LSAT Explanation PT 44, S2, Q11: For many centuries it was believed

LSAT Question Stem

Which one of the following is most strongly supported by the statements above? 

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 simplify any complex information. The passage tells us that scientists used to believe that only classical Euclidean geometry could accurately represent the universe mathematically. However, they now find that non-Euclidean geometry is more useful in developing certain areas of scientific theory. In fact, the most widely accepted cosmological theory is based on non-Euclidean geometry.

To put this into simpler terms, imagine that scientists used to think that the only way to draw a map of the universe was using a certain type of ruler (Euclidean geometry). But now, they've found that using a different type of ruler (non-Euclidean geometry) is actually more helpful for creating certain maps of the universe. And the most popular map of the universe today is made using this new type of ruler.

Now, let's identify the question type and what it's asking us to do. This is a Most Strongly Supported (MSS) question, which means we need to find the answer choice that is most strongly supported by the information given in the passage.

Let's evaluate each answer choice in detail:

a) There is no information in the passage that suggests what scientists who use Euclidean geometry believe about the relationship between progress in mathematical theory and progress in natural science. We cannot make this inference.

b) This answer choice is supported by the passage. Since scientists now find non-Euclidean geometry more useful in certain areas and the most widely accepted cosmological theory is based on non-Euclidean geometry, it is reasonable to infer that scientists generally do not believe that classical Euclidean geometry is the only correct way to mathematically represent the universe.

c) The passage does not discuss the completeness of either Euclidean or non-Euclidean geometry in representing the universe. It only mentions that non-Euclidean geometry is more useful for certain scientific theories. We cannot make this inference.

d) The passage does not suggest that an accurate scientific theory requires a uniquely correct way of mathematically representing the universe. It only states that non-Euclidean geometry is more useful for certain scientific theories. We cannot make this inference.

e) The passage does not discuss the importance of the usefulness of a mathematical theory compared to its mathematical correctness. It only mentions that non-Euclidean geometry is more useful for certain scientific theories. We cannot make this inference.

Based on our analysis, the correct answer choice is (B).