LSAT Explanation PT 24, S3, Q3: M: The Greek alphabet must have

LSAT Question Stem

Which one of the following is an argumentative strategy that P uses in responding to M? 

Logical Reasoning Question Type

This is a Method of Reasoning question. 

Correct Answer

The correct answer to this question is D. 

LSAT Question Complete Explanation

In this LSAT problem, we have two speakers, M and P, discussing the origin of the Greek alphabet. M proposes a hypothesis that the Greek alphabet was invented by someone who knew the Phoenician writing system and wanted to preserve Homeric epics. P responds by questioning the purpose of writing down the epics, arguing that it would be pointless for the person who knew them well enough to write them down and that no one else could read them according to M's hypothesis.

The structure of the argument can be broken down as follows:

M's hypothesis (Premise): The Greek alphabet was invented by someone who knew the Phoenician writing system and wanted to preserve Homeric epics.

P's counterargument (Conclusion): M's hypothesis is absurd because the purpose of writing down the epics would be pointless.

Now let's look at the question type and what it's asking us to do. This is a Method of Reasoning (MOR) question, which asks us to identify the argumentative strategy that P uses in responding to M. In this case, we are looking for the answer choice that best describes how P undermines M's hypothesis.

Let's analyze each answer choice:

a) Attacking M's understanding of the literary value of oral poetry

- This answer choice is incorrect because P does not address the literary value of oral poetry in their response.

b) Disagreeing with M's thesis without attempting to refute it

- This answer choice is incorrect because P does attempt to refute M's hypothesis by questioning its purpose and providing reasons why it would be pointless.

c) Challenging M's knowledge of the Phoenician writing system

- This answer choice is incorrect because P's response does not focus on M's knowledge of the Phoenician writing system.

d) Attempting to undermine M's hypothesis by making it appear absurd

- This answer choice is correct. P tries to show that M's hypothesis is absurd by pointing out the lack of purpose in writing down the Homeric epics under M's proposed scenario.

e) Providing an alternative interpretation of evidence put forward by M

- This answer choice is incorrect because P does not provide an alternative interpretation of any evidence. Instead, P focuses on questioning the purpose of M's hypothesis.

In summary, the correct answer is (d), as P's argumentative strategy is to undermine M's hypothesis by making it appear absurd. P questions the purpose of writing down the Homeric epics, arguing that it would be pointless for the person who knew them well enough to write them down and that no one else could read them according to M's hypothesis.