LSAT Explanation PT 19, S4, Q2: Lambert: The proposal to raise gasoline

LSAT Question Stem

Keziah uses which one of the following argumentative strategies in replying to Lambert? 

Logical Reasoning Question Type

This is a Method of Reasoning question. 

Correct Answer

The correct answer to this question is A. 

LSAT Question Complete Explanation

In this passage, Lambert argues that raising gasoline taxes to support mass transit networks is unfair because drivers who will never use these networks should not be forced to pay for them. Keziah responds by stating that Lambert misunderstands the situation, as the government has always spent more per user on highway transit than on mass transit, and the new proposal will simply make the distribution of transportation funds more equitable.

The argument's structure can be broken down as follows:

- Lambert's premise: Raising gasoline taxes to support mass transit is unfair because drivers who don't use the networks are forced to pay for them.

- Keziah's premise: The government has always spent more per user on highway transit than on mass transit.

- Keziah's conclusion: The additional revenue from the gasoline tax will make the distribution of transportation funds more equitable.

The question asks us to identify the argumentative strategy used by Keziah in replying to Lambert. Let's analyze each answer choice:

a) Elaborating the context of the issue in order to place the proposal in a more favorable light.

This answer choice is correct. Keziah expands the context by pointing out that the government currently spends more per user on highway transit, which implies that mass-transit users might be unfairly paying for highway transit they don't use. By doing so, Keziah makes the proposal more acceptable under the principle that people should not have to pay for what they do not use.

b) Appealing to the principle that what benefits society as a whole benefits all individuals within that society.

This answer choice is incorrect. Keziah's argument focuses on making the situation more equitable, not on benefiting society as a whole. Moreover, Keziah implies that highway users are unfairly profiting from mass-transit users, which does not align with the principle mentioned in this answer choice.

c) Challenging the presupposition that fairness is an appropriate criterion on which to judge the matter.

This answer choice is incorrect. Keziah's argument is based on equity, so it does not make sense to say that they challenge fairness as an appropriate consideration.

d) Demonstrating that the proposed tax increase will not result in increased expenses for drivers.

This answer choice is incorrect. Keziah does not assert that the tax will not increase costs to drivers. In fact, they imply that the tax will require drivers to pay more of their fair share of the cost of maintaining highways.

e) Declining to argue a point with someone who is poorly informed on the matter under discussion.

This answer choice is incorrect. Keziah clearly argues the point and does not evade the issue. They seek to inform Lambert, not to ignore him.

In conclusion, the correct answer choice is (a), as Keziah elaborates the context of the issue in order to place the proposal in a more favorable light.