LSAT Explanation PT 22, S4, Q10: Critic: Some writers have questioned Stalin's

LSAT Question Stem

Which one of the following most accurately expresses a point of disagreement between the critic and the writers? 

Logical Reasoning Question Type

This is a Disagree question. 

Correct Answer

The correct answer to this question is E. 

LSAT Question Complete Explanation

Let's first break down the passage and identify the premises and conclusion. The passage discusses the difference in opinion between the critic and some writers regarding Stalin's behavior during his last years. The writers attribute his actions to "paranoia" and "morbid suspiciousness," while the critic argues that his cruelty and deviousness are consistent throughout his rule and are necessary characteristics of tyrants. The conclusion is that "morbid suspiciousness" has to be a characteristic of tyrants for them to remain in power.

Now, let's briefly discuss the question type and what it's asking us to do. This is a Point at Issue (or Disagree) question, which means we need to find the answer choice that best represents the disagreement between the critic and the writers.

Let's analyze each answer choice:

a) Whether Stalin should be held guilty of the cruel deeds attributed to him: This is not discussed in the passage, so it cannot be the point of disagreement.

b) Whether Stalin's cruel misdeeds provide evidence of morbid suspiciousness: The critic and the writers actually agree on this point, as they both acknowledge Stalin's morbid suspiciousness. The disagreement lies in the reason behind this behavior.

c) Whether it is Stalin's state of paranoia or rather his cruelty that gives the stronger reason for doubting his sanity: The passage does not make a comparison of relative factors, so this is not the point of disagreement.

d) Whether tyranny tends to lead to cruelty: The disagreement is not about whether tyranny leads to cruelty in general, but specifically whether Stalin's cruel nature was due to his psychological state or his political position.

e) Whether it was Stalin's psychological state or rather his political condition that was the primary cause of his cruel misdeeds: This is the correct answer choice. The writers attribute Stalin's cruel nature to his psychological state, while the critic believes it was a necessity of his political position as a tyrant.

So, the correct answer is (E), as it accurately captures the disagreement between the critic and the writers regarding the primary cause of Stalin's cruel misdeeds.