LSAT Explanation PT 34, S2, Q16: Camera manufacturers typically advertise their products

LSAT Question Stem

The argument depends on assuming which one of the following? 

Logical Reasoning Question Type

This is a Necessary Assumption question. 

Correct Answer

The correct answer to this question is B. 

LSAT Question Complete Explanation

This is a Necessary Assumption question type, which asks us to identify the underlying assumption that the argument depends on. The argument's conclusion is that "differences between cameras in resolution are irrelevant for practical photography." The support for this claim is that all modern lenses have such excellent resolution that no one lens does a noticeably better job than another in reproducing detail in a developed image. Now, let's analyze the answer choices.

a) This answer choice suggests that "resolution" is not an important determinant of the quality of photographic instruments and materials. However, the argument does not assume that resolution is unimportant. Instead, it claims that differences in resolution between modern lenses are irrelevant because all lenses are already excellent in this aspect. So, this choice is not the correct assumption.

b) This answer choice is correct. If differences in the resolutions of available lenses did compound the deficiencies of available film, the argument's conclusion would be undermined. By assuming that these differences do not compound the deficiencies, the argument can maintain that differences in resolution are irrelevant for practical photography.

c) This choice brings up variations in the method used to process the film and their effect on the film's resolution. However, this is out of scope for the argument. The conclusion is focused on whether differences in resolution of available lenses have a noticeable difference in practical photography, not on other factors that might affect film resolution.

d) This choice introduces the idea of flawless photographic technique being necessary to achieve maximum image resolution. However, this is also out of scope for the argument, which is focused on the differences in resolution between lenses and their relevance for practical photography.

e) This choice is too limiting. The argument's conclusion is only about the resolution of the camera's lens and the resolution of the film, not other factors. While the conclusion does not exclude the possibility of other factors influencing the quality of a photographic image, it does not assume that these are the only factors important in determining the degree of detail reproduced in the final photographic print.

So, the correct answer is (b), as it represents the assumption the argument depends on.