LSAT Explanation PT 29, S1, Q19: Arbitrator: The shipping manager admits that

LSAT Question Stem

Which one of the following principles underlies the arbitrator's argument? 

Logical Reasoning Question Type

This is a Principle question. 

Correct Answer

The correct answer to this question is A. 

LSAT Question Complete Explanation

Let's first analyze the argument in the passage. The arbitrator claims that the shipping manager is also to blame for the business loss due to the new facility's failure to open as scheduled. The shipping manager blames the contractor for not finishing on time, but the arbitrator argues that the shipping manager should have planned for the contractor's typical delays since he was aware of them. Here, the premise is that the shipping manager was aware of the contractor's typical delays, and the conclusion is that the shipping manager is also to blame for the business loss.

An "Evaluate" question for this argument could be: "Were there any other factors that could have contributed to the business loss, which the shipping manager could not have foreseen or planned for?"

Now, let's discuss the answer choices for this Principle question, which asks us to identify the principle that underlies the arbitrator's argument.

a) A manager should take foreseeable problems into account when making decisions.

This answer choice aligns well with the argument. The arbitrator believes that the shipping manager should have planned for the contractor's typical delays since he was aware of them. This principle supports the conclusion that the shipping manager is also to blame for the business loss. Correct answer.

b) A manager should be able to depend on contractors to do their jobs promptly.

This answer choice contradicts the arbitrator's argument, which states that the shipping manager should have planned for the contractor's typical delays. Incorrect.

c) A manager should see to it that contractors do their jobs promptly.

This answer choice doesn't directly address the issue of planning for foreseeable problems, which is the core of the arbitrator's argument. Instead, it focuses on the manager's responsibility to ensure contractors work promptly. Incorrect.

d) A manager should be held responsible for mistakes made by those whom the manager directly supervises.

This answer choice is too narrow and doesn't apply to the situation at hand because it's not clear whether the shipping manager directly supervises the contractor. The passage focuses on the shipping manager's responsibility to plan for foreseeable problems, not their responsibility for mistakes made by direct subordinates. Incorrect.

e) A manager, and only a manager, should be held responsible for a project's failure.

This answer choice contradicts the arbitrator's argument, which states that the shipping manager is also to blame, implying that there are others (such as the contractor) who share responsibility for the project's failure. Incorrect.

Thus, the correct answer is A: A manager should take foreseeable problems into account when making decisions.