LSAT Explanation PT 37, S2, Q7: Newtonian physics dominated science for over

LSAT Question Stem

Which one of the following logically follows from the statements above? 

Logical Reasoning Question Type

This is a Must Be True question. 

Correct Answer

The correct answer to this question is B. 

LSAT Question Complete Explanation

First, let's analyze the passage and summarize any unclear or confusing parts. The passage talks about the history of physics theories, specifically Newtonian physics and Einstein's theories. Newtonian physics was dominant for over two centuries and was one of the most substantiated and accepted theories in the history of science. However, Einstein's theories eventually showed the fundamental limits of Newtonian physics and surpassed it in the early 1900s. The passage doesn't mention any complex scientific concepts, so we can move on to the question.

The question type for this problem is Must Be True (MBT), which means we need to find the answer choice that logically follows from the statements in the passage.

Now, let's go through each answer choice:

a) The history of physics is characterized by a pattern of one successful theory subsequently surpassed by another.

This answer choice is incorrect because the passage only provides two examples (Newtonian physics and Einstein's theories), which is not enough to establish a pattern of successful theories being surpassed by others.

b) Long-standing success or substantiation of a theory of physics is no guarantee that the theory will continue to be dominant indefinitely.

This is the correct answer choice. The passage shows that Newtonian physics, despite its long-standing success and substantiation, was eventually surpassed by Einstein's theories. This demonstrates that success and substantiation do not guarantee indefinite dominance.

c) Every theory of physics, no matter how successful, is eventually surpassed by one that is more successful.

This answer choice is an exaggeration. Although the passage provides an example of Newtonian physics being surpassed by Einstein's theories, it does not prove that every successful theory of physics will eventually be surpassed. This answer choice goes beyond the information provided in the passage and fails the Fact Test.

d) Once a theory of physics is accepted, it will remain dominant for centuries.

This answer choice also goes too far. While the passage mentions that Newtonian physics was dominant for centuries, it does not guarantee that every accepted theory will remain dominant for that long.

e) If a long-accepted theory of physics is surpassed, it must be surpassed by a theory that is equally successful.

This answer choice is incorrect because the passage does not provide evidence to support the claim that each theory must be surpassed by an equally successful theory. Although Einstein's theories enjoyed wide success in surpassing Newtonian physics, the passage does not establish this as a requirement for surpassing a long-accepted theory.

In conclusion, the correct answer choice is (B), as it logically follows from the statements in the passage.