -> B)

"Pound Cake < Avocados in Fat" (C)

Conclusion:

"Pound Cake < Some Fruit in Fat" (C -> B)

c) The argumentation in this choice is flawed, as it doesn't follow the same pattern of reasoning as the passage. It also doesn't provide a valid conclusion based on the premises given.

d) This answer choice involves a linking assumption that well-balanced meals provide good nourishment, which is not present in the stimulus. Additionally, the concepts of "most" and "probably" do not match well with the passage's reasoning.

e) This answer choice involves an assumption that the reason people prefer fruit to vegetables is sweetness. This assumption provides a rule that allows the conclusion to be drawn, but the stimulus contained no similar assumption. Moreover, this response involves four elements and comparisons, while the stimulus involved three elements and the assignment of qualities, not comparisons.

In conclusion, the correct answer choice is (B) because it most closely parallels the pattern of reasoning displayed in the passage.