LSAT Explanation PT 37, S2, Q5: Although consciousness seems to arise from

LSAT Question Stem

The conclusion of the argument follows logically if which one of the following is assumed? 

Logical Reasoning Question Type

This is a Sufficient Assumption question. 

Correct Answer

The correct answer to this question is B. 

LSAT Question Complete Explanation

First, let's analyze the structure of the argument in the passage. The argument states that consciousness seems to arise from physical processes, but physical theories can only explain why physical systems have certain physical structures and how these systems perform various physical functions. From this, the author concludes that no strictly physical theory can explain consciousness.

To simplify this argument, think of it as a puzzle. Imagine that consciousness is a complex puzzle that we are trying to solve. Physical theories are like a set of puzzle pieces that can only fit together in specific ways to create certain structures and functions. However, the puzzle of consciousness requires more than just these specific structures and functions to be completed. Therefore, we cannot solve the puzzle of consciousness using only the pieces provided by physical theories.

An "Evaluate" question for this argument could be: "Are there any aspects of consciousness that cannot be explained by physical structures and functions?"

Now, let's discuss the question type and answer choices. This is a Sufficient Assumption question, which asks us to identify the assumption that, if true, would guarantee the conclusion of the argument follows logically.

a) Physical theories can explain only physical phenomena.

This answer choice doesn't directly address the gap in the argument, which is the inability of physical theories to explain consciousness. It is also too broad, as it doesn't focus on the specific structures and functions mentioned in the passage.

b) An explanation of consciousness must encompass more than an explanation of physical structures and functions.

This answer choice is correct because it directly addresses the gap in the argument. If it's true that explaining consciousness requires more than just explaining physical structures and functions, then it follows that no strictly physical theory can explain consciousness, as physical theories are limited to explaining physical structures and functions.

c) The physical structures and functions of consciousness are currently unknown.

This answer choice is incorrect because it doesn't address the gap in the argument. Even if the physical structures and functions of consciousness are currently unknown, it doesn't necessarily mean that physical theories cannot explain consciousness. It only suggests that we haven't discovered those explanations yet.

d) Consciousness arises from processes that are entirely explainable by physical theories.

This answer choice contradicts the conclusion of the argument, which states that no strictly physical theory can explain consciousness.

e) An explanation of physical structures and functions must be formulated in strictly physical terms.

This answer choice is irrelevant to the argument, as it doesn't address the gap between physical theories' ability to explain physical structures and functions and their inability to explain consciousness.

In conclusion, the correct answer is (B), as it directly addresses the gap in the argument and guarantees that the conclusion follows logically if assumed to be true.