LSAT Explanation PT 24, S2, Q9: Historian: Anyone who thinks that the

LSAT Question Stem

Which one of the following principles, if valid, provides the most support for the historian's argumentation? 

Logical Reasoning Question Type

This is a Principle question. 

Correct Answer

The correct answer to this question is C. 

LSAT Question Complete Explanation

First, let's analyze the argument in the passage. The historian is arguing that at least some of the ordinary people of Q were murderers, despite their pursuit of paradise. The argument can be broken down into the following structure:

1. Premise: The regime of Q was made up primarily of ordinary people seeking paradise.

2. Premise: The regime executed many people in pursuit of its goal.

3. Premise: Paradise, as defined by the regime, is unrealizable.

4. Conclusion: At least some of the ordinary people of Q were in fact murderers.

An "Evaluate" question for this argument could be: "Does executing people in pursuit of an unattainable goal constitute murder?"

Now, let's discuss the question type and the answer choices. This is a Principle question, which asks us to identify the principle that provides the most support for the historian's argument.

a) The pursuit of paradise does not justify murder.

While this choice addresses the pursuit of paradise and murder, it doesn't directly link the actions of the ordinary people of Q to being murderers. It only states that their pursuit doesn't justify murder but doesn't confirm if they were murderers or not. Therefore, this choice doesn't provide strong support for the historian's argument.

b) The pursuit of paradise justifies fanaticism.

This choice doesn't address the issue of murder at all and is irrelevant to the historian's argument. It only talks about justifying fanaticism, which is not the conclusion we are trying to support.

c) Execution in pursuit of what is later found to be unattainable constitutes murder.

This choice directly links the actions of the ordinary people of Q (executing people in pursuit of an unattainable goal) to being murderers. This principle, if valid, would provide strong support for the historian's argument, making it the correct answer.

d) Fanaticism in pursuit of paradise constitutes inhumanity.

This choice talks about fanaticism and inhumanity, but it doesn't address the issue of murder, which is the main point of the historian's argument. Therefore, this choice doesn't provide strong support for the argument.

e) Enthusiasm in pursuit of what is eventually found to be unattainable constitutes fanaticism.

Similar to choice (d), this choice only addresses fanaticism and doesn't directly link the actions of the ordinary people of Q to being murderers. It doesn't provide strong support for the historian's argument.

In conclusion, the correct answer is choice (c), as it provides the most support for the historian's argument by directly linking the actions of the ordinary people of Q (executing people in pursuit of an unattainable goal) to being murderers.