LSAT Explanation PT 42, S4, Q21: Scientist: Isaac Newton's Principia, the seventeenth-century

LSAT Question Stem

Which one of the following most accurately describes the role played in the scientist's argument by the claim that recent scientific research can often be described only in language that seems esoteric to most contemporary readers? 

Logical Reasoning Question Type

This is an Argument Part question. 

Correct Answer

The correct answer to this question is D. 

LSAT Question Complete Explanation

Let's start by analyzing the argument in the passage. The scientist begins by discussing Isaac Newton's Principia, which was initially understood by only a few people but eventually became part of the world's basic understanding. This example is provided as a premise to support the conclusion that the barriers to communication between scientists and the public are not impermeable. The scientist then goes on to argue that recent scientific research, which is also described in esoteric language, may become part of everyone's intellectual heritage. This is the main conclusion of the argument.

Now, let's identify the question type and what it's asking us to do. This is an Argument Part question, which asks us to describe the role played by a specific claim in the argument. In this case, the claim is that recent scientific research can often be described only in language that seems esoteric to most contemporary readers.

Let's go through the answer choices:

a) This answer choice is incorrect because the claim is not raised as a potential objection to the main conclusion. Instead, it is used to draw a parallel between Newton's Principia and recent scientific research, suggesting that the same outcome might occur in the future.

b) This answer choice is incorrect because the claim does not suggest that the results of recent scientific research are only superficially different from claims made in Newton's Principia. Rather, it highlights the similarity in the language used to describe both works, which is esoteric and difficult for most people to understand.

c) This answer choice is incorrect because the claim is not cited as further evidence for the conclusion that the barriers to communication between scientists and the public are not impermeable. Instead, it serves to establish a parallel between Newton's Principia and recent scientific research, suggesting that the same process of becoming part of everyone's intellectual heritage might occur.

d) This answer choice is correct. The claim serves to help establish the relevance of the preceding statements about Newton's Principia to the argument's final conclusion. By noting that recent scientific research is also described in esoteric language, the scientist is able to draw a parallel between the two situations and argue that recent research may also become part of everyone's intellectual heritage.

e) This answer choice is incorrect because the claim does not serve to cast doubt on an alleged similarity between Newton's Principia and recent scientific research. Instead, it highlights the similarity in the language used to describe both works, which is esoteric and difficult for most people to understand.

In summary, the correct answer is D. The claim about recent scientific research being described in esoteric language serves to help establish the relevance of the preceding statements about Newton's Principia to the argument's final conclusion that recent research may also become part of everyone's intellectual heritage.