LSAT Explanation PT 26, S2, Q8: Sociologist: The welfare state cannot be

LSAT Question Stem

Which one of the following most accurately expresses the main conclusion of the sociologist's argument? 

Logical Reasoning Question Type

This is a Main Conclusion question. 

Correct Answer

The correct answer to this question is A. 

LSAT Question Complete Explanation

First, let's analyze the argument in the passage. The sociologist argues that the welfare state cannot be successfully implemented because it relies on the assumption that human beings are unselfish. The sociologist states that the welfare state is feasible only if wage earners are willing to have their hard-earned funds used to help others in greater need, which requires an unselfish attitude. However, the sociologist also asserts that people innately seek their own well-being, especially when the interests of others threaten it.

The structure of the argument is as follows:

1. Premise: The welfare state requires wage earners to be unselfish and willing to help others in greater need.

2. Premise: People naturally seek their own well-being, especially when the interests of others threaten it.

3. Conclusion: The welfare state cannot be successfully implemented.

Now, let's discuss the question type and what it's asking us to do. The question type is Main Conclusion, which means we need to identify the main conclusion of the sociologist's argument.

Let's go through each answer choice:

a) The welfare state will not work.

This answer choice accurately expresses the main conclusion of the sociologist's argument. The sociologist argues that the welfare state cannot be successfully implemented due to the false assumption that human beings are unselfish. Therefore, this is the correct answer.

b) The welfare state unfairly asks those who work hard to help those in greater need.

While this statement may be implied in the argument, it is not the main conclusion. The focus of the argument is on the feasibility of the welfare state, not on whether it is fair or not.

c) The assumption that human beings are unselfish is false.

This statement is a premise in the argument, not the main conclusion. It supports the main conclusion that the welfare state cannot be successfully implemented.

d) The interests of the less fortunate impinge on the interests of others.

This statement is related to the argument but does not express the main conclusion. It is a detail mentioned in the passage, but it doesn't capture the main point that the welfare state cannot be successfully implemented.

e) The welfare state relies on the generosity of wage earners.

This statement is true and is a premise in the argument. However, it is not the main conclusion. The main conclusion focuses on the feasibility of the welfare state, not on its reliance on wage earners' generosity.

In conclusion, the correct answer is A, as it most accurately expresses the main conclusion of the sociologist's argument: The welfare state will not work.