LSAT Explanation PT 24, S2, Q6: Several excellent candidates have been proposed

LSAT Question Stem

The argument is vulnerable to criticism on the ground that it 

Logical Reasoning Question Type

This is a Flaw question. 

Correct Answer

The correct answer to this question is C. 

LSAT Question Complete Explanation

First, let's analyze the structure of the argument in the passage. The argument has the following structure:

Premise 1: Several excellent candidates have been proposed for the presidency of United Wire, and each candidate would bring to the job different talents and experience.

Premise 2: Jones has a unique set of qualifications compared to the other candidates.

Conclusion: Jones is the best qualified to be the new president of United Wire.

The question type for this problem is a Flaw question, which asks us to identify the vulnerability or weakness in the argument. Now, let's evaluate the answer choices.

a) uses flattery to win over those who hold an opposing position

This answer choice is incorrect because the argument does not use flattery to persuade others. It simply states that Jones has a unique set of qualifications compared to other candidates.

b) refutes a distorted version of an opposing position

This answer choice is also incorrect because the argument does not refute any opposing position. It just presents a claim that Jones is the best-qualified candidate.

c) seeks to distinguish one member of a group on the basis of something that applies to all

This is the correct answer. The argument states that Jones is the best-qualified candidate because she has a unique set of qualifications. However, the passage also mentions that each candidate has different talents and experience, which means that each candidate is unique in their own way. Therefore, the argument is flawed because it tries to distinguish Jones based on a characteristic that all candidates share.

d) supports a universal claim on the basis of a single example

This answer choice is incorrect because the argument does not make a universal claim. It only claims that Jones is the best-qualified candidate for the presidency of United Wire.

e) describes an individual in terms that appropriately refer only to the group as a whole

This answer choice is incorrect because the argument does not describe Jones in terms that apply only to the group as a whole. It mentions that Jones has a unique set of qualifications, which is a characteristic specific to her and not the entire group.

In conclusion, the correct answer is choice C, as the argument is vulnerable to criticism on the ground that it seeks to distinguish one member of a group on the basis of something that applies to all.