LSAT Explanation PT 23, S2, Q13: Committee member: We should not vote

LSAT Question Stem

The committee member's argument conforms most closely to which one of the following principles? 

Logical Reasoning Question Type

This is a Principle question. 

Correct Answer

The correct answer to this question is A. 

LSAT Question Complete Explanation

The question type for this problem is Principle, and our task is to find the answer choice that most accurately summarizes the thrust of the committee member's argument.

First, let's break down the argument in the passage. The conclusion is that the committee should not vote for an individual with a history of excessive drinking to be at the top of the military's chain of command. There are two premises supporting this conclusion: 1) a person with a history of excessive drinking would be barred from commanding certain military units, and 2) leadership must be established from the top down.

Now, let's create an "Evaluate" question for this argument: "Does the inability to command certain military units due to excessive drinking disqualify someone from being an effective leader at the top of the military's chain of command?"

With this understanding, let's analyze each answer choice:

a) No one who would be barred from important jobs in an organization should lead that organization.

This is the correct answer choice. It captures the essence of the committee member's argument without being too specific or general. It applies to individuals with a history of excessive drinking as they would be barred from important jobs (like commanding military units), and thus should not lead the organization.

b) Whoever leads an organization must have served at every level in the organization.

This answer choice can be quickly dismissed as the committee member does not discuss whether a job candidate has served in a certain capacity, only whether they COULD do so. It also seems unreasonable to require a leader to serve at every level in a large organization like the military.

c) Whoever leads an organization must be qualified to hold each important job in the organization.

Although this answer choice may seem relevant, it deviates from the committee member's argument. It would require a leader to be qualified for every important job, which is not practical in a large organization like the military.

d) No one who drinks excessively should hold a leadership position anywhere along the military's chain of command.

This answer choice may seem tempting, but it does not capture the entire structure of the committee member's argument. It focuses only on excessive drinking and ignores the premise regarding qualification for subordinate positions of leadership.

e) No one who cannot command a missile wing should be at the top of the military's chain of command.

This answer choice, like answer choice C, focuses too much on the specific details of being qualified for certain jobs within the military. It does not align with the committee member's argument, which emphasizes the importance of not having a history of excessive drinking as a disqualifying factor for leadership.

In conclusion, the correct answer choice is (A), as it most closely conforms to the principle underlying the committee member's argument.