Logical Reasoning

PT106 · S3 · Q15 Human beings have cognitive faculties

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Human beings have cognitive faculties that are superior to those of other animals, and once humans become aware of these, they cannot be made happy by anything that does not involve gratification of these faculties.

View

Humans, once aware of their superior cognitive faculties, cannot be made happy by anything that does not involve gratification of these faculties.

Background

Human beings have cognitive faculties that are superior to those of other animals.

Evaluate

This is being called a "view", not an argument. There are two claims, so we could potentially attack either one.

Should we try to argue that ? That seems like an uphill battle. We know animals can't take LSAT. :)

Should we try to argue that

That seems more realistic.

Goal

Let's find an answer that suggests that humans, even when aware of their cognitive faculties, can find happiness in activities or experiences that do not involve the direct use of these cognitive faculties.

15.

Which one of the following statements, if true, most calls into question the view above?

  1. Certain animals—dolphins and chimpanzees, for

    No Impact

    This seems to be trying to push back against the idea that humans have superior mental faculties but doesn't do a great job of doing so. Certain animals like dolphins and chimpanzees being capable of rational communication doesn't undermine the idea that humans still have some special cognitive faculties relative to other animals.

    8% picked this

  2. Correct

    Many people familiar both with

    Why this is right

    This directly challenges the idea that only the gratification of higher cognitive faculties can make humans happy once they are aware of that ability. These people are aware of the higher faculties (intellectual stimulation) but still enjoy the lower faculties (physical pleasure) more.

    Skill tested: Weaken · how this choice captures the argument's function is the move to repeat next time.

    74% picked this

  3. Someone who never experienced classical

    No Impact

    Since this person hasn't yet been exposed to their higher faculties (i.e. classical music), it's not surprising to the author that they still prefer lower stuff (i.e. pop music). It would only push back against the author if someone experienced classical music and fell in love with it, but still preferred pop music.

    3% picked this

  4. Many people who are serious

    No Impact

    Many athletes considering themselves happy does not necessarily contrast with the argument unless it is specified that their happiness comes from lower cognitive faculties, as opposed to intellectual gratification. This answer doesn't say that playing sports (a lower pleasure) is what makes them happy. (Nor does it establish that they ever became aware of their higher faculties).

    9% picked this

  5. Many people who are serious

    No Impact

    Gourmet food seems more like an example of higher faculties making you happy, so if anything this matches what the author is thinking.

    6% picked this

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