LSAT Explanation PT 19, S4, Q25: Sasha: Handwriting analysis should be banned

LSAT Question Stem

Gregory does which one of the following in responding to Sasha's argument? 

Logical Reasoning Question Type

This is a Method of Reasoning question. 

Correct Answer

The correct answer to this question is B. 

LSAT Question Complete Explanation

In this passage, Sasha argues that handwriting analysis should be banned in court as evidence of a person's character because handwriting analysts often exaggerate the reliability of their analyses. Gregory responds by acknowledging the current problem, but suggests that the issue could be resolved with the establishment of a licensing board to set professional standards and deter irresponsible analysts from making exaggerated claims. Gregory believes that with such a board in place, handwriting analysis by licensed practitioners would become a legitimate courtroom tool for character assessment.

The question type for this problem is Method of Reasoning, and it asks us to identify how Gregory responds to Sasha's argument.

Now let's analyze each answer choice:

a) Gregory does not ignore the evidence introduced by Sasha. In fact, he acknowledges the problem that Sasha presents and proposes a solution to improve the situation. This answer choice is incorrect.

b) This is the correct answer choice. Gregory defends the use of handwriting analysis by restricting its application to licensed professionals who would be regulated by a licensing board. This would ensure the legitimacy of handwriting analysis in the courtroom.

c) Gregory does not abstract a general principle from specific evidence in his response. Instead, he proposes a solution to the problem presented by Sasha. This answer choice is incorrect.

d) Gregory does not identify a self-contradictory statement in Sasha's argument. He acknowledges the issue Sasha presents and suggests a solution to improve the situation. This answer choice is incorrect.

e) Gregory does not show that Sasha's argument manifests the undesirable characteristic that it condemns. He agrees with Sasha's observation of the problem and proposes a different solution to address it. This answer choice is incorrect.

In summary, the correct answer choice is (b) because Gregory responds to Sasha's argument by defending the use of handwriting analysis in court, but only when it is conducted by licensed professionals who are regulated by a licensing board. This would ensure the legitimacy of handwriting analysis as a courtroom tool for character assessment.