LSAT Explanation PT 28, S3, Q23: Ethicist: It is widely believed that

LSAT Question Stem

Which one of the following most closely conforms to the principle the ethicist endorses? 

Logical Reasoning Question Type

This is a Principle (Misc) question. 

Correct Answer

The correct answer to this question is D. 

LSAT Question Complete Explanation

Let's first analyze the passage. The ethicist states that although lying is generally considered wrong, there are instances where lying is morally appropriate. Specifically, lying is morally correct when telling the truth carries the reasonable expectation of producing considerable physical or psychological harm to others.

Now, let's determine the question type and what it's asking us to do. This is a Principle (Misc) question, and it asks us to identify the answer choice that most closely conforms to the principle endorsed by the ethicist.

Let's go through each answer choice:

a) In this case, Judy lies to Juan about the movie they are going to see. However, the lie is not to prevent considerable physical or psychological harm to Juan but rather to ensure he has an aesthetically pleasing experience. This doesn't match the principle in the passage, so we can eliminate this choice.

b) Here, the father lies to his daughter about his preferred candidate to avoid discussion. There is no indication that telling the truth would cause considerable physical or psychological harm to the daughter. This choice doesn't conform to the principle, so we can eliminate it.

c) The husband lies to his wife about feeling ready for a canoe trip despite having severe chest pains. While the lie is to avoid inconvenience, it doesn't necessarily prevent considerable physical or psychological harm to the wife. In fact, it could potentially cause harm if the husband's health worsens during the trip. This choice doesn't conform to the principle, so we can eliminate it.

d) The mother lies to her young boy about loving him and his sister equally. It is reasonable to expect that if the mother were to tell the truth and admit to loving one child more than the other, it could cause considerable psychological harm to the child who is loved less. This choice conforms to the principle in the passage, making it the correct answer.

e) Jamal lies to his friend about having to work to avoid going to a party where he might see his ex-wife and her new husband. While lying does prevent emotional pain for Jamal, the principle in the passage focuses on preventing harm to others, not oneself. This choice doesn't conform to the principle, so we can eliminate it.

In summary, the correct answer is D, as it most closely conforms to the principle endorsed by the ethicist: lying is morally correct when telling the truth carries the reasonable expectation of producing considerable physical or psychological harm to others.