LSAT (Law School Admission Test)Reading ComprehensionHard
Passage: "The concept of 'emergent properties' describes phenomena where a complex system exhibits characteristics that its individual components do not possess. For instance, a single water molecule (H2O) is not 'wet,' but a collection of billions of water molecules exhibits wetness. Similarly, individual neurons in the brain do not possess consciousness, yet the complex interaction of billions of neurons gives rise to consciousness. These properties cannot be predicted or explained by merely analyzing the parts in isolation; rather, they emerge from the interactions and relationships between components. This principle challenges reductionist approaches that seek to understand systems solely by breaking them down into their smallest constituent parts, suggesting that the 'whole is greater than the sum of its parts' is not just a cliché but a fundamental scientific principle in many domains, from biology to sociology." Based on the passage, the author would most likely agree with which of the following statements about emergent properties?
- AThey can be fully explained by analyzing the properties of the system's smallest parts.
- BThey are primarily observed in simple, rather than complex, natural systems.
- CThey demonstrate limitations of purely reductionist scientific methodologies.
- DThey are predictable outcomes if all individual components are fully understood.
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: C. They demonstrate limitations of purely reductionist scientific methodologies.
The passage explicitly states that emergent properties 'cannot be predicted or explained by merely analyzing the parts in isolation' and that this principle 'challenges reductionist approaches that seek to understand systems solely by breaking them down into their smallest constituent parts.' This directly supports the idea that emergent properties demonstrate limitations of reductionist methodologies.
Why the other options are wrong
- A. The passage explicitly states they 'cannot be predicted or explained by merely analyzing the parts in isolation,' contradicting this.
- B. The passage describes them as arising from 'complex systems' and 'complex interaction,' contradicting this.
- D. The passage states they 'cannot be predicted or explained by merely analyzing the parts in isolation,' contradicting this.
Author's Agreement
Identifying statements with which the author of the passage would likely concur, based on the arguments, facts, and tone presented.
- Look for direct statements, strong implications, or logical conclusions from the author's arguments.
- Exclude statements that contradict the author's viewpoint or introduce unsupported claims.
- Consider the overall thrust and message of the passage.
Memory trick: What Would the Author Nod 'Yes' To?