LSAT Question Stem

Pettengill and Romney disagree over whether 

Logical Reasoning Question Type

This is a Disagree question. 

Correct Answer

The correct answer to this question is C. 

LSAT Question Complete Explanation

In this LSAT problem, we are examining a Point at Issue question that contrasts two viewpoints about bebop jazz musicians. Pettengill and Romney both agree that bebop musicians "radically reshaped" jazz classics, but they disagree about the musicians' motivation for doing so. To help understand this, think of two chefs who prepare the same dish but with different intentions - one chef might believe the dish is bland and needs improvement, while the other chef might think the dish is versatile and can be explored in new ways.

Let's analyze the answer choices:

Answer choice (A): Both Pettengill and Romney agree that bebop musicians "radically reshaped" jazz classics, so they do not disagree on this point. This answer choice is incorrect.

Answer choice (B): Romney might agree that bebop jazz was an improvement on the jazz classics since they "discover[ed] previously unknown depths in the music." However, Pettengill's position regarding the final state of the reshaped music is uncertain, so we cannot conclude that they disagree on this point. This answer choice is incorrect.

Answer choice (C): This is the correct answer. Romney agrees that "bebop musicians showed appreciation for jazz classics" by recognizing them as "compelling, versatile" songs. Pettengill, on the other hand, argues that bebop musicians showed "distaste for jazz classics." This answer choice accurately captures their disagreement.

Answer choice (D): Neither Pettengill nor Romney addresses the issue of widespread popularity in their statements, so we cannot determine if they disagree on this point. This answer choice is incorrect.

Answer choice (E): Both Pettengill and Romney would agree that bebop musicians were influenced by their predecessors, so they do not disagree on this point. Additionally, it is unclear whether either speaker necessarily considers earlier styles to be more conservative than the style of bebop musicians. This answer choice is incorrect.

In summary, the correct answer choice is (C) because Pettengill and Romney disagree on whether bebop musicians showed appreciation for jazz classics in radically reshaping them.