PT59 S3 Q23 To predict that a device will be invented

[lichenrachel]

I can see why B is correct, but I am having a hard time telling why E is definitely wrong. Isn't the author trying to establish a conflict between "predict" and what "has already taken place" here(the reason why B is correct)? If so, how can E be wrong? Can someone help me figure this out? Many thanks in advance.

[ManhattanPrepLSAT1]

Answer choice (B) is correct for another reason, which is probably what's causing the confusion.

The language, topic, and abstraction that we are asked to handle is significant. This is a procedure question. This is very similar to an identify the flaw question, except that here we're asked to describe the method of reasoning as opposed to describing the flaw.

The method of reasoning described in answer choice (B) is an appeal to a definition. This occurs when the stimulus states "inventing means developing a detailed conception."

(A) is not true, there is no counterexample.
(C) is pretty close. But the argument does not show the falsehood of the implication of a hypothesis, but rather shows the falsehood of the hypothesis itself.
(D) tries to draw attention by mimicking the word "conception" from the stimulus which is mentioned several times.
(E) is not true. The argument doesn't attempt to show that predicting any event implies that it has already happened. Instead the argument attempts to establish that the notion of predicting an invention is self-contradictory.

I hope this helps!