LSAT Explanation PT 22, S4, Q11: Even though apes are the only

LSAT Question Stem

The conclusion in the passage above relies on which one of the following assumptions? 

Logical Reasoning Question Type

This is a Necessary Assumption question. 

Correct Answer

The correct answer to this question is C. 

LSAT Question Complete Explanation

The LSAT problem we're working on is a Necessary Assumption question. We need to find an assumption that the argument relies on for its conclusion to be valid.

First, let's break down the argument in the passage:

Premise: Apes are the only nonhuman creatures able to learn human language.

Premise: No ape has ever used its human language skills to ask philosophical questions.

Conclusion: Philosophical thought is unique to humans.

The argument assumes that philosophical thought requires human language and that apes' inability to ask philosophical questions in human language implies they don't have philosophical thoughts.

Now, let's consider an "Evaluate" question: "Can philosophical thoughts be expressed in ways other than human language?" The answer to this question will determine if the argument is valid or not.

Let's go through the answer choices and see which one is the necessary assumption for the argument to be valid.

a) Human language is unique to humans.

- This assumption is not necessary, as the passage already states that apes can learn human language.

b) Apes are incapable of thinking in human language.

- If apes are capable of thinking in human language, it might imply that they can have philosophical thoughts. However, this doesn't necessarily invalidate the argument, as it doesn't prove that apes are capable of philosophical thoughts.

c) Philosophical thought can be expressed only in human language.

- This is the correct answer. If philosophical thoughts can be expressed in other ways, it opens up the possibility that apes and other animals can have philosophical thoughts without using human language, which would invalidate the argument. Thus, the statement in this answer choice is necessary for the argument to be valid.

d) Speaking in human language is easier than thinking in human language.

- If speaking in human language is equally hard or harder than thinking in human language, it doesn't prove that apes are actually capable of thinking philosophical thoughts. This assumption is not necessary for the argument.

e) It is more difficult to learn human language than to express philosophical questions.

- If learning human language is equally or less difficult than expressing philosophical questions, it doesn't prove that apes are actually capable of thinking philosophical thoughts. This assumption is not necessary for the argument.

In conclusion, the necessary assumption for the argument to be valid is that philosophical thought can only be expressed in human language (answer choice c).