LSAT 4, Logical Reasoning I, Q17, LSATHacks

QUESTION TEXT: The question for whether intelligent life exists elsewhere…

QUESTION TYPE: Main Point

CONCLUSION: We should leave our definition of intelligent life open.

REASONING: If we adopt a precise meaning of intelligent life, we will likely not be able to recognize certain forms of intelligent life when we see them.

ANALYSIS: This is a sensible argument. There are many situations in life that “we know when we see” yet we cannot define. A rigid definition of life would preclude us from using our intuition.

With a main point question, we must capture the essence of the author’s argument. All of the wrong answer choices are viewpoints with which the author disagrees. But even if an answer choice is true that isn’t enough to make it the main point.

His main point is that we shouldn’t be too precise.

___________

1. It is true that the author doesn’t believe this is true. But his main point is that we should not set a precise definition of intelligent life.
2. It is true that the author agrees our understanding is limited but this isn’t the main point.
3. CORRECT. Yes. The author thinks we are more likely to answer this question correctly if we do not define intelligent life precisely.
4. The author disagrees with this statement but his main point is that we should not be too precise in defining life.
5. The author does think we should try to answer the question of whether life exists. But his main concern is that we should not be too precise in defining the meaning of life.

Recap: The question begins with “The question for whether intelligent life exists elsewhere”. It is a Identify The Conclusion question. Learn how to master LSAT Identify questions on the LSAT Logical Reasoning question types page.

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