LSAT Explanation PT 42, S4, Q10: Prediction, the hallmark of the natural
LSAT Question Stem
Which one of the following most accurately expresses the main conclusion of the argument?
Logical Reasoning Question Type
This is a Main Conclusion question.
Correct Answer
The correct answer to this question is D.
LSAT Question Complete Explanation
This LSAT problem is a Main Conclusion question, which asks us to identify the main conclusion of the argument presented in the passage.
Before we discuss the answer choices, let's briefly summarize the passage. The author argues that prediction, made possible by reducing phenomena to mathematical expressions in natural sciences, should not be applied to social sciences. Doing so would neglect data that are not easily mathematized and distort the social phenomena.
Now, let's evaluate each answer choice:
Answer choice (A): The passage does imply that social sciences lack the predictive power of natural sciences, but this is not the main conclusion. The author's main point is about the inappropriateness of reducing social phenomena to mathematical expressions, not the comparative predictive power of the two fields.
Answer choice (B): While the passage does suggest that mathematics plays a significant role in the natural sciences, it does not directly state that it is more important in the natural sciences than in the social sciences. This choice does not address the main point of the argument and is therefore incorrect.
Answer choice (C): This choice might reflect the desires of some social scientists, but it is not the main conclusion of the argument. The author's main point is that social scientists should not reduce phenomena to mathematical expressions, not that they need to improve their ability to predict.
Answer choice (D): This choice accurately captures the main conclusion of the argument. The author argues that it would be a mistake for social scientists to reduce phenomena to mathematical expressions, as it would neglect important data and distort social phenomena. This choice is a paraphrase of that idea and is the correct answer.
Answer choice (E): The passage does mention that prediction is a hallmark of the natural sciences, but it does not claim that prediction is responsible for their success. This point is not addressed in the passage and is therefore incorrect.
In conclusion, the correct answer choice is (D), as it most accurately expresses the main conclusion of the argument: that social scientists should not reduce phenomena to mathematical formulas.