Need explanation on a question - Dec. 07 test

[ninjasrule]

I know this is from the experimental section, but I don't understand why the answer for Section 3, Number 14 (LR) is Choice C.

Question content removed per LSAC copyright guidelines  

[Ashley O]

I checked my copy, and the answer to #14 in that section is A.

Problem solved hopefully! 

[NYCLSATTutor]

I checked my copy, and the answer to #14 in that section is A.

Problem solved hopefully! 

Its from the experimental section?  LSAC doesn't release experimental sections...where exactly is this test from?

[Ashley O]

That has to be a mistaken thought on the OP's part.

[NYCLSATTutor]

That has to be a mistaken thought on the OP's part.

Not necessarily.  Some books (Kaplan for example) include experimental sections in some of the tests they give to simulate the real thing. 

[Ashley O]

Not necessarily.  Some books (Kaplan for example) include experimental sections in some of the tests they give to simulate the real thing. 

Oh of course. My mistake!!

If he tells us what test it is from, perhaps we can figure it out. Apparently he posted the question, but the LSAT gods made it go away 

[ninjasrule]

Umm..how should I post the question without violating copyright? D=

[JakeC]

Ninja - I didn't exactly understand the process either until someone directed me to read the Forum Rules:  http://www.lsatdiscussion.com/index.php/topic,15.0.html

Instead of typing out the entire question, you just have to identify the question, and then rely on people to who have that test to use there own copy for reference in helping you.

[LSAT Eliminator]

If you can tell us the exact source of the question, like what book it is from, and then give a brief synopsis of what the question is about ("This is the question about poets writing epigrams"), and then finally tell us what is bothering you about the question, we'll give you as much help as possible.

Thanks 

[ninjasrule]

Thanks. Here is my paraphrase of the question; it's kind of vague because I don't want to violate copyright again.

Dec. 07, Experimental Section (Section 3), #14

There are two people talking about Fermat's theorem. #1 makes a judgment about Fermat, and #2 says that his judgment is wrong. (At least that's what I could guess from it).

I think the question type is Flaw in Reasoning. My book says the answer is C. I have no idea why.

[ninjasrule]

I checked my copy, and the answer to #14 in that section is A.

Problem solved hopefully! 

Oh yeah, if anyone else thinks its A, that might solve my problem. Maybe there's an error in the key I'm using.

[Ashley O]

Is it straight form a PrepTest? How do you know it's an experimental section?

[LSAT Eliminator]

That Fermat question is on a test from the late 90s, so he must be using a book with that exam cut in as an experimental, or taking a course that's using that section in the same way.

I'll search around in a bit and find which test exactly it's on...a test in 1999 I think.

[lawdog]

That's question #14 from the second logical reasoning section of the December 1999 LSAT. The right answer is (C).

In this one, the two speakers discuss Fermat's theory, and the fact that Fermat claimed he could prove it but did not provide any proof of the referenced theory.

Joseph's argument is this:   theorem not provable     -->       Fermat was not able to prove the theory
Laura responds:                     theorem provable       -->      Fermat was able to prove the theory

Laura's argument reflects an error of conditional reasoning: The theorem is provable. This is necessary for Fermat to have been able to prove it. But it does not ensure that Fermat was able to prove it. 

This is what correct answer choice (C) says. Laura mistakes something needed for her conclusion with something that ensures her conclusion.

In other words, the provability of the theory was necessary for Fermat to have been able to prove it, but the theory's provability does not guarantee that Fermat himself was able to prove it.

[LSAT Eliminator]

Haha, I was right about it being from 1999!