LSAT Explanation PT 31, S3, Q11: Human intelligence is not possible without

LSAT Question Stem

Which one of the following is an assumption on which the argument depends? 

Logical Reasoning Question Type

This is a Necessary Assumption question. 

Correct Answer

The correct answer to this question is E. 

LSAT Question Complete Explanation

First, let's break down the argument in the passage. The passage states that human intelligence is not possible without human emotions. This is a premise. The conclusion of the argument is that a computer will never be able to display intelligence because it can never have emotions. The argument assumes that the requirement of emotions for intelligence in humans also applies to computers.

Now, let's create an "Evaluate" question for this argument: "Does the requirement of emotions for intelligence in humans also apply to computers?" Answering this question would help us determine the validity of the argument.

The question type for this problem is Necessary Assumption, which means we need to identify an assumption on which the argument depends. The correct answer is E.

Let's analyze each answer choice:

a) A computer could have emotions only if it could display intelligence.

This answer choice reverses the relationship between emotions and intelligence. The argument states that having emotions is necessary for displaying intelligence, not the other way around. Thus, this answer choice is incorrect.

b) Computer technology will not greatly advance beyond its current state.

This answer choice is irrelevant to the argument. The argument's conclusion is based on the premise that computers can never have emotions, not on the advancement of computer technology. Negating this statement doesn't affect the argument, so it's not the correct answer.

c) Someone or something is intelligent only if it can identify its emotions.

This answer choice might seem tempting, but it discusses the ability to identify emotions rather than having emotions. The argument is about having emotions, not identifying them. Therefore, this answer choice doesn't fill the gap in the argument, making it incorrect.

d) The greater the capacity to feel emotions, the more intelligence there is.

This answer choice introduces a comparison that is not present in the argument. The argument doesn't discuss the relationship between the capacity to feel emotions and the level of intelligence. Thus, this answer choice is incorrect.

e) Being intelligent requires the capacity to have emotions.

This answer choice correctly identifies the assumption that the argument depends on. It generalizes the premise about human intelligence to intelligence in general, including computers. If we negate this statement, the argument falls apart, making this the correct answer.

In summary, answer choice E is the correct answer because it identifies the assumption that the requirement of emotions for intelligence in humans also applies to computers. This assumption is necessary for the argument to be valid.