LSAT Explanation PT 36, S3, Q4: Mary: Computers will make more information
LSAT Question Stem
The dialogue most strongly supports the claim that Mary and Joyce disagree with each other about whether
Logical Reasoning Question Type
This is a Disagree question.
Correct Answer
The correct answer to this question is B.
LSAT Question Complete Explanation
Let's first analyze the argument in the passage. The passage is a dialogue between Mary and Joyce, who are discussing the impact of computers on the availability of information and the need for experts.
Mary's argument (Premise 1): Computers will make more information available to ordinary people than was ever available before. (Premise 2): This will make it easier for them to acquire knowledge without consulting experts. (Conclusion): Therefore, computers will reduce the need for experts.
Joyce's argument (Premise 1): As more knowledge became available in previous centuries, the need for specialists to synthesize and explain it to nonspecialists increased. (Conclusion): Therefore, computers will probably create a greater dependency on experts.
Now, let's briefly mention the question type and what it's asking us to do. This is a "Disagree" question, which asks us to identify the point on which the two speakers disagree.
Now let's analyze each answer choice:
a) Computers will contribute only negligibly to the increasing dissemination of knowledge in society.
- This answer choice is not what Mary and Joyce disagree on. Both Mary and Joyce agree that computers will make more information available to ordinary people. The disagreement lies in the need for experts. So, this answer choice is incorrect.
b) Computers will increase the need for ordinary people seeking knowledge to turn to experts.
- This answer choice accurately captures the disagreement between Mary and Joyce. Mary believes that computers will make it easier for ordinary people to acquire knowledge without consulting experts, while Joyce argues that computers will create a greater dependency on experts. Therefore, this answer choice is correct.
c) Computers will make more information available to ordinary people.
- This answer choice is not the point of disagreement between Mary and Joyce. Both speakers agree that computers will make more information available to ordinary people. The disagreement lies in the need for experts. So, this answer choice is incorrect.
d) Dependency on computers will increase with the increase of knowledge.
- This answer choice is not the point of disagreement between Mary and Joyce. Neither speaker is discussing the dependency on computers specifically. Their disagreement is about the need for experts. So, this answer choice is incorrect.
e) Synthesizing knowledge and explaining it to ordinary people can be accomplished only by computer experts.
- This answer choice is not the point of disagreement between Mary and Joyce. Neither speaker is discussing the role of computer experts specifically. Their disagreement is about the need for experts in general as more information becomes available. So, this answer choice is incorrect.
In conclusion, the correct answer is B, as it accurately captures the disagreement between Mary and Joyce regarding whether computers will increase the need for ordinary people seeking knowledge to turn to experts.