LSAT Explanation PT 20, S1, Q5: Archaeologist: A large corporation has recently

LSAT Question Stem

Which one of the following principles, if valid, justifies the archaeologist's argument? 

Logical Reasoning Question Type

This is a Sufficient Assumption question. 

Correct Answer

The correct answer to this question is E. 

LSAT Question Complete Explanation

The question type for this problem is a Sufficient Assumption question. We are asked to find a principle that, if valid, justifies the archaeologist's argument.

Let's first analyze and summarize the argument in the passage. The archaeologist acknowledges that the restoration project offered by the corporation would conform to current theories about the site. However, the archaeologist believes that the offer should be rejected because many parts of the site contain unexamined evidence. The archaeologist's concern is likely that this new evidence could significantly impact the theories about how the site appeared. The conclusion of the argument is that the offer should be rejected.

Now, let's evaluate the answer choices, keeping in mind that we are looking for a principle that reinforces the archaeologist's broad assumption that one should not reconstruct archaeological sites until as much evidence as possible is evaluated.

a) This answer choice focuses on the ownership of archaeological sites and not on the preservation of evidence, which is the main concern of the archaeologist. Therefore, this choice does not justify the argument.

b) This answer choice suggests that restorations should represent the most ancient period of a site's history. However, the archaeologist's argument is centered around preserving unexamined evidence, not the age of the site's history. Thus, this choice does not justify the argument.

c) This answer choice argues that no one should make judgments about the height of another civilization. While it may seem relevant, the archaeologist's main concern is the preservation of unexamined evidence and not making judgments about the civilization. Therefore, this choice does not justify the argument.

d) This answer choice focuses on who should be involved in the restoration of the site based on their concern for the site's history. However, the archaeologist's main concern is the preservation of unexamined evidence and not the source of funding. Thus, this choice does not justify the argument.

e) This is the correct answer choice. It states that the risk of losing evidence relevant to possible future theories should outweigh any advantages of displaying the results of theories already developed. This principle aligns with the archaeologist's concern for preserving unexamined evidence and justifies the argument that the offer should be rejected.