LSAT Explanation PT 24, S3, Q24: Ethicist: A society is just when,

LSAT Question Stem

Which one of the following judgments most closely conforms to the principle described above? 

Logical Reasoning Question Type

This is a Principle (Misc) question. 

Correct Answer

The correct answer to this question is D. 

LSAT Question Complete Explanation

This is a Principle question, but with the trwist of the principle being in the passage instead of the answer chocies. The question asks us to identify which judgment most closely conforms to the principle described in the passage.

Let's briefly break down the principle: A society is just if and only if (1) each person has an equal right to basic liberties, and (2) inequalities in income and wealth distribution are only tolerated if they benefit everyone and are attached to jobs open to everyone.

Now, let's analyze the answer choices:

a) Society S guarantees everyone an equal right to basic liberties and allows inequalities in income and wealth distribution that benefit everyone. However, the jobs to which these inequalities are attached are open to most people, not everyone. This choice doesn't fully satisfy the second condition, so it's not the correct answer.

b) Society S provides everyone an equal right to basic liberties but creates inequalities in income and wealth distribution. This choice doesn't give us enough information about whether these inequalities meet the requirements of the second condition, so we cannot conclude if Society S is just or not.

c) Society S allows inequalities in income and wealth distribution that benefit everyone and are attached to jobs open to everyone. This choice satisfies the second condition, but it doesn't mention if everyone has an equal right to basic liberties (the first condition). Therefore, we cannot determine if Society S is just.

d) Society S distributes income and wealth equally to everyone but creates inequalities in the right to basic liberties. This choice violates the first condition, so Society S is not just according to the principle.

e) Society S provides everyone an equal right to basic liberties, and although there is an inequality in income and wealth distribution, the jobs to which these inequalities are attached are open to all. This choice satisfies both conditions, and thus, Society S is just according to the principle.

Based on our analysis, the correct answer is (e). It fulfills both conditions outlined in the principle, making Society S just.