LSAT Explanation PT 28, S3, Q15: Human beings have cognitive faculties that

LSAT Question Stem

Which one of the following statements, if true, most calls into question the view above? 

Logical Reasoning Question Type

This is a Weaken question. 

Correct Answer

The correct answer to this question is B. 

LSAT Question Complete Explanation

First, let's analyze the argument in the passage. The argument states that human beings have cognitive faculties that are superior to those of other animals, and once humans become aware of these, they cannot be made happy by anything that does not involve gratification of these faculties. In simpler terms, the argument claims that once humans realize they have superior thinking abilities, only activities that engage these abilities can make them happy.

The structure of the argument is as follows:

Premise: Human beings have cognitive faculties that are superior to those of other animals.

Conclusion: Once humans become aware of these, they cannot be made happy by anything that does not involve gratification of these faculties.

An "Evaluate" question for this argument could be: "Do people who are aware of their superior cognitive faculties only find happiness in activities that involve gratification of these faculties?"

Now, let's discuss the question type and the answer choices. The question type is a Weaken question, which means we are looking for an answer that calls into question or undermines the conclusion of the argument.

a) This answer choice discusses the cognitive abilities of certain animals, but it doesn't address the happiness of humans or the relationship between the cognitive faculties and happiness. Therefore, it doesn't weaken the argument.

b) This answer choice suggests that many people who are familiar with both intellectual stimulation and physical pleasures enjoy the latter more. This weakens the argument by providing an example of people who are aware of their cognitive faculties but find happiness in activities that do not necessarily involve gratification of these faculties. Hence, this is the correct answer.

c) This answer choice talks about preferences in music, but it doesn't address the relationship between cognitive faculties and happiness. It's unclear whether classical or popular music gratifies cognitive faculties more, so this choice doesn't weaken the argument.

d) This answer choice states that many people who are serious athletes consider themselves to be happy. However, it doesn't provide information on what makes them happy or whether their happiness involves gratification of their cognitive faculties. As a result, it doesn't weaken the argument.

e) This answer choice mentions that many serious athletes love gourmet food, but it doesn't tell us if gourmet food makes them happy or if it involves gratification of their cognitive faculties. Therefore, it doesn't weaken the argument.

In conclusion, the correct answer is B, as it provides an example that challenges the claim that humans can only be made happy by activities that involve gratification of their superior cognitive faculties.