LSAT Explanation PT 25, S2, Q5: Advances in photocopying technology allow criminals

LSAT Question Stem

Which one of the following, if true, most seriously undermines the argument? 

Logical Reasoning Question Type

This is a Weaken question. 

Correct Answer

The correct answer to this question is B. 

LSAT Question Complete Explanation

First, let's analyze the argument in the passage. The argument is structured as follows:

Premise: Advances in photocopying technology allow criminals to counterfeit paper currency.

Premise: Microprinting is a standard anticounterfeiting technique that can be detected by experts but often circulates widely before detection.

Premise: A more costly alternative printing technique uses special ink that changes color depending on how ordinary light strikes it, making it easy for anyone to detect photocopied counterfeit currency.

Conclusion: The special ink technique should be adopted instead of microprinting, despite the expense.

To simplify this argument, imagine two different types of locks for a bike: Lock A is a standard lock that can be picked by skilled thieves, but usually takes some time before it's picked. Lock B is a more expensive lock that changes color when someone tries to pick it, making it easy for anyone to notice the theft attempt. The argument concludes that Lock B should be used instead of Lock A, despite the higher cost.

An "Evaluate" question for this argument could be: "Can skilled thieves easily duplicate the color-changing feature of Lock B?"

Now, let's discuss the question type and answer choices. The question is a Weaken type, asking us to find the answer choice that most seriously undermines the argument.

a) This answer choice discusses the difficulty of apprehending counterfeiters based on the time it takes to detect the counterfeit. While it may be true, it doesn't weaken the conclusion that the special ink technique should be adopted. It doesn't address the effectiveness of either technique in preventing counterfeiting.

b) This is the correct answer choice. It states that sophisticated counterfeiters could produce currency with the special ink, but not with microprinting. This weakens the conclusion by suggesting that the special ink technique might not be as effective as microprinting in deterring skilled counterfeiters.

c) This answer choice strengthens the argument by suggesting that photocopying technology will improve, making microprinting even less effective. It doesn't weaken the conclusion that the special ink technique should be adopted.

d) This answer choice tells us about the largest quantities of counterfeit currency being produced by ordinary criminals. However, it doesn't address the effectiveness of either technique in preventing counterfeiting or suggest that one technique is better than the other.

e) This answer choice discusses the difficulty of estimating the costs to society if large amounts of counterfeit currency circulated widely. While it may be true, it doesn't weaken the conclusion that the special ink technique should be adopted. It doesn't address the effectiveness of either technique in preventing counterfeiting.

In summary, answer choice B is the correct answer because it undermines the conclusion by suggesting that the special ink technique might not be as effective as microprinting in deterring skilled counterfeiters.