LSAT Question Stem

Which one of the following judgments most closely conforms with the principle cited above? 

Logical Reasoning Question Type

This is a Principle (Misc) question. 

Correct Answer

The correct answer to this question is E. 

LSAT Question Complete Explanation

This LSAT problem presents a passage in which an art critic states that the aesthetic value of a work of art lies in its ability to impart a stimulating character to the audience's experience of the work. The question asks us to identify which one of the judgments provided in the answer choices most closely conforms with the principle cited by the art critic.

To make this concept more accessible, let's use a simple example. Imagine that the aesthetic value of a meal depends on how much it makes the person eating it feel satisfied. If a meal is very satisfying, it has a high aesthetic value, and if it is not satisfying, it has a low aesthetic value.

Now let's analyze the answer choices:

a) This painting is aesthetically deficient because it is an exact copy of a painting done 30 years ago.

- According to the art critic's principle, the originality of a work doesn't determine its aesthetic value. If both the original painting and the copy stimulate their audiences, they would both have aesthetic value. So, this answer choice doesn't conform with the principle.

b) This symphony is beautiful because, even though it does not excite the audience, it is competently performed.

- The art critic's principle states that the aesthetic value of a work depends on its ability to stimulate the audience. If the symphony doesn't excite the audience, it doesn't have aesthetic value, regardless of how well it's performed. This answer choice contradicts the principle.

c) This sculpted four-inch cube is beautiful because it is carved from material which, although much like marble, is very rare.

- This answer choice doesn't address the relationship between the work of art and the audience's experience. The rarity of the material is irrelevant to the aesthetic value according to the art critic's principle.

d) This painting is aesthetically valuable because it was painted by a highly controversial artist.

- While controversy might be considered stimulating, this answer choice is incorrect for two reasons. First, controversy refers to the impact on society, which might not be the same as the impact on a specific audience. Second, the source of controversy is the artist, not the painting itself. The painting might not be stimulating to anyone, and if so, it would have no aesthetic value.

e) This poem is aesthetically deficient because it has little impact on its audience.

- This answer choice correctly demonstrates the relationship between aesthetic value and the ability to impact an audience, as stated by the art critic's principle. Since the poem doesn't impart a stimulating character to the audience's experience, it is aesthetically deficient.

Based on this analysis, the correct answer choice is (E).