LSAT 157 | Section 3 | Logical Reasoning: Q23

LR Question 23 Explanation

QUESTION TEXT: Superstring theory is a controversial new theory in physics…

QUESTION TYPE: Most Strongly Supported

FACTS:

1. Superstring theory is a controversial new theory in physics that purports to explain the nature and existence of gravity.
2. More established physical theories do not purport to explain the nature and existence of gravity.
3. A major problem with superstring theory is that to test it we would have to build a particle accelerator 100 trillion kilometers long.
4. Another problem is that superstring theory has had no success in adequately explaining why the force of gravity is not stronger or weaker than it is.

ANALYSIS: The stimulus tells us about superstring theory: it purports to do more than the more established physical theories, but has a couple problems. It is impossible to prove with our current technology, and doesn’t tell us why gravity is at its actual strength.

Remember, the established physical theories don’t purport to explain the nature and existence of gravity. So we can’t say that they are better at this than superstring theory – there must be another reason they are more established. Additionally, the problems with superstring theory must be holding it back from its goal of explaining the nature and existence of gravity.

___________

1. We actually can’t say this, because we don’t know that the theorists haven’t been attempting to explain the strength of gravity. It’s very possible that they’ve been trying, but are unsuccessful. Just the fact that they’re trying doesn’t make the theory more successful.
2. We don’t know that this is true. Maybe the explanations are no better, but the theories are more easily provable, which has made them more established.
3. This is not supported. We’ve been told that more established theories do not purport to explain the nature and existence of gravity, a part of which is explaining why gravity is not stronger or weaker than it is.
4. Being hard to test doesn’t make a theory false. It just makes a theory hard to establish, because you can’t demonstrate its truth.
5. CORRECT. We know that superstring theory purports to explain the nature and existence of gravity. But we’re also told that it’s a problem that superstring theory isn’t successful in adequately explaining why gravity is not stronger or weaker. So a theory that can’t adequately explain the strength of gravity must be insufficient at explaining the nature and existence of gravity.

Recap: The question begins with “Superstring theory is a controversial new theory in physics”. It is a Most Strongly Supported question. Learn how to master LSAT MSS questions on the LSAT Logical Reasoning question types page.