LSAT Explanation PT 31, S3, Q15: Ashley: Words like "of" and "upon,"

LSAT Question Stem

Joshua's remarks indicate that he interpreted Ashley's statement to imply that 

Logical Reasoning Question Type

This is a Misc question. 

Correct Answer

The correct answer to this question is A. 

LSAT Question Complete Explanation

In this LSAT problem, we have a conversation between Ashley and Joshua. Ashley states that words like "of" and "upon" do not refer to anything, unlike "pencil" and "shirt." Joshua agrees and adds that since such words are meaningless, they should be abandoned. The question type is a "Must Be True" question, and we are asked to identify what Joshua's remarks indicate he interpreted from Ashley's statement.

Let's first break down the conversation. Ashley's main point is that words like "of" and "upon" do not refer to anything. Joshua agrees and then makes a connection between not referring to anything and being meaningless. He then concludes that such words should be abandoned.

Now, let's analyze the answer choices:

a) only words that refer to something have meaning

Joshua's logic is that if a word does not refer to something, it is meaningless. The contrapositive of this statement is that if a word has meaning, it must refer to something. This answer choice aligns with Joshua's interpretation of Ashley's statement and is the correct answer.

b) words that are not useful are meaningless

This answer choice introduces the concept of "usefulness," which is not discussed by either Ashley or Joshua. Their conversation is about whether words refer to something or not. Therefore, this answer choice is incorrect.

c) words that refer to something are meaningful

This answer choice is the mistaken reversal of Joshua's logic. It states that if a word refers to something, it is meaningful. However, Joshua's logic is that if a word is meaningful, it refers to something. So, this answer choice is incorrect.

d) if a word is not useful, it should be abandoned

Similar to answer choice (b), this answer choice introduces the concept of "usefulness," which is not discussed in the conversation. Ashley and Joshua discuss whether words refer to something, not their usefulness. Therefore, this answer choice is incorrect.

e) all words that refer to something are useful

Again, this answer choice brings up the concept of "usefulness," which is not relevant to the conversation. Ashley and Joshua discuss whether words refer to something, not their usefulness. Therefore, this answer choice is incorrect.

In conclusion, the correct answer is (a) only words that refer to something have meaning. This answer choice accurately reflects Joshua's interpretation of Ashley's statement and aligns with his logic.