LSAT Explanation PT 35, S4, Q21: All social systems are based upon

LSAT Question Stem

Which one of the following can most reasonably be concluded on the basis of the information above? 

Logical Reasoning Question Type

This is a Most Strongly supported question. 

Correct Answer

The correct answer to this question is C. 

LSAT Question Complete Explanation

First, let's analyze the passage. The passage argues that all social systems are based on a division of economic roles and that the values of a social system are embodied in the prestige accorded to persons who fill various economic roles. It then states that it is unsurprising that the introduction of labor-saving technology that makes certain economic roles obsolete will tend to undermine the values in that social system. To simplify, the passage claims that when technology replaces certain jobs, the values of the social system are likely to change.

Now, let's identify the question type and what it's asking us to do. This is a Main Point or Most Strongly Supported (MSS) question, which asks us to find the answer choice that can most reasonably be concluded from the information given in the passage.

Let's evaluate each answer choice:

a) Social systems will have unchanging values if they are shielded from technological advancement.

This answer choice is too strong, as the passage does not claim that the absence of technological advancement guarantees unchanging values. It only states that labor-saving technology tends to undermine values. There may be other factors that could change values in a social system.

b) No type of technology will fail to undermine the values in a social system.

This answer choice is also too strong. The passage specifically talks about labor-saving technology that makes certain economic roles obsolete, not all types of technology. There may be technologies that do not affect the values of a social system.

c) A social system whose values are not susceptible to change would not be one in which technology can eliminate economic roles.

This answer choice is correct. Since the passage claims that labor-saving technology that makes certain economic roles obsolete tends to undermine values, it is reasonable to conclude that if a social system's values cannot change, then such technology would not be able to eliminate economic roles in that system.

d) A technologically advanced society will place little value on the prestige associated with an economic role.

This answer choice is incorrect because it is too broad and general. The passage focuses on labor-saving technology that makes certain economic roles obsolete, not all technology. Moreover, the passage does not specify how much value a technologically advanced society would place on the prestige of an economic role, only that the values are likely to change.

e) A technological innovation that is implemented in a social system foreign to the one in which it was developed will tend to undermine the foreign social system.

This answer choice is incorrect because it introduces the concept of a foreign social system, which is not discussed in the passage. The passage only talks about the impact of labor-saving technology on any social system, not specifically foreign ones.

In conclusion, the correct answer is C, as it most reasonably follows from the information provided in the passage.