LSAT Explanation PT 27, S1, Q17: The stable functioning of a society

LSAT Question Stem

The claim that a society is stable only if its laws tend to increase the happiness of its citizens plays which one of the following roles in the argument? 

Logical Reasoning Question Type

This is an Argument Part question. 

Correct Answer

The correct answer to this question is B. 

LSAT Question Complete Explanation

Let's first analyze the argument in the passage. The argument can be broken down into the following statements:

1. The stable functioning of a society depends upon the relatively long-term stability of the goals of its citizens. (Conclusion)

2. Unless the majority of individuals have a predictable and enduring set of aspirations, it will be impossible for a legislature to craft laws that will augment the satisfaction of the citizenry. (Premise)

3. A society is stable only if its laws tend to increase the happiness of its citizens. (Premise)

The conclusion of the argument is that the stable functioning of a society depends upon the relatively long-term stability of the goals of its citizens. This conclusion is supported by the two premises mentioned above.

The question type is Argument Part, which asks us to identify the role played by a specific statement in the argument. In this case, we need to determine the role of the claim that a society is stable only if its laws tend to increase the happiness of its citizens.

Now, let's discuss each answer choice:

a) It is the conclusion of the argument.

This answer choice is incorrect because the statement is not the conclusion of the argument. As mentioned earlier, the conclusion is that the stable functioning of a society depends upon the relatively long-term stability of the goals of its citizens.

b) It helps to support the conclusion of the argument.

This answer choice is correct. The statement serves as a premise that supports the conclusion. It establishes a necessary condition for a society to be stable, which in turn supports the idea that long-term stability of goals is essential for a stable society.

c) It is a claim that must be refuted if the conclusion is to be established.

This answer choice is incorrect because the statement does not need to be refuted for the conclusion to be established. Instead, it supports the conclusion.

d) It is a consequence of the argument.

This answer choice is incorrect because the statement is not a consequence of the argument. It is a premise that supports the conclusion, rather than a result that follows from the conclusion.

e) It is used to illustrate the general principle that the argument presupposes.

This answer choice is incorrect because the statement is not an illustration of a general principle. It is a general principle itself, serving as a premise that supports the conclusion. The argument does not presuppose any general principle; it presents a valid logical structure with this statement as one of its premises.

In summary, the correct answer is B, as the statement helps to support the conclusion of the argument.