LSAT Explanation PT 37, S4, Q8: Commentator: In the new century, only

LSAT Question Stem

Which one of the following most logically completes the commentator's argument? 

Logical Reasoning Question Type

This is a Most Strongly supported question. 

Correct Answer

The correct answer to this question is B. 

LSAT Question Complete Explanation

Let's first analyze the passage and break it down. The commentator is saying that in the new century, nations with the latest electronic technology will experience great economic prosperity. The people in these nations will be exposed to images of how people in other countries live, causing them to question their own customs and traditions. This will lead to a dissolution of those customs and traditions. The commentator is essentially arguing that there will be a negative impact on the stability of a nation's cultural identity due to the adoption of electronic technology and the resulting economic prosperity.

Now, let's move on to the question type and what it's asking us to do. This is an MSS (Most Strongly Supported) question, which means we need to find the answer choice that most logically completes the commentator's argument.

Let's examine each answer choice:

a) depend on a just distribution of electronic technology among all nations

This answer choice is out of scope, as the passage does not discuss the distribution of electronic technology among nations, nor does it mention the concept of "justice" in this context.

b) decrease if that nation comes to have a high level of economic wealth

This answer choice aligns with the commentator's argument. The passage states that nations with the latest electronic technology will experience economic prosperity and that this will lead to the dissolution of customs and traditions. Therefore, it's logical to conclude that a nation's cultural identity will decrease if it gains a high level of economic wealth due to the adoption of electronic technology.

c) be ensured by laws that protect the customs and traditions of that culture

This answer choice is out of scope because the passage does not mention or imply anything about laws or legal protection for customs and traditions.

d) be threatened only if the people of that culture fail to acquire the latest technical skills

This answer choice is problematic for a couple of reasons. First, the passage does not state that the lack of technical skills is the only threat to cultural identity. Second, the passage is focused on electronic technology, not technical skills.

e) be best maintained by ensuring gradual assimilation of new technical knowledge and skills

This answer choice is not supported by the passage, as it does not discuss the role of technical knowledge and skills in maintaining cultural identity.

Based on our analysis, the correct answer is (B). The passage argues that economic prosperity, resulting from the adoption of electronic technology, will lead to the dissolution of customs and traditions. Therefore, it's logical to conclude that a nation's cultural identity will decrease if it gains a high level of economic wealth due to the adoption of electronic technology.