LSAT Explanation PT 25, S2, Q23: Politician: Nobody can deny that homelessness

LSAT Question Stem

Which one of the following principles, if valid, most supports the politician's argument? 

Logical Reasoning Question Type

This is a Principle question. 

Correct Answer

The correct answer to this question is C. 

LSAT Question Complete Explanation

Let's first analyze the argument in the passage. The politician is discussing the problem of homelessness and the lack of consensus on how to solve it. The argument can be broken down into the following structure:

Premise 1: Ignoring the problem of homelessness will not make it go away.

Premise 2: Providing the homeless with housing (by the government) will make the problem disappear.

Premise 3: Providing housing necessitates increased taxation.

Conclusion: We should raise taxes.

The question type is a Principle question, which asks us to find a principle that most supports the politician's argument. Now, let's evaluate the answer choices.

a) Only if a measure is required to solve a problem should it be adopted.

This answer choice implies that a measure should be adopted if and only if it is required to solve a problem. However, this does not directly support the conclusion that we should raise taxes. It is a mistaken reversal of the correct answer choice.

b) Only if a measure is sufficient to solve a problem should it be adopted.

This answer choice focuses on sufficiency rather than necessity, which is not what the argument is about. The argument claims that increased taxation is necessary, not sufficient, to solve the problem.

c) If a measure is required to solve a problem, then it should be adopted.

This answer choice is correct. It states that if a measure is necessary to solve a problem (in this case, increased taxation to solve homelessness), then it should be adopted. This principle directly supports the conclusion that we should raise taxes.

d) If a measure is sufficient to solve a problem, then it should be adopted.

Similar to answer choice (b), this answer choice focuses on sufficiency, not necessity. The argument is based on the necessity of increased taxation, not its sufficiency to solve the problem.

e) If a measure is sufficient to solve a problem, any steps necessitated by that measure should be adopted.

Again, this answer choice focuses on sufficiency, which is not the core of the argument. The argument is about the necessity of increased taxation, not its sufficiency to solve the problem.

In conclusion, answer choice (c) is the correct answer, as it directly supports the conclusion of the argument by stating that if a measure is required (or necessary) to solve a problem, then it should be adopted.