LSAT Explanation PT 26, S2, Q24: Monica: The sculpture commissioned for our

LSAT Question Stem

Monica's and Hector's statements commit them to disagreeing about which one of the following principles? 

Logical Reasoning Question Type

This is a Disagree question. 

Correct Answer

The correct answer to this question is E. 

LSAT Question Complete Explanation

Let's first analyze the argument in the passage. Monica argues that since the people in town do not know much about contemporary art, the unpopularity of the sculpture does not indicate its artistic merit and thus gives no reason for removing it. This is her conclusion. Hector, on the other hand, agrees that the sculpture's popularity might not indicate its artistic merit, but he argues that a work of art commissioned for a public space should benefit the public, and popular opinion is the only way to determine what the public feels is to its benefit. Therefore, if the public opinion is against the sculpture, it should be removed. This is Hector's conclusion.

The question type is a Disagree question, which means we need to identify a principle that Monica and Hector disagree about.

Now, let's analyze the answer choices:

a) Public opinion of a work of art is an important consideration in determining the work's artistic merit.

Monica disagrees with this statement, but Hector does not take a clear position on it. He says, "You may be right" about the lack of connection between public opinion and artistic merit. So, we cannot conclude that they disagree about this principle.

b) Works of art commissioned for public spaces ought at least to have sufficient artistic merit to benefit the public.

Neither Monica nor Hector explicitly discusses the direct link between artistic merit and public benefit. So, we cannot conclude that they disagree about this principle.

c) The only reason for removing a work of art commissioned for a public space would be that the balance of public opinion is against the work.

Monica disagrees with this statement, but Hector does not necessarily agree that public opinion is the ONLY reason to remove a work of art. He argues that it is one reason, but he may agree with other reasons as well. So, we cannot conclude that they disagree about this principle.

d) The sculpture cannot benefit the public by remaining in the town plaza unless the sculpture has artistic merit.

Monica's opinion on this is unknown as she never discusses what benefits the public. Hector would agree with this statement, but since Monica's position is unclear, we cannot conclude that they disagree about this principle.

e) In determining whether the sculpture should remain in the town plaza, the artistic merit of the sculpture should be a central consideration.

Monica agrees with this statement, while Hector disagrees. Therefore, this is the correct answer, as it identifies a principle that Monica and Hector disagree about.