LSAT Explanation PT 28, S1, Q18: Essayist: The way science is conducted

LSAT Question Stem

Which one of the following most accurately expresses the main conclusion of the essayist's argument? 

Logical Reasoning Question Type

This is a Main Conclusion question. 

Correct Answer

The correct answer to this question is E. 

LSAT Question Complete Explanation

Let's first analyze the structure of the argument in the passage. The essayist discusses the possibility of changing the way science is conducted and regulated, and then states that we need to determine whether these changes are warranted, considering their price. The passage then provides examples of changes that could be made, such as ending the use of animals in research, curbing the use of recombinant DNA, and imposing other restrictions. The essayist concludes by stating that such massive interventions would be costly and would change the character of science.

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

1. Premise: The way science is conducted and regulated can be changed.

2. Premise: The use of animals in research could end immediately, but at a cost.

3. Premise: The use of recombinant DNA could be drastically curtailed.

4. Premise: Many other restrictions could be imposed, complete with a system of fraud police.

5. Conclusion: We need to determine whether the changes are warranted, taking into account their price.

Now, let's go through each answer choice and discuss why they are correct or incorrect.

a) We should not make changes that will alter the character of science.

This answer choice is incorrect because it goes beyond what the essayist is arguing. The essayist does not suggest that we should not make changes; rather, they argue that we need to consider the costs before deciding on changes.

b) If we regulate science more closely, we will change the character of science.

This answer choice is incorrect because it only focuses on one aspect of the essayist's argument (changing the character of science) without considering the need to weigh the costs of the changes.

c) The regulation of science and the conducting of science can be changed.

This answer choice is a premise in the argument, but it does not capture the main conclusion. It only states the possibility of change without considering the need to weigh the costs.

d) The imposition of restrictions on the conduct of science would be very costly.

This answer choice is incorrect because it only focuses on the cost aspect of the essayist's argument without considering the need to weigh whether the changes are warranted.

e) We need to be aware of the impact of change in science before changes are made.

This answer choice accurately captures the main conclusion of the essayist's argument, which is that we need to determine whether the changes are warranted, taking into account their price. Therefore, the correct answer is E.

To avoid making errors in the future, it's essential to analyze the structure of the argument and identify the main conclusion before considering the answer choices. Additionally, be aware of answer choices that only focus on one aspect of the argument or that go beyond what the essayist is arguing.