LSAT Explanation PT 40, S3, Q4: The purpose of the physical sciences

LSAT Question Stem

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

Logical Reasoning Question Type

This is a Main Conclusion question. 

Correct Answer

The correct answer to this question is A. 

LSAT Question Complete Explanation

This LSAT problem is a Main Conclusion question, which means we need to identify the argument's conclusion from the given answer choices. To do this, let's first break down the passage and understand its structure.

The passage can be summarized as follows:

1. Premise: Understanding a human action requires knowing its goal.

2. Assumption: Predicting human behavior does not afford knowledge of its goals.

3. Conclusion: Even successful predictions of human behavior do not provide understanding of it.

Now, let's analyze each answer choice in detail:

Answer choice (A): Successful predictions of human behavior do not constitute an understanding of that behavior.

This is the correct answer choice because it directly paraphrases the argument's conclusion.

Answer choice (B): One cannot predict an instance of human behavior without an understanding of the agent's purpose in engaging in that behavior.

This answer choice contradicts the passage, which states that human behavior can sometimes be predicted. Thus, this answer choice is incorrect.

Answer choice (C): In some cases, but not in others, understanding an event consists in the ability to predict the occurrence of that event.

This answer choice is incorrect because the passage focuses on the understanding of human actions, not whether the event can be predicted. The ability to predict an event is not a necessary or sufficient condition for understanding it.

Answer choice (D): The goal of the physical sciences is to predict the order in which events will occur.

While this statement can be inferred from the passage, it is not the main point of the argument. It only provides contextual background for the argument. Therefore, this answer choice is incorrect.

Answer choice (E): The methods used to predict human behavior must involve reference to the psychological states of human agents.

This answer choice is unclear and not supported by the passage. It is not relevant to the main point of the argument, so it can be eliminated quickly.

In summary, the correct answer choice is (A): Successful predictions of human behavior do not constitute an understanding of that behavior.