LSAT Explanation PT 32, S4, Q12: Surrealist: Many artists mistakenly think that

LSAT Question Stem

Which one of the following most accurately expresses the conclusion of the surrealist's argument? 

Logical Reasoning Question Type

This is a Main Conclusion 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 surrealist is discussing the sources of artistic inspiration and arguing that artists should not limit themselves to external objects for their work. The argument is structured as follows:

Premise: Many artists mistakenly think that models need be taken only from outside the psyche.

Premise: Human sensibility can confer beauty upon even the most vulgar external objects.

Conclusion: Using the power of artistic representation solely to preserve and reinforce objects that would exist even without artists is an ironic waste.

Now, let's look at the question type and what it's asking us to do. The question type is Main Conclusion, which means we need to identify the conclusion of the surrealist's argument among the answer choices.

Let's evaluate each answer choice:

a) An artist's work should not merely represent objects from outside the psyche.

This answer choice is a restatement of the conclusion, capturing the idea that artists should not limit themselves to external objects for their work. This is the correct answer.

b) Artistic representation is used solely to preserve and reinforce objects.

This answer choice is incorrect because it is too broad and does not address the distinction between external objects and those within the psyche.

c) Artists should not base all their work on mere representation.

This answer choice is incorrect because it does not address the distinction between external objects and those within the psyche. Additionally, it introduces the idea of "all their work," which is not present in the conclusion.

d) Great art can confer beauty even upon very vulgar external objects.

This answer choice is incorrect because it is a premise of the argument, not the conclusion.

e) True works of art rarely represent objects from outside the psyche.

This answer choice is incorrect because it introduces the idea of "true works of art" and "rarely represent," which are not present in the conclusion.

In summary, the correct answer is A, as it accurately captures the conclusion of the surrealist's argument that artists should not limit themselves to merely representing objects from outside the psyche.