LSAT Explanation PT 26, S2, Q25: Monica: The sculpture commissioned for our

LSAT Question Stem

The argument Hector makes in responding to Monica depends on the assumption that 

Logical Reasoning Question Type

This is a Necessary Assumption question. 

Correct Answer

The correct answer to this question is E. 

LSAT Question Complete Explanation

Let's first analyze the argument in the passage. Monica argues that the unpopularity of the sculpture among the public doesn't say anything about its artistic merit and doesn't provide a reason for removing it. Hector responds by agreeing that the sculpture's popularity might not reflect its artistic merit, but he argues that a work of art commissioned for a public space should benefit the public, and public opinion is the only way to determine what the public feels is to its benefit. If the public opinion is negative, then the sculpture should be removed. Hector's argument can be broken down into the following structure:

Premise: A work of art commissioned for a public space should benefit the public.

Premise: Public opinion is the only way to determine what the public feels is to its benefit.

Conclusion: If the public opinion is negative, then the sculpture should be removed.

The question type for this problem is Necessary Assumption, which asks us to identify the assumption that Hector's argument depends on.

An "Evaluate" question for this argument could be: "Does the public's feeling about the sculpture accurately reflect whether it benefits them or not?"

Now, let's discuss each answer choice:

a) This answer choice is incorrect because Hector's argument is specifically about art commissioned for public spaces, not about all issues affecting the public good. The assumption in this answer choice is too broad and doesn't directly relate to Hector's argument.

b) This answer choice is incorrect because Hector's argument is hypothetical ("if public opinion is what you say"). The accuracy of Monica's assessment of the public's opinion is not necessary for Hector's argument to be valid.

c) This answer choice is incorrect because Hector actually acknowledges that the sculpture might have artistic merit, even if the public is not knowledgeable about modern art. He is not assuming that the public's scorn necessarily reflects the sculpture's artistic merit.

d) This answer choice is incorrect because Hector never claims that works of art commissioned for public spaces should not have artistic merit. Rather, he argues that they should benefit the public, which is a separate consideration.

e) This is the correct answer because it connects the public's feelings about the sculpture to whether it actually benefits them. Hector's argument assumes that if the public feels they do not benefit from the sculpture, then they indeed do not benefit from it. This assumption is necessary for his conclusion that the sculpture should be removed if the public opinion is negative.

In conclusion, the correct answer is E, as it represents the necessary assumption that Hector's argument depends on.