Conservative: Socialists begin their arguments with an analysis of history, from which they claim to derive certain t...

Julie-V August 19, 2019

Stimulus Breakdown

Hi LSAT Max, Can someone break down the two arguments and explain how to get to answer choice (E). Also, can someone explain what is trying to be said in the following sentence from the Conservative's comment: But in the day today progress of history there are never such discernible trends. I read this sentence maybe 5 times and couldn't understand what it was trying to get at. Thanks!

Replies

Create a free account to read and take part in forum discussions.

Already have an account? log in

Ravi August 19, 2019

@Julie-V,

Happy to help.

The conservative believes that historic trends do not exist, as people
cannot see the trends as they are occurring. He thinks that the trends
are actually simply accident that only later seems like they were
inevitable. The conservative's whole point is that the socialist's
argument that socialism is inevitable is not based on anything.

When the conservative says, "But in the day-to-day progress of history
there are never such discernible trends," the conservative means that
in our everyday lives, we can't tell that historical trends are
happening (we can't see them or notice them).

The socialist, on the other hand, believes that the conservative has
misunderstood socialists. The socialist doesn't think that socialism
is inevitable; rather he thinks that socialists learn from history in
their effort to change society.

We're tasked with choosing the answer that accurately describes what
the dispute between the conservative and the socialist is. The correct
answer choice will be supported by one of the speakers and will go
against what the other speaker is saying.

(E) says, "socialists analyze history in order to support the view
that socialism is inevitable"

With (E), the conservative agrees with this, as it's his argument. The
socialist does not agree with this, as he thinks that socialists study
history so that they can learn how to change society. Thus, (E) is the
correct answer choice, as it accurately captures what the dispute
between the conservative and the socialist is.

Does this make sense? Let us know if you have any other questions!

Felix November 5, 2020

Would be able to explain 'D' ?

I'm most likely misunderstanding, bu it seems that the conservative would take issue with being able to change your efforts to affect history. He mentions only being able to look at history through 'retrospect', while the socialist would argue that it is possible to change history through effort. I'm a bit confused, thanks in advance!

Felix November 5, 2020