LSAT Explanation PT 27, S4, Q12: P: Complying with the new safety
LSAT Question Stem
Q responds to P's position by
Logical Reasoning Question Type
This is a Method of Reasoning question.
Correct Answer
The correct answer to this question is A.
LSAT Question Complete Explanation
In this LSAT problem, we have two speakers, P and Q, who are discussing the new safety regulations. Let's break down their arguments before diving into the answer choices.
P's Argument:
- Premise: Complying with the new safety regulations is useless.
- Conclusion: They would not have prevented the fire or the injuries resulting from it because they do not address its underlying causes.
Q's Argument:
- Premise: Any regulations that can potentially prevent money from being wasted are useful.
- Conclusion: 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 Method of Reasoning question, asking us to identify how Q responds to P's position. The correct answer is A.
Now let's analyze each answer choice:
a) Extending the basis for assessing the utility of complying with the new regulations
Q is indeed extending the basis for assessing the utility of the new regulations. P's argument is based on the fact that the regulations wouldn't have prevented the fire, while Q brings up the point that the regulations can still be useful by preventing other accidents and saving money. This answer choice accurately describes Q's response to P's position, making it the correct answer.
b) Citing additional evidence that undermines P's assessment of the extent to which the new regulations would have prevented injuries in last year's laboratory fire
Q does not provide additional evidence that undermines P's assessment. Instead, Q accepts P's premise but argues that the new regulations can still be useful in other ways. This answer choice is incorrect.
c) Giving examples to show that the uselessness of all regulations cannot validly be inferred from the uselessness of one particular set of regulations
Q does not give any examples in their argument. Also, Q doesn't argue about the uselessness of all regulations versus one particular set. Q's focus is on the potential usefulness of the new regulations in preventing other accidents. This answer choice is incorrect.
d) Showing that P's argument depends on the false assumption that compliance with any regulations that would have prevented last year's fire would be useful
Q doesn't address P's assumptions. Q's response is focused on the potential usefulness of the new regulations in preventing other accidents, not on whether or not P's assumption is false. This answer choice is incorrect.
e) Pointing out a crucial distinction, overlooked by P, between potential benefits and actual benefits
Q doesn't point out a distinction between potential benefits and actual benefits. Instead, Q extends the basis for assessing the utility of the new regulations by arguing that they can be useful in preventing other accidents and saving money. This answer choice is incorrect.
In conclusion, the correct answer is A, as Q responds to P's position by extending the basis for assessing the utility of complying with the new regulations.