LSAT Explanation PT 30, S4, Q21: Tina: For centuries oceans and human

LSAT Question Stem

Tina's and Sergio's statements lend the most support to the claim that they disagree about which one of the following statements? 

Logical Reasoning Question Type

This is a Disagree question. 

Correct Answer

The correct answer to this question is E. 

LSAT Question Complete Explanation

First, let's analyze the argument in the passage. Tina and Sergio are discussing the linkage between oceans and human eccentricity. Tina argues that this linkage is probably due to the European Renaissance practice of using ships as asylums for the socially undesirable (premise). Sergio, on the other hand, believes that oceans have always been viewed as mysterious and unpredictable, which are qualities that people have invariably associated with eccentricity (premise). The disagreement between Tina and Sergio is the main conclusion of the passage.

The question type of this problem is "Disagree," which means we are looking for a statement that Tina and Sergio would have different opinions on.

Now, let's go through the answer choices:

a) Eccentric humans were considered socially undesirable during the European Renaissance.

- Tina might agree with this statement, but we don't know Sergio's opinion on it. Therefore, we cannot conclude that they disagree on this point.

b) Oceans have always been viewed as mysterious and unpredictable.

- Sergio would agree with this statement, but Tina doesn't address it directly. We cannot conclude that they disagree on this point.

c) The linkage between oceans and eccentricity explains the European Renaissance custom of using ships as asylums.

- This statement is not a point of disagreement, as it doesn't address the main issue: whether the linkage between oceans and eccentricity predates the European Renaissance or not.

d) People have never attributed the same qualities to oceans and eccentrics.

- Both Tina and Sergio might disagree with this statement, as they both believe there is a linkage between oceans and eccentricity. Therefore, this is not the point of disagreement.

e) The linkage between oceans and eccentricity predates the European Renaissance.

- Tina would disagree with this statement, as she believes the linkage is due to the European Renaissance practice. Sergio would agree with it, as he thinks oceans have always been viewed as mysterious and unpredictable, which are qualities associated with eccentricity. This is the point of disagreement between Tina and Sergio, making it the correct answer.