LSAT Explanation PT 35, S1, Q4: Parent P: Children will need computer

LSAT Question Stem

Which one of the following, if true, is the strongest logical counter parent P can make to parent Q's objection? 

Logical Reasoning Question Type

This is a Weaken question. 

Correct Answer

The correct answer to this question is C. 

LSAT Question Complete Explanation

In this LSAT problem, we have two parents, Parent P and Parent Q, presenting opposing views on introducing computer skills to children at an early age. The structure of the argument is as follows:

Parent P (Premise): Children will need computer skills to deal with tomorrow's world. Computers should be introduced in kindergarten, and computer languages should be required in high school.

Parent Q (Conclusion): Introducing technology at an early age would be pointless because technology advances rapidly, making the computers and computer languages taught today obsolete by the time these children are adults.

The question type is Weaken, and we are asked to find the strongest logical counter Parent P can make to Parent Q's objection.

Before discussing the answer choices, let's come up with an "Evaluate" question for the argument. A good Evaluate question would be: "Do early computer skills provide any benefits to children, even if the technology becomes obsolete by the time they are adults?"

Now, let's analyze the answer choices:

a) This answer choice talks about the necessity of regular training to maintain proficiency in a rapidly advancing technological society. While it provides a reason for teaching technology in the classroom, it does not address the specific concern of Parent Q that the skills taught will become obsolete. Thus, it does not directly counter Parent Q's objection.

b) This answer choice states that people have historically adapted to change and that today's children are just as capable of adapting to technology as it advances. While this may be true, it does not directly address Parent Q's concern about the obsolescence of specific computer skills taught in school. It also does not provide a clear benefit of introducing technology at an early age.

c) This is the correct answer. It directly counters Parent Q's objection by stating that learning to work with any computer or computer language increases children's ability to interact with computer technology. This implies that even if the specific technology becomes obsolete, the skills learned will still provide a benefit to the children, making the introduction of technology at an early age not pointless.

d) This answer choice uses an analogy with automotive technology to argue that advancements in technology do not necessarily require relearning skills. However, it does not directly address the issue of introducing technology in classrooms or provide a clear benefit of introducing technology at an early age. It also does not specifically counter Parent Q's objection.

e) This answer choice argues that people have less time to learn about computers and technology after graduating from high school. While this may be true, it does not directly address Parent Q's concern about the obsolescence of specific computer skills taught in school. It also does not provide a clear benefit of introducing technology at an early age.

In conclusion, answer choice C is the correct answer, as it directly counters Parent Q's objection and provides a clear benefit of introducing technology at an early age, even if the specific skills become obsolete.