May 2020 LSAT Section 3 Question 20

Paula: Earthlike planets seem to be the rule rather than the exception, so there probably are intelligent beings on ...

AndrewArabie on November 10, 2022

Why not C and why A?

P argues that because we exist in the same universe with the same constant laws of physics/science and mathematics, that aliens will inevitably develop radio communication which must mean she believes the laws of the universe are interpretable and applicable to any civilization and they will manifest themselves in the same technology. A argues that "*science, mathematics,* and technology" are outgrowths of physiology, cognitive makeup and environment. If A believes that laws of science and math are not constant and discoverable throughout the universe because they're products of our own limitations and environment, then technology would be different and answer choice C would be a point at issue. Paula believes tech is the "inevitable" result of the laws of the universe colliding with any interpreter so she would disagree with C while Ashley agrees with this. My problem with A is that Ashley never implies the improbability that aliens would develop radio communication. Rather, she is arguing they are unlikely to have the same tech as us because they don't operate under the same laws of math and science. This leaves open the possibility aliens can stumble upon radio communication.

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Emil-Kunkin on November 16, 2022

Hi, A very clearly believes it is improbably that aliens have radio communications, since she tells us we are wasting our time using radio telescopes to look for them.

As for C, we can pretty safely say that A agrees with it since she says this outright. We cannot say for sure if P agrees or disagrees with this. However, I would argue she actually agrees with C. She notes that there are other intelligent beings, and thus, they must have radio technology. This is a clear instance of believing one thing about a species' cognitive makeup (that they are intelligent) proves something about their technology. So, I think P actually agrees with C.