LSAT Explanation PT 27, S4, Q20: Art historian: Robbins cannot pass judgment

LSAT Question Stem

The art historian's argument depends on the assumption that 

Logical Reasoning Question Type

This is a Necessary Assumption question. 

Correct Answer

The correct answer to this question is A. 

LSAT Question Complete Explanation

Let's first analyze the argument in the passage. The art historian is making a claim about Robbins' ability to pass judgment on Stuart's art. The argument can be broken down as follows:

Premise 1: Robbins understands Stuart's art too well to dismiss it.

Premise 2: Robbins does not understand Stuart's art well enough to praise it.

Conclusion: Robbins cannot pass judgment on Stuart's art.

The question type is Necessary Assumption, which means we need to identify the assumption that the argument relies on.

Now, let's consider an "Evaluate" question for this argument: "Does Robbins need to be able to either dismiss or praise Stuart's art in order to pass judgment on it?"

Let's go through the answer choices:

a) In order to pass judgment on Stuart's art, Robbins must be able either to dismiss it or to praise it.

This answer choice aligns with our "Evaluate" question and fills in the gap between the premises and the conclusion. If Robbins needs to be able to either dismiss or praise Stuart's art to pass judgment, and she can do neither, then the conclusion that she cannot pass judgment is valid. This is the correct answer.

b) If art can be understood well, it should be either dismissed or praised.

This answer choice is not directly related to Robbins' ability to pass judgment on Stuart's art. It's a general statement about understanding art, which is not what the argument is about.

c) In order to understand Stuart's art, Robbins must be able to pass judgment on it.

This answer choice reverses the relationship between understanding and passing judgment. The argument is about Robbins' ability to pass judgment based on her understanding, not the other way around.

d) Stuart's art can be neither praised nor dismissed.

This answer choice is too general. The argument is about Robbins' ability to pass judgment on Stuart's art, not whether Stuart's art can be universally praised or dismissed.

e) If Robbins understands art well, she will praise it.

This answer choice connects understanding art with praising it, but it does not address the necessary conditions for passing judgment, which is what the argument is about.

In conclusion, the correct answer is A, as it identifies the necessary assumption that in order to pass judgment on Stuart's art, Robbins must be able either to dismiss it or to praise it.