LSAT Explanation PT 26, S2, Q19: Anthropologist: Violence is an extreme form

LSAT Question Stem

Each of the following can be logically inferred from the anthropologist's statements EXCEPT: 

Logical Reasoning Question Type

This is a Must Be True question. 

Correct Answer

The correct answer to this question is B. 

LSAT Question Complete Explanation

First, let's analyze the passage and break it down into its key components. The anthropologist states that violence is an extreme form of aggression and is distinct from the self-expression sufficient for survival under normal conditions. They also mention that humans react violently to unpleasant stimuli in certain situations because their culture conditions them to do so.

Now, let's move on to the question type and what it is asking us to do. This is a Must Be True (MBT) Except question, which means we need to identify the answer choice that cannot be logically inferred from the anthropologist's statements.

Let's analyze each answer choice:

a) Not all aggression is violent.

This can be inferred from the passage's statement that violence is an extreme form of aggression. If violence is an extreme form, there must be other forms of aggression that are not violent. Think of it like this: if chocolate ice cream is an extreme form of dessert, there must be other forms of dessert that are not chocolate ice cream.

b) The self-expression required for survival is generally nonaggressive.

This answer choice cannot be inferred from the passage. The passage states that violence is distinct from the self-expression sufficient for survival under normal conditions. However, it does not state that the self-expression required for survival is nonaggressive. Remember, violence is a form of aggression, so there could be other forms of aggression involved in self-expression for survival. Therefore, this is the correct answer.

c) Some behaviors are influenced by the cultures in which human beings live.

This can be inferred from the passage's statement that humans react violently to unpleasant stimuli in certain situations because their culture conditions them to do so. This indicates that culture influences human behavior, at least in some cases.

d) In normal circumstances, human beings can survive by responding nonviolently.

This can be inferred from the passage's statement that violence is distinct from the self-expression sufficient for survival under normal conditions. If violence is distinct from what is sufficient for survival in normal circumstances, then humans can survive by responding nonviolently in those circumstances.

e) Violent behavior is a product of one's cultural environment.

This can be inferred from the passage's statement that humans react violently to unpleasant stimuli in certain situations because their culture conditions them to do so. This indicates that violent behavior is a result of cultural conditioning.

In conclusion, the correct answer is B, as it is the only answer choice that cannot be logically inferred from the anthropologist's statements.