LSAT Explanation PT 28, S1, Q24: We ought to pay attention only

LSAT Question Stem

The conclusion follows logically if which one of the following is added to the premises? 

Logical Reasoning Question Type

This is a Sufficient Assumption question. 

Correct Answer

The correct answer to this question is A. 

LSAT Question Complete Explanation

Let's first analyze the argument in the passage. The passage states that we should pay attention only to the intrinsic properties of a work of art and that extrinsic properties are irrelevant to our aesthetic interactions with it. The conclusion of the argument is that what is really aesthetically relevant is not what a painting symbolizes, but what it directly presents to experience.

To simplify this, imagine you're looking at a painting of a tree. The intrinsic properties are the colors, shapes, and textures you see in the painting. The extrinsic properties might be the historical background or the artist's intended message. The passage argues that we should only focus on the intrinsic properties (what we see) and not the extrinsic properties (the symbolism).

The question type is a Sufficient Assumption question, which asks us to identify the additional premise that would make the conclusion follow logically.

Now, let's evaluate each answer choice:

a) What an artwork symbolizes involves only extrinsic properties of that work.

This choice bridges the gap in the argument by connecting symbolism to extrinsic properties. If symbolism is an extrinsic property, then it supports the conclusion that we should not focus on symbolism when considering a painting's aesthetic relevance. This is the correct answer.

b) There are certain properties of our experiences of artworks that can be distinguished as symbolic properties.

This choice doesn't help us determine whether symbolism is extrinsic or intrinsic, so it doesn't support the conclusion.

c) Only an artwork's intrinsic properties are relevant to our aesthetic interactions with it.

This choice restates the premise but doesn't address the connection between symbolism and extrinsic properties, so it doesn't support the conclusion.

d) It is possible in theory for an artwork to symbolize nothing.

This choice doesn't address the relationship between symbolism and extrinsic properties, so it doesn't support the conclusion.

e) An intrinsic property of an artwork is one that relates the work to itself.

This choice defines intrinsic properties but doesn't address the connection between symbolism and extrinsic properties, so it doesn't support the conclusion.

In conclusion, the correct answer is A, as it connects symbolism to extrinsic properties, supporting the argument that we should not focus on symbolism when considering a painting's aesthetic relevance.