LSAT 3 | Section 4 | Logical Reasoning: Q18

LR Question 18 Explanation

QUESTION TEXT: “Physicalists” expect that ultimately all mental functions…

QUESTION TYPE: Flawed Reasoning

CONCLUSION: Mental functions are bound to receive explanations in neurobiological terms in the near future.

REASONING: We have fulfilled many of the necessary conditions for explaining mental functions in neurobiological terms.

ANALYSIS: This question is a drag. You have to compare the list of necessary conditions to the list of things we currently understand.

We know about the basic functions of neurons, and we have delineated the psychological faculties to be explained. But the stimulus doesn’t say whether we know anything about the interactions of neurons. That’s the main flaw, it is answer choice E.

Another flaw is that those things are only necessary conditions for producing neurobiological explanations. They aren’t sufficient assumption so we still might need some other things.

___________

1. The conclusion actually attempts to confirm the predictions of the physicalists.
2. That would probably take more than one paragraph. It’s enough for the stimulus to claim we do know. We can assume it is true.
3. The stimulus tells us we will be able to explain mental functions in neurobiological terms. They’re clearly different things.
4. It doesn’t have to. It is simply making a prediction that we will have such explanations whether or not they are useful.
5. CORRECT. Bingo. This was one of the necessary conditions, and the stimulus forgot to mention whether we understand the interactions of neurons.

Recap: The question begins with “”Physicalists” expect that ultimately all mental functions”. It is a Flawed Reasoning question. Learn more about LSAT Flaw questions in our guide to LSAT Logical Reasoning question types.