LSAT Explanation PT 30, S4, Q8: Archaeologist: The fact that the ancient

LSAT Question Stem

Which one of the following most accurately describes a flaw in the archaeologist's argument? 

Logical Reasoning Question Type

This is a Flaw question. 

Correct Answer

The correct answer to this question is E. 

LSAT Question Complete Explanation

Let's first analyze the argument in the passage. The archaeologist presents the following argument:

Premise: The ancient Egyptians and the Maya both built pyramids.

Premise: There are important differences in both design and function between Egyptian and Mayan pyramids.

Conclusion: This shows conclusively that there was no such link between Old- and New-World civilizations.

The argument's structure is that the similarities between the pyramids are not enough to prove a historical link between Old- and New-World civilizations due to the differences in design and function. The archaeologist concludes that there was no link between these civilizations.

An "Evaluate" question for this argument could be: "Is the difference in design and function of the pyramids the only evidence that can determine the existence of a link between Old- and New-World civilizations?"

Now let's discuss the answer choices. This is a Flaw question, which asks us to identify a flaw in the archaeologist's argument.

a) The argument equivocates with respect to the term "evidence."

- This answer choice is incorrect because the argument does not equivocate or use the term "evidence" in an inconsistent or ambiguous way.

b) The argument appeals to emotion rather than to reason.

- This answer choice is incorrect because the argument is based on reasoning about the differences in design and function of the pyramids, not on emotional appeals.

c) The argument assumes the conclusion it is trying to prove.

- This answer choice is incorrect because the argument does not assume its conclusion. The conclusion is drawn from the premises about the differences in design and function between the two types of pyramids.

d) The argument incorrectly relies on words whose meanings are vague or imprecise.

- This answer choice is incorrect because the argument does not rely on vague or imprecise words. The terms "design" and "function" are clear and specific enough for the argument's purpose.

e) The argument presumes that no other evidence is relevant to the issue at hand.

- This is the correct answer. The archaeologist's argument assumes that the differences in design and function of the pyramids are the only evidence that matters in determining whether there is a link between Old- and New-World civilizations. By concluding that there is no such link based solely on this evidence, the argument presumes that no other evidence could be relevant to the issue.

In conclusion, the flaw in the archaeologist's argument is that it presumes that no other evidence is relevant to the issue at hand, which is why answer choice E is correct.