LSAT Explanation PT 25, S2, Q22: It is an absurd idea that

LSAT Question Stem

The pattern of reasoning in which one of the following is most similar to that in the argument above? 

Logical Reasoning Question Type

This is a Parallel question. 

Correct Answer

The correct answer to this question is A. 

LSAT Question Complete Explanation

This problem is a Parallel question, which asks us to find an answer choice that has a similar pattern of reasoning to the argument presented in the passage.

The passage presents an argument that uses the contrapositive reasoning structure. In this case, it takes the form of: If not supported by the government (S), then not allowed to create art (A). The contrapositive would be: If allowed to create art (A), then supported by the government (S).

Now, let's analyze each answer choice in detail to find the one that also uses the contrapositive reasoning structure:

a) This answer choice uses the contrapositive reasoning structure. The original statement is: If not arrested (A), then not breaking the law (B). The contrapositive would be: If breaking the law (B), then arrested (A). This matches the pattern of reasoning in the passage, so this is the correct answer.

b) This answer choice uses the negation reasoning structure. The original statement is: If not arrested (A), then not breaking the law (B). The negation would be: If arrested (A), then breaking the law (B). This does not match the pattern of reasoning in the passage.

c) This answer choice uses the reversal reasoning structure. The original statement is: If supported by a government grant (Sup), then successful (Suc). The reversal would be: If successful (Suc), then supported by a government grant (Sup). This does not match the pattern of reasoning in the passage.

d) This answer choice uses the negation reasoning structure. The original statement is: If supported by a government grant (Sup), then successful (Suc). The negation would be: If not supported by a government grant (~Sup), then not successful (~Suc). This does not match the pattern of reasoning in the passage.

e) This answer choice relates different terms and does not follow the contrapositive reasoning structure. The original statement is: If supported by a government grant (Sup), then successful (Suc). The reworded statement is: If allowed to do research (Allowed), then supported by a government grant (Sup). The support is implied, but the pattern of reasoning does not match the passage.

In conclusion, answer choice (a) is the correct answer, as it follows the same contrapositive reasoning structure as the argument in the passage.