LSAT Explanation PT 27, S4, Q11: P: Complying with the new safety

LSAT Question Stem

A point at issue between P and Q is whether 

Logical Reasoning Question Type

This is a Disagree question. 

Correct Answer

The correct answer to this question is D. 

LSAT Question Complete Explanation

First, let's analyze the argument in the passage. We have two speakers, P and Q, each presenting a different point of view.

P's argument:

Premise: Complying with the new safety regulations is useless.

Reasoning: Even if the new regulations had been in effect before last year's laboratory fire, they would not have prevented the fire or the injuries resulting from it because they do not address its underlying causes.

Q's argument:

Conclusion: But any regulations that can potentially prevent money from being wasted are useful.

Reasoning: If obeyed, the new safety regulations will prevent some accidents, and whenever there is an accident here at the laboratory, money is wasted even if no one is injured.

The question type is a "Disagree" question, asking us to identify the point at issue between P and Q. Now, let's go through each answer choice and evaluate them in detail:

a) last year's fire resulted in costly damage to the laboratory

- This answer choice is not mentioned by either P or Q, so it can't be the point at issue.

b) accidents at the laboratory inevitably result in personal injuries

- Again, this is not mentioned by either P or Q. While P mentions injuries from last year's fire, they do not claim that accidents always result in injuries.

c) the new safety regulations address the underlying cause of last year's fire

- This is a part of P's argument, but Q doesn't discuss the underlying causes of last year's fire. Q focuses on the potential usefulness of the regulations in preventing accidents and saving money.

d) it is useful to comply with the new safety regulations

- This is the correct answer. P argues that complying with the new safety regulations is useless, while Q argues that they can be useful in preventing accidents and saving money. This is the point at issue between P and Q.

e) the new safety regulations are likely to be obeyed in the laboratory

- Neither P nor Q discuss whether the new safety regulations are likely to be obeyed. Q mentions that "if obeyed" they can be useful, but this doesn't address the likelihood of obedience.

In conclusion, the point at issue between P and Q is whether it is useful to comply with the new safety regulations, making answer choice D the correct answer.