LSAT Explanation PT 35, S4, Q25: Zachary: The term "fresco" refers to

LSAT Question Stem

Stephen's response to Zachary proceeds by 

Logical Reasoning Question Type

This is a Method of Reasoning question. 

Correct Answer

The correct answer to this question is A. 

LSAT Question Complete Explanation

Let's first analyze the passage and understand the structure of the argument. Zachary presents an argument that in order to restore Michelangelo's Sistine Chapel paintings to their original appearance, everything except the original fresco work must be stripped away. This is due to the additions made by later painters that have obscured Michelangelo's original work. We can label the parts of Zachary's argument as follows:

Premise: Additions by later painters have obscured Michelangelo's original fresco work in the Sistine Chapel.

Conclusion: To restore Michelangelo's intended appearance, everything except the original fresco work must be stripped away.

Stephen then responds to Zachary's argument by pointing out that it was common for painters like Michelangelo to add painted details to their own fresco work after the frescos had dried.

Now, let's identify the question type and what it's asking us to do. This is a Method of Reasoning (MOR) question, which asks us to identify how Stephen's response proceeds in relation to Zachary's argument.

Let's evaluate each answer choice:

a) Calling into question an assumption on which Zachary's conclusion depends

Stephen's response does call into question an assumption in Zachary's argument. Zachary assumes that only later painters made the additions, but Stephen points out that Michelangelo himself could have made the additions. This weakens Zachary's conclusion by offering an alternative explanation. This answer choice is correct.

b) Challenging the definition of a key term in Zachary's argument

Stephen does not challenge the definition of "fresco" or any other key term in Zachary's argument. This answer choice is incorrect.

c) Drawing a conclusion other than the one that Zachary reaches

Stephen does not explicitly present a different conclusion. His goal is to weaken Zachary's conclusion by offering an alternative explanation for the additions. This answer choice is incorrect.

d) Denying the truth of one of the stated premises of Zachary's argument

Stephen does not challenge the accuracy of the evidence in Zachary's argument. Instead, he offers an alternative explanation for the additions. This answer choice is incorrect.

e) Demonstrating that Zachary's conclusion is not consistent with the premises he uses to support it

Stephen does not argue that Zachary's evidence itself leads to a different conclusion. He offers alternative evidence that might point to a different conclusion. This answer choice is incorrect.

Based on our analysis, the correct answer choice is (a) - Stephen's response proceeds by calling into question an assumption on which Zachary's conclusion depends.