LSAT Explanation PT 41, S1, Q23: Perception cannot be a relationship between

LSAT Question Stem

Which one of the following is most closely parallel in its flawed reasoning to the flawed reasoning in the argument above? 

Logical Reasoning Question Type

This is a Parallel Flaw question. 

Correct Answer

The correct answer to this question is A. 

LSAT Question Complete Explanation

Let's first break down the argument in the passage. The passage argues that perception cannot be a relationship between a conscious being and a material object that causes that being to have beliefs about that object. The reason provided for this is that there are many imperceptible material objects about which we have beliefs. This argument can be simplified as follows:

Premise: We have beliefs about imperceptible objects.

Conclusion: Perception cannot be a relationship causing us to have beliefs about perceptible objects.

This argument is flawed because it assumes that since we have beliefs about imperceptible objects, perception cannot be responsible for our beliefs about perceptible objects. The flaw is a mix between a Mistaken Negation and a leap from "many" to "all" along with some causation.

Now, let's analyze the question. The question type is a Parallel Flaw question, which means we are looking for an answer choice that has a similar flawed reasoning as the argument in the passage.

a) Art cannot be an artifact created by someone with the express purpose of causing an aesthetic reaction in its audience. For we often have aesthetic reactions to artifacts that are not art.

This answer choice is correct because it presents a similar flawed reasoning as the argument in the passage. The argument can be simplified as:

Premise: We have aesthetic reactions to non-art artifacts.

Conclusion: Art cannot be intended to elicit aesthetic reactions.

This argument is flawed in a similar way as the passage's argument, assuming that since we have aesthetic reactions to non-art artifacts, art cannot be intended to elicit aesthetic reactions.

b) Liberty cannot be the obligation of other people not to prevent one from doing as one wishes. For no matter what one tries to do some people will try to prevent it.

This answer choice is incorrect because it does not mirror the argumentation found in the passage. The flaw here is unrelated to that of the passage.

c) Preparation cannot be action directed toward fulfilling needs and solving problems before they arise. For there are problems so severe that no amount of preparation will help.

This answer choice is incorrect because the flaw here is unrelated to that of the passage. The author presumes that because preparation cannot solve all problems, it cannot be intended to minimize problems.

d) Happiness cannot be the state of mind in which pleasure both qualitatively and quantitatively predominates over pain. For we simply cannot compare pain and pleasure qualitatively.

This answer choice is incorrect because the flaw here is unrelated to that of the passage. The author incorrectly presumes that because two things cannot be measured, one cannot predominate over the other.

e) Physics cannot be the science that investigates the ultimate principles of nature. For human beings are finite, and the ultimate principles cannot be understood by finite beings.

This answer choice is incorrect because the flaw in the reasoning is found in the invalid presumption that if finite beings cannot fully understand ultimate principles, then they cannot investigate those principles. While this reasoning is clearly invalid, it does not mirror the flawed argumentation found in the passage.

So, the correct answer choice is (A), as it presents a similar flawed reasoning as the argument in the passage.