LSAT Explanation PT 22, S4, Q19: Speaker: Contemporary business firms need to

LSAT Question Stem

Which one of the following statements, if true, most weakens the speaker's argument? 

Logical Reasoning Question Type

This is a Weaken question. 

Correct Answer

The correct answer to this question is B. 

LSAT Question Complete Explanation

The question type for this problem is Weaken, and our task is to find the statement that, if true, would most weaken the speaker's argument.

First, let's analyze the argument in the passage. The speaker presents the Iron Law of Responsibility, which states that those who do not use power responsibly will eventually lose it. This law is supported by historical evidence and applies to human institutions. The conclusion of the argument is that a business that wishes to retain its power as long as it can must act responsibly.

Let's consider an "Evaluate" question for this argument: "Can a business appear to be socially responsible without actually being responsible?" The answer to this question would help us determine if the argument is valid or not.

Now, let's discuss each answer choice:

a) Government institutions are as subject to the Iron Law of Responsibility as business institutions.

This answer choice doesn't weaken the argument, as it simply adds another type of institution to the list of those affected by the Iron Law of Responsibility. If anything, it might slightly support the argument.

b) Public relations programs can cause society to consider an institution socially responsible even when it is not.

This is the correct answer. If a public relations program can make society believe that an institution is socially responsible even when it isn't, then a business could potentially retain power without being responsible. This weakens the argument because it shows that a business can wish to retain power without necessarily acting responsibly.

c) The power of some institutions erodes more slowly than the power of others, whether they are socially responsible or not.

This answer choice doesn't weaken the argument because the passage already acknowledges that the "long run" may vary in duration. The argument doesn't claim that socially responsible institutions never lose power; it simply states that acting responsibly is necessary for a business to retain power as long as it can.

d) Since no institution is eternal, every business will eventually fail.

This answer choice doesn't weaken the argument because the conclusion already allows for the idea that businesses will eventually lose power. The focus is on retaining power as long as possible, not indefinitely.

e) Some businesses that have used power in socially responsible ways have lost it.

This answer choice may seem attractive, but it doesn't weaken the actual conclusion. The conclusion is about businesses wishing to retain power, not just retaining power. This answer choice attacks a Mistaken Reversal of the conclusion, which doesn't hurt the actual conclusion.

In conclusion, answer choice (b) is the correct answer because it shows that a business can potentially wish to retain power without necessarily acting responsibly, thus weakening the speaker's argument.