LSAT 8 | Section 1 | Logical Reasoning: Q4

LR Question 4 Explanation

QUESTION TEXT: The case of the French Revolution is typically regarded…

QUESTION TYPE: Method of Reasoning

CONCLUSION: The French revolution is a poor example for the claim that societies can reap more benefit than harm from a revolution.

REASONING: The same civil servants and functionaries remained in office despite the revolution. Therefore French society could keep functioning, unlike many other revolutionary societies.

ANALYSIS: The stimulus undermines the best evidence for a theory by putting it into context.

___________

1. There is no internal inconsistency. The proponents of revolution do not claim that all revolutions must get rid of the previous bureaucrats.
2. Actually the argument is supporting a general proposition (there is no good evidence for the benefits of revolution) on the basis of a particular case (the French Revolution.)
3. CORRECT. Yes. The French Revolution is offered as the strongest evidence for the claim that revolutions can be beneficial. The stimulus undermines the evidence.
4. There’s only one example given: the French Revolution. There is no series of examples and that should be a big tip off.
5. There’s no comparison of strengths and weaknesses. There’s just criticism of the position that revolutions can be beneficial.

Recap: The question begins with “The case of the French Revolution is typically regarded”. It is a Method of Reasoning question. Learn more about LSAT Method of Reasoning questions in our guide to LSAT Logical Reasoning question types.