LSAT 129 – Section 2 – Question 21

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Editorial: It is a travesty of justice, social critics say, that we can launch rockets into outer space but cannot solve social problems that have plagued humanity. The assumption underlying this assertion is that there are greater difficulties involved in a space launch than are involved in ending long-standing social problems, which in turn suggests that a government’s failure to achieve the latter is simply a case of misplaced priorities. The criticism is misplaced, however, for rocket technology is much simpler than the human psyche, and until we adequately understand the human psyche we cannot solve the great social problems.

Summarize Argument: Counter-Position
Critics are mistaken when they claim that the government’s priorities are misplaced because we have launched rockets into space instead of solving major social problems. Rocket technology is much easier to understand than the human psyche. And to solve these social problems, we must first understand the human psyche.

Identify Argument Part
This is a premise that supports the conclusion that the criticism from social critics is misplaced.

A
It is cited as a possible objection to the argument’s conclusion.
This is not an objection to the argument’s conclusion. The author agrees with this statement and uses it as a premise to support their conclusion.
B
According to the argument, it is a fact that has misled some social critics.
The argument does not say that this fact “misled” social critics. Rather, it suggests that the critics are wrong in assuming that solving social problems should be easier than rocket launches.
C
It is the argument’s conclusion.
This statement is not the conclusion of the argument. The conclusion is that the criticism of the government is misplaced, and this statement is used as a premise to support it.
D
It is claimed to be a false assumption on which the reasoning that the argument seeks to undermine rests.
The author does not claim that this assumption is false. The author believes this fact and uses it to support its main conclusion. Furthermore, the opposing argument does not rest on this assumption (in fact, it operates without it)
E
It is used by the argument to attempt to undermine the reasoning behind a viewpoint.
This statement is used as a premise to support the author’s main conclusion that social critics' critiques are unfounded. Thus, this undermines the critics' argument that the government should prioritize solving social problems over space exploration.

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LSAT PrepTest 129 Explanations

Section 1 - Logical Reasoning

Section 2 - Logical Reasoning

Section 3 - Logical Reasoning

Section 4 - Reading Comprehension

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