LSAT 23 | Section 2 | Logical Reasoning: Q15

LR Question 15 Explanation

QUESTION TEXT: Kim: In northern Europe during the eighteenth century…

QUESTION TYPE: Method of Reasoning

CONCLUSION: Lee concludes that Europe’s optimism wasn’t due to increased life expectancy.

REASONING: Europeans would have had to know they were living longer to be happy about it.

ANALYSIS: Lee argues that Kim’s argument is practically impossible. People didn’t know their life expectancy went up, so why should they be happy about it?

Lee didn’t say very much. All of the wrong answers mention things that Lee never discussed. Before picking an answer, make sure it’s supported by the stimulus.

___________

1. Lee doesn’t mention any data.
2. Lee doesn’t say why people were happier. He just says Kim’s explanation is wrong.
3. Lee doesn’t give another explanation. He just questions one of Kim’s assumptions.
4. CORRECT. If people didn’t realize they were living longer, then Kim’s argument is weaker. It’s harder to be happy about something you’re not aware of.
5. Lee didn’t say this. To pick this answer, you’d have to describe which two hypotheses Lee mentioned, and how they contradicted each other.

Recap: The question begins with “Kim: In northern Europe during the eighteenth century”. It is a Method of Reasoning question. Learn how to master LSAT Method of Reasoning questions on the LSAT Logical Reasoning question types page.