LSAT Explanation PT 32, S4, Q18: The tendency toward overspecialization in the

LSAT Question Stem

Of the following, which one most closely conforms to the principle that the passage as a whole illustrates? 

Logical Reasoning Question Type

This is a Principle (Misc) question. 

Correct Answer

The correct answer to this question is E. 

LSAT Question Complete Explanation

First, let's analyze the passage. The passage argues that overspecialization in studying artifacts is not ideal. It points out that scholars can enhance their understanding of a certain artistic period by studying art from earlier periods that had a significant influence on it. The example given is that understanding Arabic porcelain is indispensable for understanding Spanish porcelain because of its influence on Spanish artisans.

The question type is a Principle (Misc) question, which means we're looking for an answer choice that most closely conforms to the principle illustrated in the passage.

Now let's discuss the answer choices:

a) This answer choice talks about understanding major trends in research on aging by understanding the influences these trends exert on society's view of aging. However, this is not in line with the principle from the passage, which focuses on understanding something by studying earlier influences on it. This answer choice is discussing the impact of the trends on society's view, not the earlier influences on the trends themselves.

b) This answer choice suggests that to understand the historical events of this century, a historian must understand similar events in earlier centuries. While it may seem like a good fit, it doesn't explicitly mention the influence of earlier events on the current events. The principle from the passage emphasizes the importance of understanding the influence of earlier periods on the subject being studied.

c) This answer choice states that to fully appreciate the French language, one must understand other languages that share its linguistic ancestry. While it may seem related, it doesn't explicitly mention the influence of those other languages on the French language. The principle from the passage is about understanding the influence of earlier periods or things on the subject being studied.

d) This answer choice talks about understanding an academic discipline by having a superficial acquaintance with the practices of the wider academic community. This is not in line with the principle from the passage, which focuses on understanding something by studying earlier influences on it. The wider academic community is not an earlier influence.

e) This answer choice states that to understand Aristotle's philosophy completely, one must be well acquainted with the philosophy of his intellectual mentor, Plato. This answer choice aligns with the principle from the passage, as it emphasizes understanding Aristotle's philosophy by studying the earlier influence of Plato's philosophy on Aristotle. The mentor-mentee relationship suggests that Plato's philosophy had a significant influence on Aristotle's philosophy, making this the correct answer choice (E).