LSAT Explanation PT 23, S2, Q7: Computers perform actions that are closer

LSAT Question Stem

Which one of the following is most strongly supported by the information above? 

Logical Reasoning Question Type

This is a Most Strongly supported question. 

Correct Answer

The correct answer to this question is A. 

LSAT Question Complete Explanation

This LSAT problem is a Most Strongly Supported (MSS) question type, which means we're looking for an answer choice that is most strongly supported by the information given in the passage.

Let's first analyze the passage: The passage states that computers perform actions closer to thinking than nonhuman animals, but computers do not have volitional powers, while some nonhuman animals do. To simplify this, we can say that computers are better at thinking-like tasks than nonhuman animals, but lack the ability to make choices or decisions (volitional powers) that some nonhuman animals possess.

Now let's examine the answer choices:

a) Having volitional powers need not involve thinking.

This choice is supported by the passage, as it shows that nonhuman animals have volitional powers even though they don't perform thinking-like tasks as well as computers. In other words, thinking is not a requirement for having volitional powers.

b) Things that are not animals do not have volitional powers.

This choice might seem attractive because computers (which are not animals) don't have volitional powers. However, the passage doesn't provide enough information to conclude that all non-animal things lack volitional powers.

c) Computers possess none of the attributes of living things.

The passage only discusses thinking-like tasks and volitional powers, so we cannot conclude that computers lack all attributes of living things.

d) It is necessary to have volitional powers in order to think.

This choice is actually the opposite of what the passage suggests. The passage implies that thinking is not necessary for volitional powers, not the other way around.

e) Computers will never be able to think as human beings do.

This choice tries to predict the future, but the passage does not provide any information about the future or technological advancements. We cannot make this conclusion based on the passage.

Based on the analysis, answer choice (a) is the most strongly supported by the information given in the passage.