LSAT Explanation PT 22, S4, Q21: Terry: Some actions considered to be

LSAT Question Stem

Which one of the following correctly describes both an error in Terry's reasoning and an error in Pat's reasoning? 

Logical Reasoning Question Type

This is a Flaw question. 

Correct Answer

The correct answer to this question is D. 

LSAT Question Complete Explanation

In this passage, Terry and Pat are discussing actions considered to be good or bad by society. Terry argues that an action is good only if it has favorable consequences, and since some actions considered bad have favorable consequences, they must actually be good. Pat agrees with Terry's conclusion but disagrees with the reasoning. Pat believes that some good actions do not have favorable consequences, and no actions considered bad have favorable consequences. However, Pat still concludes that some actions considered bad are good.

The structure of the argument can be broken down as follows:

Terry:

- Premise: Some actions considered bad have favorable consequences.

- Premise: An action is good only if it has favorable consequences.

- Conclusion: Some actions considered bad are actually good.

Pat:

- Premise: Some good actions do not have favorable consequences.

- Premise: No actions considered bad have favorable consequences.

- Conclusion: Some actions considered bad are actually good.

The question type is a Flaw question, and we are asked to identify an error in both Terry's and Pat's reasoning.

Let's first evaluate the argument. An "Evaluate" question for this argument could be: "Do favorable consequences alone determine whether an action is good or bad?"

Now, let's discuss each answer choice:

a) This answer choice is incorrect because neither Terry nor Pat presupposes that if a certain property distinguishes one type of action from another, then that property is one of many properties distinguishing the two types of action.

b) This answer choice is incorrect because neither Terry nor Pat presupposes that if most actions of a certain type share a certain property, then all actions of that type share that property.

c) This answer choice is incorrect because neither Terry nor Pat presupposes that if a certain property is shared by actions of a certain type in a given society, then that property is shared by actions of that type in every society.

d) This is the correct answer choice. Both Terry and Pat make the error of presupposing that if an action's having a certain property (favorable consequences) is necessary for its being a certain type of action (good), then having that property is sufficient for being that type of action. They both confuse necessary conditions with sufficient conditions.

e) This answer choice is incorrect because neither Terry nor Pat presupposes that if a certain property is shared by two types of action, then that property is the only property distinguishing the two types of action from actions of other types.

In conclusion, the correct answer is D, as both Terry and Pat make the error of confusing necessary conditions with sufficient conditions in their reasoning.