LSAT Explanation PT 27, S1, Q24: Folklorist: Oral traditions are often preferable

LSAT Question Stem

Which one of the following principles, if valid, most helps to justify the folklorist's argumentation? 

Logical Reasoning Question Type

This is a Principle question. 

Correct Answer

The correct answer to this question is D. 

LSAT Question Complete Explanation

First, let's analyze the argument in the passage. The folklorist concludes that "Oral traditions are often preferable to written ones." The premises supporting this conclusion are as follows:

1. Exclusive dependence on speech improves memory.

2. Literate populations grow sluggish in recall, running to written sources whenever they need information.

3. Writing can proliferate to the point where writer and reader both become confused.

4. Oral traditions, dependent on memory, quickly eradicate what is useless and irrelevant.

The question type is a Principle question, which asks us to identify a principle that, if valid, would help justify the folklorist's argument.

Now, let's evaluate each answer choice:

a) Accuracy in communication breeds mental self-reliance.

While this answer choice may seem related to the first premise, it doesn't directly address the conclusion that oral traditions are preferable to written ones. It only highlights a positive aspect of oral communication.

b) Literate populations need to make efforts to communicate efficiently.

This answer choice suggests that literate populations should improve their communication, but it doesn't provide a reason to prefer oral traditions over written ones.

c) Tradition is of greater value than accumulation of knowledge.

This answer choice doesn't directly address the comparison between oral and written traditions, and it's too broad to be helpful in justifying the folklorist's argument.

d) Economy of expression is to be preferred over verbosity.

This answer choice aligns with the folklorist's argument that oral traditions are preferable because they eradicate useless and irrelevant information. Economy of expression means using fewer words, while verbosity means using many words. This principle supports the idea that it's better to have a concise and clear communication method (oral tradition) rather than a potentially confusing and excessive one (written tradition).

e) Ideas that cannot be discussed clearly should not be discussed at all.

This answer choice doesn't directly relate to the comparison between oral and written traditions. It's more about the clarity of ideas rather than the method of communication.

The correct answer is D because it provides a principle that supports the folklorist's conclusion that oral traditions are often preferable to written ones, by emphasizing the importance of economy of expression over verbosity.