LSAT Explanation PT 44, S2, Q25: The first bicycle, the Draisienne, was

LSAT Question Stem

The reasoning in the argument is flawed because the argument 

Logical Reasoning Question Type

This is a Flaw question. 

Correct Answer

The correct answer to this question is E. 

LSAT Question Complete Explanation

The question type for this problem is a Flaw question, which asks us to identify the flaw in the reasoning of the argument provided in the passage.

Let's first break down the passage and analyze its structure. The argument presents the following information:

1. The first bicycle, the Draisienne, was invented in 1817 and had a brief fad.

2. Bicycles practically disappeared until the 1860s.

3. New technology is accepted only when it coheres with the values of a society (premise).

4. Hence, some change in values must have occurred between 1817 and the 1860s (conclusion).

To make the information more relatable, let's use a simple example: Imagine a new type of clothing is invented and becomes popular for a short period, but then disappears for several years. The argument suggests that the clothing's disappearance is due to a change in society's values during that time.

An "Evaluate" question for this argument could be: "Were there any other factors that could have contributed to the disappearance of bicycles between 1817 and the 1860s?"

Now let's discuss each answer choice:

a) The argument does not presume that fads are never indicative of genuine acceptance. Rather, it uses the brief fad of the Draisienne to suggest that there was a change in societal values. This answer choice is incorrect.

b) The argument does not fail to recognize that the reappearance of bicycles in the 1860s may have indicated genuine acceptance. In fact, the conclusion implies that bicycles were eventually accepted. This answer choice is incorrect.

c) The lack of support for the claim that the Draisienne was the first true bicycle is not a flaw in the argument. The argument's focus is on the acceptance of bicycles and the change in societal values, not on the history of bicycle invention. This answer choice is incorrect.

d) The question posed in the passage is relevant to the argument's conclusion. The question asks why bicycles disappeared and then reappeared, which the conclusion attempts to answer by suggesting a change in societal values. This answer choice is incorrect.

e) This answer choice correctly identifies the flaw in the argument. The argument ignores alternative possible explanations for the initial failure of bicycles, such as technological limitations, economic factors, or competition from other modes of transportation. By focusing solely on the change in societal values, the argument overlooks these potential alternative causes. This answer choice is correct.