LSAT Explanation PT 24, S2, Q14: Steven: The allowable blood alcohol level

LSAT Question Stem

Steven and Miguel's statements provide the most support for holding that they would disagree about the truth of which one of the following statements? 

Logical Reasoning Question Type

This is a Disagree question. 

Correct Answer

The correct answer to this question is A. 

LSAT Question Complete Explanation

Let's first analyze the argument in the passage. Steven and Miguel are discussing the allowable blood alcohol level for drivers and its impact on highway safety.

Steven's argument (premise): The allowable blood alcohol level should be cut in half.

Steven's argument (conclusion): This will deter social drinkers from drinking and driving, resulting in significantly increased highway safety.

Miguel's argument (premise): Lowering the current allowable blood alcohol level would have little effect on highway safety.

Miguel's argument (conclusion): This is because it would not address the danger posed by heavy drinkers, who often drive with a blood alcohol level of twice the current legal limit.

Now, let's identify the question type and what it's asking us to do. The question type is a "Disagree" question. We need to find the statement that Steven and Miguel would most likely disagree about based on their arguments.

Let's examine each answer choice:

a) Social drinkers who drink and drive pose a substantial threat to the public.

Steven would agree with this statement since he believes that deterring social drinkers from drinking and driving would significantly increase highway safety. Miguel, on the other hand, would disagree because he thinks that the real problem is heavy drinkers, not social drinkers. This is the correct answer.

b) There is a direct correlation between a driver's blood alcohol level and the driver's ability to drive safely.

We cannot determine whether Steven and Miguel would agree or disagree on this statement based on their arguments. Therefore, this answer choice is incorrect.

c) A driver with a blood alcohol level above the current legal limit poses a substantial danger to the public.

Steven might agree with this statement, but we cannot be sure about Miguel's stance on this. Thus, this answer choice is incorrect.

d) Some drivers whose blood alcohol level is lower than the current legal limit pose a danger to the public.

Steven would agree with this statement, but we cannot be sure that Miguel would disagree. Therefore, this answer choice is incorrect.

e) A driver with a blood alcohol level slightly greater than half the current legal limit poses no danger to the public.

We do not have enough evidence from the arguments to determine what Steven and Miguel would think about this statement. Thus, this answer choice is incorrect.

In conclusion, the correct answer is A, as Steven and Miguel would most likely disagree about whether social drinkers who drink and drive pose a substantial threat to the public.