LSAT Explanation PT 28, S1, Q19: The postmodern view involves the rejection
LSAT Question Stem
The argument's reasoning is questionable because the argument
Logical Reasoning Question Type
This is a Flaw question.
Correct Answer
The correct answer to this question is A.
LSAT Question Complete Explanation
First, let's analyze the argument in the passage. The passage discusses the postmodern view, which rejects modern assumptions about order and the universality of truth. The argument states that grand theories of the modern era are limited by their social and historical contexts. Additionally, the belief in order has been replaced by a belief in irregularity and chaos. The conclusion of the argument is that we inhabit a world full of irregular events and in which there are no universal truths.
To better understand the passage, let's use a simple example. Imagine a theory about how people should behave in society. In the modern era, this theory might have been based on the assumption that there is a universal moral code that everyone should follow. However, the postmodern view would argue that this theory is limited by the specific social and historical context in which it was developed, and that there is no universal moral code. Instead, the postmodern view would emphasize the importance of understanding the unique and chaotic aspects of different societies and cultures.
An "Evaluate" question for this argument could be: "Is the shift in belief from order to irregularity and chaos a sufficient reason to conclude that there are no universal truths?"
Now, let's discuss the question type and answer choices. The question type is a Flaw question, which asks us to identify the questionable reasoning in the argument.
Answer choice A is the correct answer. The argument's reasoning is questionable because it infers that something is the case (i.e., we inhabit a world full of irregular events and in which there are no universal truths) simply because it is believed to be the case (i.e., the postmodern view). The argument does not provide any evidence to support the conclusion, and instead, relies on the belief of postmodernists.
Answer choice B is incorrect because the term "universal" is not used ambiguously in the passage. It consistently refers to the concept of truth being applicable to everyone and everything.
Answer choice C is incorrect because the argument does not rely on the use of emotional terms to bolster its conclusion. The passage is primarily descriptive and does not use emotional language.
Answer choice D is incorrect because the term "order" is not used ambiguously in the passage. It consistently refers to the belief that there is a structured and predictable pattern to events and truths.
Answer choice E is incorrect because the argument's flaw is not its failure to cite examples of modern theories that purport to embody universal truths. The main issue is that the argument assumes the postmodern view is correct without providing any evidence to support this claim.
In conclusion, the correct answer is A, as the argument's reasoning is questionable because it infers that something is the case simply because it is believed to be the case, without providing any evidence to support the conclusion.