LSAT Explanation PT 25, S4, Q23: Only computer scientists understand the architecture

LSAT Question Stem

Which one of the following most accurately describes a flaw in the reasoning in the argument? 

Logical Reasoning Question Type

This is a Flaw question. 

Correct Answer

The correct answer to this question is B. 

LSAT Question Complete Explanation

Let's analyze the argument in the passage, break down its structure, and label each part as either a premise or a conclusion. The argument has two premises and one conclusion:

Premise 1: Only computer scientists understand the architecture of personal computers.

Premise 2: Only those who understand the architecture of personal computers appreciate the advances in technology made in the last decade.

Conclusion: Only those who appreciate these advances are computer scientists.

Now, let's create a simple example to help understand the information in the passage. Imagine a group of people who can ride bicycles and a group of people who wear helmets. If we say, "Only those who can ride bicycles wear helmets," it means that if someone is wearing a helmet, they can ride a bicycle. However, it doesn't mean that everyone who can ride a bicycle wears a helmet.

An "Evaluate" question for this argument could be: "Do all computer scientists appreciate the advances in technology made in the last decade?"

The question type of this problem is Flaw, and it asks us to identify the flaw in the reasoning of the argument. The correct answer is B.

Let's discuss each answer choice in detail:

a) This answer choice is incorrect because there is an implied relationship between computer scientists and those who appreciate the advances in technology in the last decade. The relationship is that only computer scientists can appreciate the advances.

b) This is the correct answer. The argument ignores the fact that some computer scientists may not appreciate the advances in technology made in the last decade. The premises state that if someone appreciates the advances, they must be a computer scientist, but it doesn't mean that all computer scientists appreciate the advances.

c) This answer choice is incorrect because the argument doesn't need to address other things that computer scientists may appreciate. The focus is on the appreciation of advances in technology made in the last decade.

d) This answer choice is incorrect because the premises do not exclude the possibility of drawing any logical conclusion. The issue is that the conclusion drawn is flawed.

e) This answer choice is incorrect because the argument does not presuppose that everyone understands the architecture of personal computers. It only states that only computer scientists understand the architecture.

In conclusion, the flaw in the argument is that it assumes that all computer scientists appreciate the advances in technology made in the last decade, when in fact, some computer scientists may not appreciate these advances. The correct answer is B.