LSAT 24, Logical Reasoning I, Q22, LSATHacks

QUESTION TEXT: Copernicus’s astronomical system is superior to…

QUESTION TYPE: Principle

CONCLUSION: Copernicus’s theory was better than Ptolemy’s even when it was first proposed.

REASONING: Both theories were equally supported by the evidence, but Copernicus’s was simpler.

ANALYSIS: There was only one major difference between the two theories: Copernicus’s was simpler.

We can support the conclusion by saying we should choose the simpler theory, if everything else is equal.

___________

1. This goes too far. I can make a simple and stupid theory to explain planetary motion: ghosts do it. Enough said, my simple theory must be correct.
2. At the time, both theories seemed likely to be true. They both fit the evidence.
3. Neither theory seems intuitively true, especially Copernicus’s. Look around you – does it look like the earth is moving? No?
   Well, it is moving, but it isn’t intuitive to believe that.
4. CORRECT. Simplicity was the only thing that distinguished the theories, so this helps the argument.

   Notice they said “more complex is inferior” rather than “simpler is better”. This shows why you must focus on concepts, not words. Different words can refer to the same concept.

5. The conclusion is about which theory is true, not which is scientifically important.

Recap: The question begins with “Copernicus’s astronomical system is superior to”. It is a Principle question. Learn more about LSAT Principle questions in our guide to LSAT Logical Reasoning question types.

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