LSAT Explanation PT 25, S4, Q14: We have a moral obligation not

LSAT Question Stem

Which one of the following most accurately expresses the principle underlying the argument? 

Logical Reasoning Question Type

This is a Principle question. 

Correct Answer

The correct answer to this question is D. 

LSAT Question Complete Explanation

First, let's analyze the argument in the passage. The passage states that we have a moral obligation not to destroy books, even if they belong to us. The reason provided is that if preserved, books will almost certainly contribute to the intellectual and emotional enrichment of future generations. In this argument, the premise is that preserving books will contribute to the enrichment of future generations, and the conclusion is that we have a moral obligation not to destroy books.

To help illustrate this concept, let's consider a simple example. Imagine a collection of family recipes that have been passed down from generation to generation. The argument in the passage would suggest that we have a moral obligation not to destroy these recipes because they can contribute to the culinary enrichment of future generations in the family.

An "Evaluate" question for this argument could be: "Is the intellectual and emotional enrichment of future generations a valid basis for moral obligations?"

Now, let's discuss the question type and the answer choices. This is a Principle question, which asks us to identify the principle underlying the argument.

a) This answer choice suggests that we are morally obligated to perform actions that have some chance of improving other people's lives. While it may seem related to the argument, it doesn't quite capture the idea of preserving books for future generations' enrichment. Additionally, "not destroying books" isn't necessarily an action we can devote effort to perform.

b) This answer choice implies that we are morally obligated to preserve anything that past generations preserved for our enrichment. However, it is too broad and doesn't focus specifically on books, which is the main subject of the passage.

c) This answer choice states that our moral commitments to future generations supersede our commitments to the present generation. While it may seem relevant, it doesn't directly address the preservation of books for intellectual and emotional enrichment.

d) This answer choice accurately expresses the principle underlying the argument: we are morally obligated not to destroy anything that will most likely enrich, either intellectually or emotionally, our posterity. This choice directly connects the idea of preserving books with the enrichment of future generations, making it the correct answer.

e) This answer choice suggests that being morally obligated not to destroy something requires that we be reasonably assured that it will lead to the betterment of someone we know. However, this doesn't align with the argument, as the passage is focused on future generations, who we may not personally know.

In conclusion, the correct answer is D, as it most accurately expresses the principle underlying the argument in the passage.