LSAT 6 | Section 3 | Logical Reasoning: Q22

LR Question 22 Explanation

QUESTION TEXT: The true scientific significance of a group of unusual…

QUESTION TYPE: Flawed Reasoning

CONCLUSION: A more recent classification of unusual fossils is more likely to be accurate that Charles Walcott’ own explanation.

REASONING: Walcott was a prominent member of the scientific establishment and thus unlikely to have done anything but confirm established science.

ANALYSIS: This argument makes two questionable assumptions:

1. A member of an establishment is highly unlikely to question that establishment.
2. The scientific establishment was wrong at the time Walcott discovered the fossils.

The scientific establishment is especially likely to be upset by insiders. Prominent scientists frequently revolutionize science.

We know nothing about Walcott personally. Apart from who he is we have no reason to believe he would have inaccurately classified the fossils.

___________

1. CORRECT. Yes. This argument makes an ad hominem attack against Walcott and provides no supporting evidence.
2. It’s quite verifiable that Walcott did discover the fossils and that he was a member of the scientific establishment. Those were the two pieces of evidence.
3. The premises are that Walcott was a member of the establishment and that members of the establishment are unlikely to upset the status quo. These don’t contradict each other. They’re certainly not vague: everyone will more or less understand the meaning.
4. This is like saying: The play isn’t terrible, so it must be excellent. It’s a bad argument but it doesn’t occur here.
5. Since Walcott lived in the past, the category (that he was part of the past scientific establishment) is appropriate to the past.

Recap: The question begins with “The true scientific significance of a group of unusual”. It is a Flawed Reasoning question. Learn more about LSAT Flaw questions in our guide to LSAT Logical Reasoning question types.