LSAT Explanation PT 37, S2, Q16: Media consultant: Electronic media are bound

LSAT Question Stem

The reasoning in the consultant's argument is flawed because it 

Logical Reasoning Question Type

This is a Flaw question. 

Correct Answer

The correct answer to this question is D. 

LSAT Question Complete Explanation

First, let's analyze the argument in the passage. The media consultant argues that electronic media will bring an end to traditional schools in our culture. The structure of the argument can be broken down as follows:

Premise 1: The emergence of traditional schools was facilitated by the availability of relatively inexpensive printed books.

Premise 2: The function of books in communicating information is gradually being taken over by electronic media.

Conclusion: The traditional school will not survive in our culture.

Now, let's consider an "Evaluate" question for this argument: "Are printed books necessary for the existence of traditional schools?"

The question type of this problem is Flaw, which means we're asked to identify the flaw in the consultant's reasoning. The correct answer is D.

Now, let's discuss each answer choice:

a) The argument does not presuppose as a premise what it is trying to establish. The consultant provides reasons (the emergence of traditional schools and the function of books being taken over) to support the conclusion.

b) The argument does not rely inappropriately on expert testimony. The consultant is basing their argument on the relationship between printed books and traditional schools, not on the opinions of experts.

c) The argument does not presuppose that just because something can happen, it will happen. The consultant provides reasons for believing that the traditional school will not survive, rather than merely asserting that it's possible.

d) Correct answer. The argument mistakes something that enables an institution to arise (printed books) for something necessary to the institution (traditional schools). The consultant assumes that because printed books helped create traditional schools, they are necessary for their continued existence. This is a flaw in the reasoning, as it's possible that traditional schools could continue to exist without printed books.

e) The argument does not confuse the value of an institution with the medium by which it operates. The consultant is discussing the survival of traditional schools, not their value, and is focused on the role of printed books and electronic media in this context.

In conclusion, the flaw in the consultant's reasoning is that they mistake something that enables an institution to arise (printed books) for something necessary to the institution (traditional schools), as indicated by answer choice D.