LSAT Explanation PT 34, S2, Q14: Some people claim that every human

LSAT Question Stem

Which one of the following, if true, provides the most support for the reasoning above? 

Logical Reasoning Question Type

This is a Strengthen question. 

Correct Answer

The correct answer to this question is C. 

LSAT Question Complete Explanation

First, let's analyze the argument in the passage. The passage states that some people claim every human discovery or invention is an instance of self-expression. However, the author argues that since anything we do is self-expressive, this claim is trivial. The author concludes that until a more interesting interpretation is provided, we are not obliged to take this claim seriously.

The structure of the argument can be broken down as follows:

Premise: Anything we do is self-expressive (trivially).

Conclusion: We are not obliged to take the claim (every human discovery or invention is self-expression) seriously until a more interesting interpretation is provided.

An "Evaluate" question for this argument could be: "Is the trivial nature of the claim sufficient to disregard its seriousness?"

Now, let's discuss the question type and the answer choices. The question type is Strengthen, which asks us to identify the answer choice that provides the most support for the reasoning in the passage.

a) All claims that are trivial are uninteresting.

This answer choice connects trivial claims to being uninteresting, but it doesn't address the conclusion about not taking the claim seriously. So, it doesn't strengthen the argument.

b) Most people do not take trivial claims seriously.

This answer choice is tempting but incorrect. Just because most people do not take trivial claims seriously, it doesn't mean they aren't obliged to take them seriously. It doesn't strengthen the argument.

c) No claims that are trivial are worthy of serious consideration.

This answer choice directly strengthens the argument by establishing that if a claim is trivial, it doesn't need to be taken seriously. It connects the trivial nature of the claim to not being obliged to take it seriously, which supports the conclusion.

d) Every claim is open to both interesting and uninteresting interpretations.

This answer choice doesn't support the conclusion that we are not obliged to take the claim seriously, as it merely states that every claim can have different interpretations.

e) Every interpretation is either trivial or uninteresting.

This answer choice doesn't support the conclusion either, as it doesn't address the obligation to take the claim seriously.

The correct answer is C, as it directly strengthens the argument by connecting the trivial nature of the claim to not being obliged to take it seriously.