LSAT Explanation PT 22, S2, Q18: To classify a work of art

LSAT Question Stem

The principle above, if valid, most strongly supports which one of the following arguments? 

Logical Reasoning Question Type

This is a Principle question. 

Correct Answer

The correct answer to this question is B. 

LSAT Question Complete Explanation

Let's first analyze the argument in the passage. The passage states that to classify a work of art as truly great, it must have both originality and far-reaching influence upon the artistic community. This can be represented as:

Truly Great --> Originality and Far-reaching Influence

Now, let's create an "Evaluate" question for this argument: "Does the work of art have both originality and far-reaching influence upon the artistic community?"

The question type for this problem is a Principle question, which asks us to find the argument that most strongly conforms to the principle provided in the passage.

Now let's discuss each answer choice:

a) This answer choice focuses on Picasso's extreme originality but does not mention his far-reaching influence upon the artistic community. Since it only addresses one of the necessary conditions, we cannot conclude that his work is truly great based on this information alone.

b) This is the correct answer. It states that some of the most original art is found in isolated communities, but because of their isolation, they have only minor influence. This means they do not meet the necessary condition of having far-reaching influence, and thus, according to the principle, cannot be considered truly great.

c) This answer choice presents an argument that focuses on the originality and profound impact of certain African drumming pieces. However, it does not confirm that the impact is specifically far-reaching within the artistic community. As a result, we cannot conclude that these works are truly great based on the principle.

d) This answer choice states that the piece of art in the lobby is not truly great, and therefore, it must fail to be original. However, the principle requires both originality and far-reaching influence for a work to be considered truly great. This answer choice only addresses one of the necessary conditions, so it is not sufficient to support the argument.

e) This answer choice argues that Bach's music is truly great and has originality, major influence on musicians, and broad popular appeal. While it does mention originality and influence, it adds an additional factor of "broad popular appeal," which is not part of the principle. Therefore, we cannot conclude that Bach's music is truly great based on the principle alone.

In summary, answer choice B is the correct answer because it conforms to the principle by demonstrating that a work of art cannot be considered truly great if it does not meet both necessary conditions of originality and far-reaching influence upon the artistic community.