LSAT Explanation PT 29, S4, Q15: Ambiguity inspires interpretation. The saying "We
LSAT Question Stem
The claim that ambiguity inspires interpretation figures in the argument in which one of the following ways?
Logical Reasoning Question Type
This is an Argument Part question.
Correct Answer
The correct answer to this question is D.
LSAT Question Complete Explanation
First, let's analyze the argument in the passage. The passage states that ambiguity inspires interpretation. This is the main conclusion of the argument. The saying "We are the measure of all things" is then provided as an example of an ambiguous statement that has been interpreted in different ways by different people. The two interpretations mentioned in the passage serve as premises that support the main conclusion.
Now, let's consider the question type, which is Argument Part. We are asked to identify how the claim that ambiguity inspires interpretation figures in the argument.
Let's go through the answer choices one by one:
a) It is used to support the argument's conclusion.
This answer choice is incorrect because the claim that ambiguity inspires interpretation is the main conclusion itself, not a premise used to support another conclusion.
b) It is an illustration of the claim that we are the measure of all things.
This answer choice is incorrect because it has the relationship reversed. The saying "We are the measure of all things" is an illustration of the claim that ambiguity inspires interpretation, not the other way around.
c) It is compatible with either accepting or rejecting the argument's conclusion.
This answer choice is incorrect because the claim that ambiguity inspires interpretation is the argument's conclusion itself, not a statement that can be compatible with accepting or rejecting it.
d) It is a view that other statements in the argument are intended to support.
This is the correct answer. The claim that ambiguity inspires interpretation is the main conclusion of the argument, and the two interpretations of the saying "We are the measure of all things" are provided as premises to support this conclusion.
e) It sets out a difficulty the argument is intended to solve.
This answer choice is incorrect because the claim that ambiguity inspires interpretation is not setting out a difficulty to be solved, but rather stating a conclusion supported by the provided examples.
In summary, the correct answer is D, as the claim that ambiguity inspires interpretation is the main conclusion of the argument and is supported by the other statements in the passage.