LSAT Explanation PT 20, S1, Q20: Some people have been promoting a

LSAT Question Stem

Each of the following is an assumption required by the skeptical cold sufferer's argument EXCEPT: 

Logical Reasoning Question Type

This is a Necessary Assumption question. 

Correct Answer

The correct answer to this question is C. 

LSAT Question Complete Explanation

First, let's analyze the argument in the passage. The argument structure is as follows:

Premise: Some people have been promoting a new herbal mixture as a remedy for the common cold.

Premise: Most people with colds wish to recover quickly.

Conclusion: The herbal mixture is not an effective cold remedy because almost everybody with a cold would be using it if it were effective, and there are many people who have colds but do not use the mixture.

Now, let's come up with an "Evaluate" question about the argument: "Are there any other factors besides the mixture's effectiveness that could influence whether or not people with colds use it?"

The question type of this problem is Necessary Assumption, and we are asked to identify the answer choice that is NOT an assumption required by the skeptical cold sufferer's argument.

a) This assumption is necessary because if there isn't enough of the mixture produced to provide the required doses to almost everybody with a cold, then the conclusion that the mixture is not effective because not everyone is using it would be weakened. People might not be using it simply because it's not available to them.

b) This assumption is necessary because if the mixture has severe side effects that make many people who have colds avoid using it, then the conclusion that the mixture is not effective because not everyone is using it would be weakened. People might not be using it due to the side effects rather than its ineffectiveness.

c) This is the correct answer because it is NOT an assumption required by the argument. The argument is about the effectiveness of the mixture as a remedy for the common cold, not about its ability to prevent further colds. This is out of scope and not relevant to the argument's conclusion.

d) This assumption is necessary because if the mixture is not widely known, then the conclusion that the mixture is not effective because not everyone is using it would be weakened. People might not be using it simply because they are not aware of it.

e) This assumption is necessary because if there are other effective cold remedies available that many people who have colds prefer to the mixture, then the conclusion that the mixture is not effective because not everyone is using it would be weakened. People might be using other remedies instead of the mixture, even if the mixture is effective.

In summary, the correct answer is C because it is not an assumption required by the argument and is out of scope. The other answer choices are necessary assumptions because they help to support the conclusion that the mixture is not effective based on the fact that not everyone with a cold is using it.