LSAT Explanation PT 28, S3, Q10: Laura: Harold is obviously lonely. He

LSAT Question Stem

Ralph responds to Laura by pointing out that 

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, Laura and Ralph are discussing Harold's loneliness and possible solutions to it. Laura concludes that Harold should sell his cabin in the woods and move into town, as being near other people all the time will prevent him from being lonely. Ralph disagrees with Laura's logic, pointing out that many lonely people live in towns and that genuine interaction with others, not just proximity, is needed to avoid loneliness.

Let's break down the argument structure:

- Laura's conclusion: Harold should sell his cabin and move to town.

- Laura's evidence: He's lonely and will be near other people in the city, so he wouldn't be lonely anymore.

- Ralph's implied conclusion: I disagree with your logic.

- Ralph's evidence: Lots of people in towns are still very lonely. You need interaction with people, not just proximity, to stave off loneliness.

The question type is Analyze Argument Structure (Describe Response). We are asked to describe how Ralph responds to Laura's argument.

Now let's analyze each answer choice:

a) Something needed for a certain result does not necessarily guarantee that result.

This answer choice is correct. Ralph argues that proximity to other people is needed to avoid loneliness, but it doesn't guarantee it, as genuine interaction is also required.

b) What is appropriate in one case is not necessarily appropriate in all cases.

This answer choice doesn't match Ralph's response. He doesn't discuss whether moving to town would be appropriate or not for Harold, but rather questions the logic of Laura's argument.

c) What is logically certain is not always intuitively obvious.

This answer choice doesn't match Ralph's response either. He doesn't mention anything about logical certainty or intuitive obviousness.

d) Various alternative solutions are possible for a single problem.

Ralph does not propose multiple solutions to Harold's loneliness. He only points out the insufficiency of Laura's proposed solution (proximity to other people).

e) A proposed solution for a problem could actually worsen that problem.

While it's possible to read this into Ralph's statements, there's no direct evidence in his response that suggests moving to town could worsen Harold's loneliness.

In conclusion, the correct answer is choice (a): Ralph responds to Laura by pointing out that something needed for a certain result does not necessarily guarantee that result.