Logical reasoning PrepTest 152 · Section 1 · Question 24

There is an implied opposing argument, concluding that appearance determines art. However, the author here uses a counterexample to disprove that conclusion, not to point out an ambiguity in that argument.

The argument does almost the opposite in concluding that one set of boxes is considered art and the other isn't. Additionally, the argument states that the two sets of boxes are visually indistinguishable, not actually indistinguishable.

There is an implied theory—appearance alone determines art. However, it's just a theory, not an argument, so it would be hard for the author to question the theory's assumptions without explicitly calling them out. Here, the author uses a counterexample to discount that implied theory.

Correct. Argument or Facts:
Argument

Valid or Flawed:
Valid

Question Type:
Methods of Reasoning

Stimulus Summary:
One of Warhol's pieces of art is identical to a stack of Brillo boxes. Therefore, appearance isn't the only consideration in defining a piece of art.

Answer Anticipation:
This argument considers a specific example (Brillo Boxes vs. Brillo boxes) to prove a point. It also rules out one possibility (that appearance determines art) through that example, to conclude that something else must matter. Those are two common forms of reasoning, but the correct answer could phrase this in any number of ways, so it's important to stay flexible.

Answer Explanation:
Difficult answer! It'd be near impossible to prephrase this answer as stated. However, with the rest of the answer choices ruled out, let's unpack this one. The thesis in question is that appearance alone determines whether something is considered art. If that thesis were correct, then two visually identical things would either both be art or not art. The Warhol example, therefore, would be impossible if the thesis were true, but the Warhol example is itself true, disproving the thesis. Convoluted, but correct!

Key Takeaway:
The correct answer to a Methods of Reasoning question can sometimes be abstract and convoluted. If you encounter an answer like that early on, defer and come back after making some eliminations. When it's time to consider those answers, slow down and unpack it one piece at a time.