LSAT Question Stem

Which one of the following most closely conforms to the principle that the passage above illustrates? 

Logical Reasoning Question Type

This is a Principle (Misc) question. 

Correct Answer

The correct answer to this question is C. 

LSAT Question Complete Explanation

Let's first analyze the passage and break it down into simpler terms. The passage is essentially saying that parents should not blindly follow expert advice on raising their children because parents have direct experience in raising their own children, which may be more valuable than expert opinions. To give you a simple example, imagine a chef who has been cooking a specific dish for years and has perfected the recipe based on their own experience. An expert may come along and suggest changes to the recipe based on their knowledge, but the chef knows what works best for their dish because they have been cooking it for years.

Now, let's identify the question type and what it's asking us to do. The question type is Principle (Misc), which means we need to find the answer choice that best conforms to the principle illustrated in the passage. In this case, we're looking for an answer that demonstrates the idea that direct experience may be more valuable than expert advice.

Let's go through each answer choice:

a) Although music theory is intrinsically interesting and may be helpful to certain musicians, it does not distinguish good music from bad: that is a matter of taste and not of theory.

This answer choice does not address the idea of direct experience being more valuable than expert advice. It simply states that music theory cannot determine good or bad music, as it's a matter of taste. This answer choice is not in line with the principle from the passage.

b) One need not pay much attention to the advice of automotive experts when buying a car if those experts are not interested in the mundane factors that concern the average consumer.

This answer choice suggests that expert advice may not be relevant if it doesn't address the concerns of the average consumer. However, it doesn't emphasize the value of direct experience over expert advice, so it doesn't closely conform to the principle in the passage.

c) In deciding the best way to proceed, a climber familiar with a mountain might do well to ignore the advice of mountain climbing experts unfamiliar with that mountain.

This answer choice directly relates to the principle in the passage. It suggests that a climber with direct experience on a specific mountain might be better off ignoring expert advice from those who are unfamiliar with that particular mountain. This answer choice emphasizes the value of direct experience over expert advice, making it the correct answer.

d) A typical farmer is less likely to know what types of soil are most productive than is someone with an advanced degree in agricultural science.

This answer choice actually goes against the principle in the passage, as it suggests that expert knowledge is more valuable than the direct experience of a farmer. Therefore, this answer choice is incorrect.

e) Unlike society, one's own conscience speaks with a single voice; it is better to follow the advice of one's own conscience than the advice of society.

This answer choice discusses following one's conscience over societal advice, but it does not address the principle of direct experience being more valuable than expert advice. Therefore, it is not the correct answer.

In conclusion, the answer choice that most closely conforms to the principle illustrated in the passage is C. The climber with direct experience on a specific mountain might be better off ignoring expert advice from those who are unfamiliar with that mountain, emphasizing the value of direct experience over expert advice.