LSAT Explanation PT 25, S4, Q18: Obviously, we cannot in any real

LSAT Question Stem

The conclusion above follows logically if which one of the following is assumed? 

Logical Reasoning Question Type

This is a Sufficient Assumption 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 cannot mistreat plants because they do not have nervous systems, and having a nervous system is necessary to experience pain. The structure of the argument is as follows:

Premise: Plants do not have nervous systems.

Premise: Having a nervous system is necessary to experience pain.

Conclusion: We cannot mistreat plants.

Now, let's come up with an "Evaluate" question about the argument. A good question would be, "Is experiencing pain necessary for mistreatment?"

The question type of this problem is Sufficient Assumption, which means we need to find an answer choice that, when assumed, guarantees the conclusion of the argument.

Let's go through each answer choice:

a) Any organism that can experience pain can be mistreated.

This answer choice does not help us conclude that we cannot mistreat plants. It only tells us that organisms that experience pain can be mistreated. It does not address organisms that cannot experience pain, like plants.

b) Only organisms that have nervous systems can experience pain.

This answer choice restates a premise already given in the passage, so it does not provide any new information to help us reach the conclusion.

c) Any organism that has a nervous system can experience pain.

This answer choice tells us that having a nervous system is sufficient for experiencing pain. However, it does not address whether experiencing pain is necessary for mistreatment.

d) Only organisms that can experience pain can be mistreated.

This answer choice is correct. It provides the missing link between experiencing pain and mistreatment. If only organisms that can experience pain can be mistreated, and plants cannot experience pain, then we can conclude that plants cannot be mistreated.

e) Any organism that has a nervous system can be mistreated.

This answer choice tells us that having a nervous system is sufficient for mistreatment. However, it does not address the necessity of experiencing pain for mistreatment.

To sum up, the correct answer is D, as it provides the necessary assumption to guarantee the conclusion of the argument.