LSAT Explanation PT 36, S3, Q8: Essayist: Knowledge has been defined as

LSAT Question Stem

Which one of the following most accurately describes the essayist's method of defending the definition against the objection? 

Logical Reasoning Question Type

This is a Method of Reasoning question. 

Correct Answer

The correct answer to this question is A. 

LSAT Question Complete Explanation

Let's first understand the argument in the passage. The essayist discusses a definition of knowledge: "a true belief formed by a reliable process." This definition has been criticized because if someone had a reliable power of clairvoyance, we would not accept their claims to know certain things based on this power. The essayist agrees that we would reject such claims, but argues that we would do so because we don't believe in clairvoyance as a reliable process. If we did believe in clairvoyance, we would accept knowledge claims made on the basis of it. The essayist's main conclusion is that we reject claims based on clairvoyance not because of the definition of knowledge, but because we don't believe in clairvoyance as a reliable process.

Now let's analyze the question, which asks us to identify the essayist's method of defending the definition against the objection. This is a Method of Reasoning (MOR) question.

a) This answer choice accurately describes the essayist's defense. The essayist argues that the objection is based on a belief about the reliability of clairvoyance, rather than on the nature of knowledge or its definition. This matches the essayist's conclusion that we reject claims based on clairvoyance because we don't believe in it as a reliable process, not because of the definition of knowledge. This is the correct answer.

b) The essayist does not assert that clairvoyance is a case of knowledge. Instead, the essayist argues that we don't believe in clairvoyance as a reliable process, which is why we reject claims based on it. This answer choice is incorrect.

c) The essayist does not argue against the assumption that clairvoyance is unreliable. Rather, the essayist points out that we don't believe in clairvoyance as a reliable process, and that's why we reject claims based on it. This answer choice is incorrect.

d) The essayist does not explain that the definition of knowledge is a matter of personal choice. The essayist defends the definition by arguing that our rejection of claims based on clairvoyance is due to our disbelief in clairvoyance as a reliable process, not because of the definition of knowledge. This answer choice is incorrect.

e) The essayist does not demonstrate that clairvoyance is not a case of knowledge and does not fit the definition of knowledge. Instead, the essayist argues that we reject claims based on clairvoyance because we don't believe in it as a reliable process, not because of the definition of knowledge. This answer choice is incorrect.

In conclusion, the correct answer is A, as it accurately describes the essayist's method of defending the definition against the objection.