LSAT 4 | Section 1 | Logical Reasoning: Q18

LR Question 18 Explanation

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

QUESTION TYPE: Method of Reasoning

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.

The author’s method of reasoning is to show us what would happen if the proposal were implemented. It would hurt our chances of finding life, instead of helping us.

___________

1. How we define life is clearly relevant to the issue of trying to find life.
2. Name me one example species the author named. (he didn’t name any examples)
3. The author didn’t say we could never define life. We just shouldn’t define it too precisely.
4. CORRECT. Yes. Defining life precisely might hinder our search for life. It would be counterproductive, assuming our goal is an accurate search.
5. The author didn’t rely on any real world evidence. Instead she used logic to make her point.

Recap: The question begins with “The question for whether intelligent life exists elsewhere”. It is a Method of Reasoning question. Learn more about LSAT Method of Reasoning questions in our guide to LSAT Logical Reasoning question types.