LSAT Explanation PT 39, S4, Q14: The mathematics of the scientific theory

LSAT Question Stem

Which one of the following principles, if valid, most justifies the scientists' conclusion? 

Logical Reasoning Question Type

This is a Principle question. 

Correct Answer

The correct answer to this question is A. 

LSAT Question Complete Explanation

Let's first analyze the argument in the passage. The passage discusses the scientific theory known as "complexity," which describes phenomena that are not quite stable and not quite chaotic. An example of this would be sand dunes, which generally retain their shape, but a tiny amount of sand can cause a sandslide. The argument states that certain scientists have concluded that there is good evidence that the complexity theory is correct. This conclusion is based on the premise that when they entered complexity-based mathematical models of real-world phenomena into computers, the computerized mathematical models evolved much like the real-world phenomena actually evolved.

In summary, the argument's structure is as follows:

Premise: Computerized complexity models evolve like the real-life versions.

Conclusion: There is good evidence that complexity is correct.

An "Evaluate" question for this argument could be: "Do the computerized models accurately represent the real-world phenomena?"

Now, let's discuss the question type and answer choices. The question type is a Principle question, which asks us to identify the principle that most justifies the scientists' conclusion. In other words, we are looking for a principle that strengthens the argument.

a) If computerized models based on a theory behave like their real-world counterparts behave, then that theory is probably correct.

This answer choice is correct because it directly links the premise (computerized models behaving like their real-world counterparts) to the conclusion (the theory is probably correct). By accepting this principle as valid, it strengthens the argument and helps justify the scientists' conclusion.

b) If a scientific theory is correct, then computerized mathematical models based on that theory behave like their real-world counterparts.

This answer choice is a reversal of the correct answer (a). It starts with the conclusion (the theory is correct) and then moves to the premise (computerized models behave like their real-world counterparts). However, we are trying to prove the theory is correct, so starting with the conclusion doesn't help us reach that conclusion. Thus, this answer choice is not as helpful as (a).

c) If actual phenomena can be pictured as computerized models, computers themselves will eventually discover the mathematics of the correct theory explaining those phenomena.

This answer choice introduces the idea that computers will discover the correct mathematics, but it doesn't directly connect the premise to the conclusion. It doesn't help us justify the scientists' conclusion that there is good evidence that complexity is correct.

d) If they evolve exactly like real-world phenomena, computer models are neither purely stable nor purely chaotic, which is what complexity predicts.

This answer choice does not directly connect the premise to the conclusion. While it mentions that computer models are neither purely stable nor purely chaotic, it doesn't help us justify the conclusion that there is good evidence that complexity is correct.

e) If computers verify that there are mathematical errors in the calculations of scientists, then the theories of those scientists are probably incorrect.

This answer choice focuses on mathematical errors and incorrect theories, which are not relevant to the argument. It doesn't help us justify the conclusion that there is good evidence that complexity is correct.

In conclusion, the correct answer is (a), as it directly connects the premise to the conclusion and helps justify the scientists' conclusion that there is good evidence that complexity is correct.