LSAT 118 | Section 4 | Logical Reasoning: Q4

LR Question 4 Explanation

QUESTION TEXT: Computer manufacturers and retailers tell us that …

QUESTION TYPE: Weaken

CONCLUSION: The complexity of connecting computer components is a big obstacle to use.

REASONING: Installing accessories is complicated, and users have to do it themselves. And accessories can interfere with each other so the computer stops working.

ANALYSIS: Hmm. Why do users have to do it themselves? If it’s that hard and complicated, and you can’t use the product you bought, you’d assume buying a computer comes with some help to actually use the computer.

The whole argument relies on the fact that users have to do all this hard technical stuff on their own. So since installing accessories is complicated, computer use faces a widespread obstacle.

But if most users don’t install accessories themselves, that would not show a widespread obstacle to use, even if accessory installation is annoying.

So it goes a little like this:

1. Manufacturers/retailers: It’s hard, but that doesn’t mean it prevents use!
2. Author: You’re wrong. It does prevent use because people have to do this hard thing themselves.
3. You: Who said people had to do it themselves?

___________

1. The problem isn’t just not knowing what the parts do. It’s the complexity of configuring them correctly and handling compatibility issues. Even with explanations, installation could still be difficult.
2. Cost is irrelevant. Complexity is not the same thing as expense.
3. Future changes don’t affect the current claim. The argument is about whether complexity is currently a widespread obstacle.
4. CORRECT. If most computers already come with accessories installed, or include free installation, then most users never face the complexity the argument relies on. That undermines the “widespread obstacle” claim. Now, the argument’s evidence seems more like a niche scenario than the general case for average computer use.
5. This might actually strengthen the argument. If manufacturers ignore ease of installation, that makes complexity seem more likely to be a real obstacle.