LSAT Explanation PT 45, S1, Q18: There is evidence to suggest that

LSAT Question Stem

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

Logical Reasoning Question Type

This is a Weaken question. 

Correct Answer

The correct answer to this question is D. 

LSAT Question Complete Explanation

The question type for this problem is Weaken, and our task is to find the answer choice that most seriously weakens the argument presented in the passage.

The passage presents an argument that our cave-dwelling ancestors polished many of their flints to a degree far surpassing what was necessary for hunting purposes, and therefore, early humans possessed an aesthetic sense. The structure of the argument is as follows:

Premise: Our cave-dwelling ancestors polished many of their flints to a degree far surpassing what was necessary for hunting purposes.

Conclusion: Early humans possessed an aesthetic sense.

To help you understand this argument, imagine a group of people who regularly polish their cars far more than necessary for driving purposes. The argument is essentially saying that because these people go above and beyond in polishing their cars, they must have an appreciation for the appearance of their cars (an aesthetic sense).

An "Evaluate" question for this argument could be: "Were there any other reasons for polishing flints besides hunting purposes?"

Now, let's analyze each answer choice:

a) Most flints used by our cave-dwelling ancestors were not highly polished.

- This answer choice does not weaken the argument, as it still leaves open the possibility that many flints were highly polished. It does not provide an alternate explanation for the polishing.

b) The caves in which the highly polished flints were found are unadorned by cave paintings.

- This answer choice is not relevant to the argument, as the absence of cave paintings does not directly impact the conclusion that early humans possessed an aesthetic sense.

c) There is evidence that these highly polished flints were used for display in religious ceremonies.

- This answer choice could be seen as strengthening the argument, as it shows that cave-dwellers had an aesthetic sense in the context of religious ceremonies. It does not provide an alternate explanation for the polishing.

d) Flints were often used by early humans for everyday chores other than hunting.

- This is the correct answer choice. It weakens the argument by suggesting an alternate cause for the high polishing of flints (everyday chores), which means that the polishing may not necessarily be due to an aesthetic sense.

e) Any benefits that an aesthetic sense would have given to cave-dwelling humans are poorly understood.

- This answer choice is not relevant to the argument, as it does not address whether early humans possessed an aesthetic sense or not. Instead, it discusses the benefits of having an aesthetic sense, which is not the focus of the argument.