LSAT Explanation PT 42, S2, Q6: Commentator: In many countries the influence

LSAT Question Stem

Which one of the following statements, if true, most seriously weakens the commentator's argument? 

Logical Reasoning Question Type

This is a Weaken question. 

Correct Answer

The correct answer to this question is B. 

LSAT Question Complete Explanation

In this LSAT problem, we are asked to weaken the commentator's argument. The argument states that the influence of fringe movements is increasing in many countries due to the rapid pace of modern culture, which spins off various elements such as fashions, ideologies, religions, artistic movements, economic theories, cults, and dogmas. As a result, the commentator concludes that modern culture threatens the national identities that now exist in the world. The structure of the argument includes a premise (the rapid pace of modern culture) and a conclusion (modern culture threatens national identities).

To understand this argument, let's consider a simple example. Imagine a country where the traditional clothing is being replaced by various new styles due to the influence of modern culture. The argument suggests that this change in fashion trends threatens the national identity of the country, which is associated with traditional clothing.

An "Evaluate" question for this argument could be: "Do the changes in various elements of culture, such as fashion, ideologies, etc., necessarily threaten the stability of a national identity?"

Now, let's examine each answer choice in detail:

a) This answer choice talks about new national identities being forged out of conflicts among diverse groups. However, this statement is irrelevant to the argument as it does not address the relationship between modern culture and existing national identities.

b) This is the correct answer. It states that a stable national identity is typically a composite of a staggering number of subcultures. If this is true, then even if modern culture spins off various elements, these changes in subcultures might not threaten the national identity. This weakens the commentator's conclusion that modern culture threatens existing national identities.

c) This answer choice mentions that the rate of cultural change in most countries will soon change drastically. However, it does not address the impact of modern culture on national identities, making it irrelevant to the argument.

d) This answer choice suggests that it is preferable to have a pluralistic rather than a monolithic national culture. Although it discusses the idea of a diverse culture, it does not directly address the relationship between modern culture and existing national identities, making it an incorrect choice.

e) This answer choice states that a culture with a solidified national identity tends to have more social problems than one without such an identity. While this statement discusses the consequences of a solidified national identity, it does not directly address whether modern culture threatens existing national identities, making it an incorrect choice.

In summary, the correct answer is B, as it weakens the commentator's conclusion by suggesting that a stable national identity can be composed of numerous subcultures, which may not be threatened by the changes brought on by modern culture.