Logical ReasoningDifficulty: Hard

PT4 S4 Q9 Explanation

A scientific theory is a good theory

A free, expert breakdown of this official LSAT Logical Reasoning question.

TopicsMust be True

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Stimulus

A scientific theory is a good theory if it satisfies two requirements: It must accurately describe a large class of observations in terms of a model that is simple enough to contain only a few elements, and it must make definite predictions about the results of future observations. For example, Aristotle’s cosmological make any definite predictions. Thus, Aristotle’s cosmological theory was not a good theory.

What this question is testing

Must be True

Your task

Break the argument into its conclusion and evidence, then do exactly what the question stem asks with that structure.

Common trap

Answers that sound relevant to the topic but don't connect to the argument's actual reasoning.

Winning move

Predict what a right answer must do, then test each choice against the conclusion-evidence gap.

Reading along? Open the full official question in LawHub — we show a fragment here and keep the reasoning in our own words.

The question
9.

If all the statements in the passage are true, each of the following must also

Answer choices

  1. Trap7% picked this

    Prediction about the results of future observations must be made by any

  2. Correct70% picked this

    Observation of physical phenomena was not a major concern in Aristotle’s

    Why this is right

    Answer B is correct.

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

  3. Trap3% picked this

    Four elements can be the basis of a scientific model that is simple enough to meet the simplicity

  4. Trap17% picked this

    A scientific model that contains many elements is not a

  5. Trap3% picked this

    Aristotle’s cosmological theory described a large class of observations in terms of

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