LSAT 137 | Section 3 | Logical Reasoning: Q7

LR Question 7 Explanation

QUESTION TEXT: Scientist: Any theory that is to be taken seriously…

QUESTION TYPE: Method of Reasoning

CONCLUSION: If a theory affects our perception of the world, that alone is not sufficient to make us take the theory seriously.

REASONING: Look at the example of astrology. (Implied premise: astrology affects our perception of the world, but it scientifically worthless.)

ANALYSIS: This argument has an implied premise. The scientist is expecting us to know, from outside knowledge:

• Astrology is a scientifically worthless theory, and that we shouldn’t take it seriously.
• Astrologist nonetheless affects many people’s perception of the world.

The case of astrology therefore shows that affecting the world isn’t enough for us to take a theory seriously.

___________

1. Nonsense. They said “this [affecting our perception of the world] is not, in itself, enough for….”
    
   So the scientist is saying that affecting our perception of the world isn’t enough, and they give the example of astrology.
    
   Whereas this answer says astrology doesn’t affect our perception.
2. The scientist didn’t say we shouldn’t consider astrology a theory. They just implied we shouldn’t take it seriously. 
3. CORRECT. See the analysis above.
4. No, the author is concluding that not all theories that affect our perception of the world should be taken seriously.
5. This is entirely backwards. Astrology does affect our perception of the world, but it shouldn’t be taken seriously!