LSAT Principle and Parallel Reasoning 3

Question 1

Principle: 'A regulation is justified only if the harm it prevents is greater than the burden it imposes on those regulated.' An economist argues that a proposed sugar tax is not justified. Which finding would most directly support this conclusion?

Accepted Answer

The tax would cost manufacturers $2 billion annually while preventing only $500 million in health costs.

Answer

If the burden ($2B on manufacturers) exceeds the harm prevented ($500M in health costs), the regulation fails to satisfy the stated principle's justification condition.

Question 2

Which argument most closely parallels the reasoning: 'We should elect leaders who put the public interest above personal gain. Candidate Osei has donated her entire salary to charity for three years. Therefore, we should elect Candidate Osei'?

Accepted Answer

We should hire employees who are reliable. Marcus has never missed a deadline. Therefore, we should hire Marcus.

Answer

Both arguments apply a general criterion for a role, identify a candidate who meets that criterion via a specific behavior, and conclude we should choose that candidate.

Question 3

A philosopher argues: 'Actions are right if and only if they maximize overall happiness. Lying to protect a friend from embarrassment increases overall happiness. Therefore, lying in this case is right.' A critic responds that this conclusion is flawed because the principle, consistently applied, would justify harmful deception. What type of counter-argument is the critic using?

Accepted Answer

Showing that the principle leads to unacceptable conclusions in other cases.

Answer

The critic extends the principle to other cases where it yields clearly wrong results, a reductio ad absurdum strategy that challenges the principle's validity.

Question 4

Principle: 'A contract clause is unenforceable if it was not disclosed to the signing party before the contract was executed.' A court must determine whether a penalty clause is enforceable. Which fact is MOST relevant to applying this principle?

Accepted Answer

The penalty clause appeared in a footnote added to the contract after the party signed.

Answer

If the clause was added after signing, it was not disclosed before execution, directly triggering the unenforceability condition in the stated principle.

Question 5

Which of the following exhibits a reasoning flaw that most closely matches the flaw in this argument: 'The most creative people often work in chaotic environments. Therefore, if you work in a chaotic environment, you will become more creative'?

Accepted Answer

Wealthy people often own art. So buying art will make you wealthy.

Answer

Both arguments infer that adopting a property associated with a group will cause you to acquire the group's defining characteristic — confusing correlation with a reversible causal recipe.

LSAT - Law School Admission Test Practice Test

LSAT - Law School Admission Test Practice Test

LSAT Principle and Parallel Reasoning 3