LSAT 157 | Section 3 | Logical Reasoning: Q22

LR Question 22 Explanation

QUESTION TEXT: Philosopher: Philosophers usually treat emotions as nonrational…

QUESTION TYPE: Role in Argument

CONCLUSION: Emotion is not nonrational.

REASONING: Philosophers usually treat emotion as nonrational. It seems this way because language lacks the ability to convey adequate conceptions of emotion. The words used to refer to emotion only name general kinds of inner experience. For example, there is no language to describe how one joy differs from another.

ANALYSIS: This question wants you to see the “Thus” and assume it’s the conclusion. Don’t fall for it!

The philosopher has presented a general view: the idea that emotions are nonrational. The philosopher then tells us that they disagree – emotions are not nonrational. They next tell us why philosophers might generally think emotion is nonrational (because language can’t convey adequate conceptions). In this last part, the author is conveying that if there were adequate language to describe emotions, philosophers would recognize that it is rational.

The proposition that there is no language for describing just how one joy differs from another is used as an example to illustrate the philosopher’s claimed explanation for why the other philosophers think what they do. This indirectly supports the conclusion, because it supports that the author’s understanding is correct.

___________

1. It is an example of a phenomenon, but not a phenomenon that the argument seeks to explain. The author is seeking to convince the reader that emotion is not nonrational, by explaining how people mistakenly conclude that it is.
2. Don’t get fooled by the “thus”! This is a specific example used to illustrate a general claim.
3. CORRECT. See above.
4. This proposition is not a concession to the other side. It illustrates the author’s belief and shows that their understanding is more correct.
5. This proposition is not an explanation for anything. It’s a specific example illustrating an explanation.

Recap: The question begins with “Philosopher: Philosophers usually treat emotions as nonrational”. It is a Role in Argument question. Learn more about LSAT Role questions in our guide to LSAT Logical Reasoning question types.