LSAT Explanation PT 34, S3, Q15: Lea: Contemporary art has become big
LSAT Question Stem
Lea's and Susan's remarks provide the most support for holding that they disagree about whether
Logical Reasoning Question Type
This is a Disagree question.
Correct Answer
The correct answer to this question is D.
LSAT Question Complete Explanation
The question type for this problem is a Point at Issue or Disagree question, which asks us to identify the specific point on which the two speakers, Lea and Susan, disagree.
Let's first analyze the argument in the passage. Lea presents the premise that contemporary art has become big business and is less about self-expression and more about making money. She concludes that contemporary art lacks spontaneity and creativity, which can be demonstrated by visiting any art gallery. Susan disagrees with Lea's conclusion and provides a counter-premise: one can still find spontaneous, innovative new artwork in most of the smaller, independent galleries.
Now, let's examine each answer choice and determine which one best represents the point of disagreement between Lea and Susan.
Answer choice (A): Lea and Susan would both disagree with this statement, as Lea believes that contemporary art lacks spontaneity and creativity, while Susan believes that smaller, independent galleries contain creative artwork. Since both speakers disagree, this answer choice can be eliminated.
Answer choice (B): This answer choice is a bit tricky. While Lea would agree with this statement, Susan's position is uncertain. Susan states that one can find spontaneous and creative artwork in most smaller, independent galleries, but this does not necessarily mean that most galleries contain some artwork that lacks spontaneity and creativity. Since Susan's position is uncertain, this answer choice is incorrect.
Answer choice (C): Lea agrees with this statement, but Susan's position on whether contemporary art has become big business is not explicitly stated. Susan's mention of smaller, independent galleries does not necessarily imply that she believes the entire field has become commercialized. As Susan's position is unknown, this answer choice is incorrect.
Answer choice (D): This is the correct answer choice. Susan agrees with this statement, as she believes that one can still find creative new artwork in smaller, independent galleries. Lea, on the other hand, disagrees with this statement, as she believes that a visit to any art gallery demonstrates the lack of creativity and spontaneity in contemporary art.
Answer choice (E): Lea would likely agree with this statement, but Susan's position is uncertain. Although Susan states that innovative contemporary artwork is available in galleries, she does not compare the self-expression of contemporary art to that of older art. We cannot assume that Susan believes contemporary art is not less concerned with self-expression. Since Susan's position is uncertain, this answer choice is incorrect.
In conclusion, the correct answer choice is (D), as it best represents the point of disagreement between Lea and Susan: whether some smaller art galleries still exhibit creative new artwork.