Question

Every photograph, because it involves the light rays that something emits hitting film, must in some obvious sense be true. But because it could always have been made to show things differently than it does, it cannot express the whole truth and, in that sense, is false. Therefore, nothing can ever be definitively proved with a photograph. Which one of the following is an assumption that would permit the conclusion above to be properly drawn? (A) Whatever is false in the sense that it cannot express the whole truth cannot furnish definitive proof. (B) The whole truth cannot be known. (C) It is not possible to determine the truthfulness of a photograph in any sense. (D) It is possible to use a photograph as corroborative evidence if there is additional evidence establishing the truth about the scene photographed. (E) If something is being photographed, then it is possible to prove definitively the truth about it.

Short answer

Option (A) is the assumption needed to support the conclusion.

Step-by-step solution

Understand the Conclusion

The conclusion of the argument is that nothing can ever be definitively proved with a photograph. This means the conclusion argues that photographs cannot provide conclusive evidence.

Analyze the Premises

The premises given are that a photograph in some sense must be true as it involves light rays reflecting reality, but it is also false because it can be manipulated or show things in a different way.

Identify the Gap

To properly draw the conclusion that nothing can be definitively proved with a photograph, we need to understand the implicit assumption connecting the premises to the conclusion.

Evaluate Assumptions

(A) states that if something cannot express the whole truth, it cannot furnish definitive proof. This assumption connects the idea that even though photographs involve some truth, their inability to provide the whole truth means they cannot be definitive proof.

Choose the Correct Option

Option (A) directly supports the conclusion by stating that anything false in not expressing the whole truth (as photographs are) cannot provide definitive proof. Thus, this assumption permits the conclusion to be properly drawn.

Key concepts

Photograph Interpretation

Understanding how to interpret a photograph is a complex task that goes beyond just viewing the image. Photographs, by capturing light rays from the real world, show us parts of reality.
But they can never capture the entire truth due to limitations like the angle or moment captured. This makes interpreting them critical as we have to acknowledge their nature:

• Realism: Photographs depict what the camera "sees," but that is not the whole truth.
• Subjectivity: Choices in framing, lighting, and focus affect the message conveyed.

When examining a photograph, consider what is shown and what is missing. Ask yourself: Are there elements that might be intentionally altered or left out? The key to interpretation is recognizing the inherent biases and the limitations of what the photograph presents.

Critical Thinking

Critical thinking involves analyzing and evaluating information before forming a judgment. When dealing with logical reasoning questions, such as those found on the LSAT, this skill is essential.
It involves processes such as:

• Identifying the premises and conclusions in an argument.
• Evaluating the strength and validity of connections between ideas.
• Recognizing underlying assumptions that are not explicitly stated.

This exercise challenges us to think critically about statements regarding photographs. It prompts us to deconstruct the argument by analyzing how truthfulness and perceived proof can differ. The capacity to objectively assess each component of the argument relies heavily on critical thinking.

Argument Analysis

Argument analysis is the method of dissecting an argument to understand its structure and identify its strengths or weaknesses. In the context of this exercise, we are asked to look for an assumption that permits the conclusion that photos cannot provide definitive proof.

Steps include:

• Understanding the conclusion: Photographs cannot offer conclusive evidence.
• Analyzing the given data: Photographs show some truth through light rays, but they can also be manipulated.
• Evaluating assumptions: Identifying assumptions that connect premises to conclusions, such as Option (A) in the exercise.

Through argument analysis, we identify gaps and uncover the line of reasoning. It trains us to discern whether conclusions are logically derived from premises, thereby assessing if the argument is valid. This skill is crucial for intelligent debate and logical reasoning tasks, such as those encountered in LSAT Logical Reasoning sections.