LSAT 127 | Section 1 | Logical Reasoning: Q15

LR Question 15 Explanation

QUESTION TEXT: Some scientists have expressed reservations about quantum…

QUESTION TYPE: Principle-Strengthen

CONCLUSION: Quantum theory should be accepted.

REASONING: Quantum theory’s predictions have been shown to be accurate within the margin of error, and its competitors’ predictions have not been accurate.

ANALYSIS: The reasoning in the stimulus seems strong. If the predictions are correct, why shouldn’t we accept them?

Well, Newton’s physics made predictions which were very accurate. It took quite a long time for physicists to realize that the predictions were not valid in all situations.

A single false prediction can disprove a theory which was “proven” correct millions of times.

We need an answer which allows us to accept the theory, despite the fact that it could still be wrong.

___________

1. Quantum mechanics actually has more counterintuitive consequences. This doesn’t help.
2. CORRECT. Quantum mechanics has been subjected to serious attempts to disprove it, and the latter failed. This principle allows us to accept the theory.
3. We care about accepting the theory, not whether it should be called counterintuitive.
4. We care about accepting the theory, not when it ought not to be rejected.
5. This tells us about a necessary condition for accepting a theory. We want a sufficient condition.

Recap: The question begins with “Some scientists have expressed reservations about quantum”. It is a Principle question. Learn how to master LSAT Principle questions on the LSAT Logical Reasoning question types page.